Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 133878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Had she been thinking about it from the moment she’d seen those brothers standing there like two man cupcakes she wanted to swallow whole?
It wouldn’t be the Kent brothers. It probably wouldn’t be anyone at all, and she definitely wouldn’t be taking him home with her since she currently resided in a 300-square-foot tiny home not far from the big house where her family was likely getting ready for bed.
“Let’s just say I wanted some privacy. Not that I’m planning anything,” she replied. “I want to keep my options open, and if my brothers know I’m out, they’ll wait up. By the way, can I schedule a ride back?”
“Uh, I have a curfew.”
She snorted. Definitely not in New York anymore. “I’m meeting some friends. I’m sure they can take me back. So everything is the same here?”
“Besides all the babies and the school and the new store and the new deputies? One of them is Ms. Leal’s sister and she’s living with the new guys.” He huffed. “There’s actually a lot of new stuff when you think about it.”
“Anything to worry about?” She’d discovered the Farley brothers knew more than a lot of the adults around town imagined, and they were willing to talk. Those boys loved to gossip, and they had ears everywhere. Literally. They’d created a device that amplified sound and had gotten caught eavesdropping from afar many times.
Just last Christmas she’d found out Rachel was pissed off at her brothers for forgetting her birthday. Luckily in advance. Rachel had complained to Callie and Nell that her husbands hadn’t planned anything for her birthday, and Bobby had gone into detail about how Rachel’s pregnancy hormones were making her a little on the murdery side. Brooke had thought maybe her brothers were just planning a surprise.
And then she remembered they ran a business and had three kids under seven, with one on the way.
Yeah, she’d saved the day that time. Max and Rye had time to put together a surprise party and give their wife a signed set of her favorite romance novels.
So she checked in.
The idea of that family breaking down wrecked her. She counted on coming home to happy families so she could at least believe happily ever after could happen.
“So Jen wants another baby, but Stef isn’t sure he can handle her being pregnant again. He had this whole like heartfelt conversation with your brother about it. Rye. Not Max.”
This was what she was here for. What no one understood was that she often played fairy godmother. Quietly. From behind the scenes. “What did Rye say?”
“That Jen was strong, and he needed to man up. It was one thing to not want another kid, but he shouldn’t hold Jen back if it was about his own fear.” Bobby nodded as though he agreed. “It was a real nice conversation. Nell is worried that she’s added to the world’s overpopulation, but Henry tells her this baby is going to be the sweetest, kindest girl in the whole world, and that she’s a gift.”
“Oh, that’s sweet.” She was happy little Poppy was getting a sister. Though she supposed Poppy wasn’t so little anymore. Nell still hauled her around, but the kid was definitely a full-sized toddler.
“Also, Max is real upset about his bloodwork, but Rye’s cholesterol was actually worse than his, so they are both on diets and they both sneak in wings at Trio. If you need pocket change, they can be blackmailed.”
“Good to know.” She sighed and asked the question she truly wanted the answer to. The question that had been running through her brain since the minute she’d seen them in the diner. Probably before, if she was honest with herself. “What have you heard about the Kent brothers?”
“Bay and Shane? They’re real quiet. They keep to themselves a lot, but they seem nice. When Will and I first started the business, we got a flat.” Bobby frowned. “We’re better with engines. Anyway, they were on their way into town and stopped and taught us how to change the tire. Bay said the inside could use some work. He’s the one who told us rich people who need drivers like amenities. He suggested the snacks and that the LED lights would make it feel like a club.”
That was kind of them. It didn’t answer her question. “My brothers told me they’ve been friendly.”
“I wouldn’t call them unfriendly. They’re like most cowboys,” Bobby explained in a cheerful tone. “They come out to the town parties, though. Usually with the group of hands from the G. They always offer to help out. I like them. Especially how they whip Max up in a frenzy.” He sobered. “Sorry. I bet you don’t like that part.”
Her brother could handle himself and usually deserved it. But he wasn’t answering her question, and she should probably know that a seventeen-year-old boy who’d spent his whole life with his nose in a book wouldn’t get the subtleties. “Bobby, are they dating anyone? According to my brothers they’ve been active, if you know what I mean.”