Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“They do,” Gatlin agreed. “The kids talk about it all week. It’s a lot of work, but worth it.”
Caden put in, “I’ll admit, it’s worth it to hear how much the kids love the chuckwagon cookout.”
“The only thing you need is an actual chuckwagon.”
Both brothers laughed.
Gatlin lifted his drink toward his sister. “Emeline tried to talk my parents into getting one, but the trail’s too small to get it up here. If she’d been able to find a way, I think she would have talked them into it.”
I smiled as my gaze caught on Emeline. Katie, the little girl who’d been playing with Rhett, was now sitting in her lap. It appeared Emeline was telling her a story from the way she was being so animated. Katie was laughing and looking up at Emeline with adoring eyes. A strange sensation washed over me as I watched their interaction. Caroline had never been very affectionate with our own two kids, so I couldn’t imagine she’d be that way with a child who wasn’t hers.
With a shake of my head, I tried to banish all thoughts of my ex. I needed to stop comparing the two of them. They were worlds apart.
“Emeline told me that you two are going on a date,” Gatlin said.
Caden’s drink stopped at his mouth, and he slowly smiled. I couldn’t tell if it was a happy smile, or one of those grins someone gives you right before they tell you to go fuck off. “What’s this? You’re going out with Emeline?”
My heart dropped. Before I could say anything, Caden continued.
“I think it’s great. I hope she took my advice to tell you how she felt.”
I nodded. “She did.”
“Just remember, she’s still my little sister, so if you do anything to hurt her, I’ll have to hurt you tenfold.”
Gatlin tapped his drink against his brother’s. “I second that.”
“You’re both okay with it? The age difference, and the fact that I’m getting divorced and have a kid?”
“Why wouldn’t we be okay with it?” Caden asked. “You’re my best friend. I know you better than I know anyone else.”
Gatlin cleared his throat exaggeratedly, causing Caden to glance at him.
“Sorry.” Turning back to me, Caden stated, “I know you better than you know yourself.”
His brother smiled. “That’s better, thank you.”
“Sure thing.”
“I will add, though, you should have asked us first before you asked out Emeline,” Gatlin said.
I laughed—then quickly stopped when neither one of them joined in. “Wait. Are you serious?”
Caden raised a single brow, while Gatlin just stared at me. I instantly started to sweat. I could ask for forgiveness or defend Emeline. I was going with the latter.
“I didn’t know I needed permission to date your adult sister, who’s very capable of making her own decisions.”
Gatlin pointed at me and grinned, while Caden nodded.
“Dude, I knew you’d handle that the right way,” Gatlin said with a wink.
“That’s because he’s older and wiser,” Caden added with a nod in my direction. “The guys she’s dated in the past have all been little jerks.”
I cleared my throat. “Well, I’m glad to hear I pass muster.”
Holding up his beer, Gatlin said, “Passed with flying colors.”
I wasn’t going to lie, knowing that I had both of Emeline’s brothers’ blessings was a relief. I hadn’t realized until now that I even wanted them…or maybe needed them was the better word.
Caden stood and let out a long sigh. “Fun times are over. Time to clean up.”
Gatlin and I both stood as I said, “Just show me what you need me to do.”
The chuckwagon cookout was a well-oiled machine, and I wasn’t the least bit surprised by how quickly everything was cleaned up and the kids were put on their horses and brought back to camp. Before long, everyone was settled in their cabins and eating their desserts. It was the last night, so the kids were all having small parties to close out the camp.
I glanced around the main living room area where some of the staff who’d helped with the cookout were having a party of their own. All of the counselors were with their kids in the cabins, so this get-together was adults-only.
Charlotte Hastings, the camp steward, was heading my way. I smiled as she stopped in front of me.
“Rhett certainly had a wonderful time at camp.”
Nodding, I replied, “He did. I got to talk to him for a bit up at the cookout. He’s met a few kids who are in the same grade as him, so when school starts this fall, he’ll have some friends.”
“That’s wonderful,” she said as her smile widened. “There have been long-lasting friendships made over the years through the camp, as well as during the holiday event. This place has meant a lot to the community.”
I nodded. “It has. Um, have you seen Emeline? I’ve been looking for her, but don’t see her anywhere.”