Page 24 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
She had the same reaction, but she stuffed it. Not much she could do about her son, though.
He gazed at Monty, hero worship shining in his eyes. “Do ya want a brownie, now?”
“I’d love one. But first I’d better check on Speckles. Be right back.” Walking over to the closed stall door, he shoved his hands in his pockets and focused on the mare’s steady progress around the stall.
“I’ll take one, please.” Zinnia got a napkin from Mari and held out her hand, the napkin laid across her palm. They’d practiced this routine many times. He loved passing out baked goods.
He shook his head and dropped his voice to a reverent whisper. “We should wait.”
She chuckled. “Okay.”
“Have a napkin, Uncle Graham, so you’re ready.” Mari handed one over. He’d taken a seat on the hay bale next to her. “If we don’t start eating them soon I’ll have to skip it.”
“Hey, I’m sorry.” Monty turned and came toward them. “I thought you’d all just go ahead.”
“It seems you’re the man of the hour.” Mari held out a napkin. “You’re supposed to go first.”
“Ah.” He took the napkin. “May I please have a brownie, Tex?”
“You gots to put the napkin on your hand and hold it out.”
“Like this?”
“Perfect.” The tip of his tongue poked out as he manipulated the tongs with the concentration of a brain surgeon. The brownie ended up in the exact center of the napkin.
“Nicely done.”
A proud grin lit up his face. “Thanks.”
Zinnia’s insides turned to mush. But she dared not get used to this kind of interaction. It wasn’t like Monty would be hanging around after this episode with Speckles ended.
While Tex passed out the brownies, Monty gave his report between bites. “I still think it’ll be tonight. Wish I could be more specific, but I can’t.” He polished off his brownie. “Delicious.”
“Auntie Mari and me, we maded them.” Tex gazed at the ones left in the pan, his lips moving. “Five!” His focus shifted to the people. “One, two, three, four. We gots an extra, Mommy.”
“I think that’s for you, sweetie.”
“Oh.” He giggled. “I’m five.” Holding up his hand, he stretched out his fingers and thumb toward Monty. “Guess how old I am.”
“Five?”
“Rrright!”
“Hey there, Tex.” Mari held out her napkin. “Can I please have my second one? My time’s running short.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He carefully transferred the brownie before turning back to Monty. “Auntie Mari can’t come to your party. Maybe we can save her some cake.”
“Absolutely. I’ll make sure you get a slice to take home.” He glanced at Mari. “Sorry you can’t make it.”
“So am I.” She smiled. “Uncle Graham thinks a lot of your family. So does my boss Clem. I’m eager to meet them all.”
“We’ll make that happen real soon.”
“Excellent.”
“Want your other brownie, Mister Monty?”
“I do. Thanks.”
