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“Just ask him,” Baker snapped. Her mouth rolled from one side of the other, her cheeks now a deep red from frustration instead of embarrassment.
“Okay,” Vivian agreed readily, her grin infectious. Daniel growled something in her ear, but she ignored him. “Call your brother back.”
I glanced to Trish to make sure she was okay with that. She winked at me. Heaven help me, it was all I could do not to drag her out of there.
“Are you using my material?” I teased.
“Technically, it’s your dad’s.”
“Technically.”
I called him back, and although he sounded understandably reluctant to meet the household of strangers I’d only just met, and hadn’t understood my urging to come, he’d agreed. I’d assured him that as soon as dinner was over, we’d talk. He could stay at my place if needed.Not quite what I wanted with Trish in my arms again, but I couldn’t deny Holt.
Holt showedup less than an hour later. “Hope you didn’t wait for me,” he said as he breezed in behind Vivian.
“Of course, we did,” she said as if he were silly.
“I appreciate you having me.” Dad would have been proud of those manners. Holt’s gaze zeroed in on Baker. “I didn’t think I’d know anyone here.”
She met him head on. “You don’t.”
At Dino’s the two of them seemed to be getting on well. Not so much now.
“Everyone to the table,” Muriella said in a tone not to be argued with.
Sonya and Vivian went to the refrigerator, pulling out pitchers of water and tea. Daniel, Stone, and Drew moved to the double ovens, Stone doling out oven mitts to them. Baker set Ella in her carrier next to the table. Holt and I got in line with the other men to help out.
Muriella smiled brightly at me as she passed me a large bowl of salad. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
There seemed to be some unspoken seating arrangement. The guys were on one side of the round table, the ladies on the other. I ended up a few places away from Trish, and Holt was forced to take the chair beside Baker.
Stone said a quick grace, though most everyone kept their eyes open. My father had stopped saying a prayer before the meal shortly after my mother left. I’d never picked it back up, but I realized I kind of missed it. Or maybe it was just family dinners. Sure, we still had them, though it often ended up being only Dad and me since my brother and sister lived farther away.
Holt had an odd look on his face, and I wondered if his thoughts were on the same path as mine. He gave me an awkward smile before taking the platter of vegetables Drew handed him.
As the food was passed around and small conversations began, I tried to comprehend how all these people were connected. Something told me that if I asked, it would be Daniel who’d determine if I was worthy of such knowledge.
I wasn’t prepared to ask . . . yet. It was a family, a bond stronger than one that was biological, if that were possible. There was good-natured teasing, completely inappropriate banter, incredible food, and contentment. I was waiting for the inquisition, but it wasn’t a pressing topic apparently.
I saw Trish in a new light too. She was confident and just as fun-loving as I’d known her to be, but she had her moments.
I didn’t know what took place between her and Baker looking untrusting and . . . fearful about Trish chasing after me outside, but the relief I’d felt was palpable. Having her in my arms had felt so right. Her forgiveness had brought a sense of triumph, as if she’d finally felt free to find me. Among these people, she was completely relaxed, and I only hoped we would get that comfort back into our own interactions.After we spoke.
“So, how long are you in the city, Holt? While we were waiting for you to arrive, Andrew told us you’re a park ranger in Wyoming,” Muriella said.
Holt shifted in his seat. I’d yet to get a straight answer from him to this very question. “Not sure. Just missed my family.” He looked at me, and all I saw was the uncertain little boy he’d been.
“We hope you stay,” I said quietly.
“A park ranger? Very cool,” Stone said.
At the mention of his job, Holt looked uncomfortable. “Yellowstone is a dream place to work.” His tone didn’t match his words. He had loved his job at one point, but I wasn’t so sure he did now.
I should have made more of an effort to see him since he’d been back. I had no idea how long he’d be around, and he wasn’t the only one who needed his family. I did too.
“Oh, you could give us a tour.” Vivian clapped her hands together.
