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Chapter Five
“Sorry I’m late,” Reedsaid, coming in as they were just sitting down to dinner. “John had another meltdown.”
Brett heard the disgust in Reed’s voice even though his face gave nothing away. Going the extra mile for those in need was something he and Reed had in common, neither of them able to say no when someone asked for help. Slade went an extra mile out of his way not to involve himself with anyone’s troubles, likely due to carrying enough of his own baggage from his military days as a sniper.
“The poor guy.” Andrea handed Reed the bowl of mashed potatoes. “Splitting up is hard.” She reached over and squeezed Brett’s hand without looking at him, the simple gesture of support and understanding appreciated but not necessary. He wasn’t still in love with his ex the way Reed’s partner was with Lily.
“Save your sympathy for Lily,” Reed retorted. “He’s put her through hell, first with his constant cheating, and now by refusing to end the marriage without all this drama he brought on himself.”
At least he didn’t have the stigma of infidelity to contend with, Brett thought, comparing his ongoing battle with Gina to the other couple. As far as he knew, Gina had stayed as faithful to him as he had to her. It was her constant conniving to squeeze money out of him for an extravagant lifestyle he wanted no part of, her complaints about the physical work he put in around the ranch now, and his refusal to continue bankrolling her self-serving pet projects that finally pushed him to file for divorce.
Even though he didn’t mourn the end of his marriage and was more than ready to move on from the mistake he made in marrying Gina, Brett was grateful for his family’s understanding. These Sunday dinners were reminders of the good that had come from his parents’ marriage despite their split. The five of them had been gathering around Andrea’s table every week since Brett, Reed, and Slade had moved back to Wyoming for good. Nobody could cook as well as their mother, except maybe Ina, Andrea’s best friend. The three of them often got into heated discussions over various topics but argued with respect for their mother and stepfather.
“I’m telling you, staying single is the only way to avoid that crap,” Slade put in, reaching for another roll.
William usually remained quiet, so they were surprised when he said, “Maybe, but without taking a risk on someone, you miss the chance at family – kids. I wouldn’t have made it through my wife’s death at such a young age if I didn’t have my daughters, and now my grandchildren.”
William’s first wife died from breast cancer when their girls were teenagers, but, now, Brett couldn’t think of anyone more suited for their mother to grow old with.
Slade’s look turned smug. “I plan on being the favorite uncle.”
Reed pointed his fork at Slade. “I already claimed that role. Pick another.”
“It won’t matter if one of you doesn’t get on the ball and give me a grandchild.” Andrea smiled at them. “Now, tell me about your week.”
Reed grinned, nodding at Brett. “Big brother met someone at Casey’s. Cute girl.”
Brett couldn’t deny that but glared at him anyway for bringing up Allie. “Emphasis on girl.” He turned to his mother, cutting her off before she could say anything. “She’s a harmless flirt, not even thirty yet, and I have no plans to pursue anything with her. I am still married.”
“A technicality is all. And that hasn’t kept you from looking up your former girlfriend.” Andrea’s green eyes sparkled with mirth.
They kept few things from their mother, and she was well aware of what went on in the upper floor of Casey’s, and that neither Brett nor his brothers got into serious relationships with those “friends.”
“I may not consider myself still married, but I’m not about to put out one fire and jump into another. I’ll clear.”
He stood to pick up his and his mother’s empty plates, but he paused when she said, “Hold on, I want to run something by you three. What do you think about opening up our annual Fourth of July picnic to the community? You have the space for a big crowd, and I think it would be fun.”
“It’s always good for business to do community events.” Brett looked at his brothers. “What do you think?”
