Page 70 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
To be hurt because he wasn’t Tex’s main man anymore was jacked up and he knew it. If the family in general took an interest in that little boy it would gradually loosen the bonds between them.
He should want that since he’d been as worried about Tex getting overly attached as Zinnia was. She was probably thrilled with the turn of events. He would be, too, once he got his head on straight.
When it was time for dinner, everybody wanted to sit with Tex. As Monty was filling his plate, Zinnia walked over, a bemused smile on her face. “He really doesn’t need me. Want to sit together?”
“Sure. He doesn’t need me, either.”
“A steady diet of this wouldn’t be good, but I guess one afternoon and evening won’t ruin him for life.”
“Hey, birthday boy, over here.” Luis beckoned to him from the table he and Jordan shared with Mila and Cole. “We saved a spot for you and Zinnia.”
“Appreciate it.” He glanced at Zinnia.
“Sounds great.”
The women occupied one side and the men the other. He slid in next to Luis and Zinnia sat next to Jordan.
Luis motioned to the table where Tex was holding court with their mom, Graham and the Damsels. “Looks like you’ve been upstaged, little brother.”
“No worries. He’s having a ball.”
“I’m getting a preview of what it’ll be like when Liberty’s born next month.” Jordan laid her hand on her large belly. “I hope somebody else gets preggers soon or Liberty’s gonna be spoiled rotten.”
* * *
“I hear you,” Zinnia said. “Tex will be bored out of his gourd tomorrow with a measly audience of me, my sister and my uncle.”
“I’m sorry she couldn’t make it.” Mila leaned around Jordan. “Mom said she’s working at the Raccoon tonight.”
“She is or she would have loved to come. It was kind of your mom to invite all of us.”
Monty’s breath caught. She’d just shifted the blame — or credit? — for the invitation to his mother. Nicely done.
“I’m glad she did,” Cole said. “Having a kid in the audience was fun. We need more kids around here.”
“Hey, big brother. Does that mean I can count on you and Mila to provide the next addition to the Bridger Bunch?”
He smiled. “Maybe, Jordie. Maybe.”
Jordan’s attention snapped to Mila. “Are you?—”
“Maybe.” Mila’s dark eyes sparkled. “But it’s too soon to?—”
“Ohmigosh!” She gave Mila a sideways hug. “I won’t say a word, I promise. But that would be so cool.”
“Hang on.” Zinnia looked at Jordan. “Cole is your brother?”
“Yep. Without me, Mila and Cole never would have met. When I showed up here last July I had no idea I was about to change both my life and his.”
“That sounds like a good story.”
“Two good stories.” Luis took a sip of his beer. “Monty was part of the drama. Jordie needed a vet on short notice for Fudge, who had an abscess. I coaxed her to trailer him down from Missoula so Monty could take care of him.”
“Monty to the rescue.” Zinnia gave him a wink.
“He became sort of an unintentional cupid,” Luis said. “Fudge had to stay so Monty could treat him, so naturally she had to stay at the ranch, too.”
“I’ll admit sometimes I was an intentional cupid. I could see you two belong together.”
