Maizy the Bear Charmer(Diving Creek Ranch 16)(118)

Summer nodded. “I’ve heard that from several of the men. I take the guesswork out of it because I keep a list of their women’s preferences and they can make a wish list too, if they want.”

Cody nodded, thinking that had possibilities. “Does Maizy have a wish list?”

“Yes, she does. Lucy talked her into making one. You should come see it. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind,” she added with a smile.

Ace and Kemp got Summer’s attention, wanting to take her to get something to eat. Cody nodded and looked around for Maizy. He spotted her across the gathering, talking with a tall man dressed in a black suit. Something about the man’s stern expression drew Cody in Maizy’s direction at a rapid pace. He looked over and saw Spencer in conversation with an older woman who was tugging him in Maizy’s direction as well.

The woman patted Spencer’s arm as she spoke and looked like she was used to ordering around men twice her size. She was roughly Maizy’s stature and wore her curly white hair up in a pretty twist that was doing its best to come loose. He smiled, realizing this must be Maizy’s mother, in which case, the man must be Maizy’s father. He was currently lecturing her, judging by his body language and his tone as Cody approached. With her back to him, Maizy hadn’t seen Cody yet.

“I won’t have it, young lady. Patrick is divorced, with a son to raise. His situation is completely different from yours.”

“Dad, that’s ridiculous. You make it sound like he’s somehow settling for second-best, when the truth is that Lucy is the best thing that ever happened to him and PJ. If you don’t stop this, when it’s my turn to get married I’ll elope to some tropical island and you can just stay home and pout. I think if you’re going to be critical, you should just go home, before anyone else offends you with their polyamorous leanings.”

“Young lady, I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful to your elders.”

“Thanks, Dad. You did a great job. But you and I are on equal footing now as adults and this is what it looks like when one adult calls bullshit on their peer’s bullheadedness. You and I have already had this conversation. I love you with all my heart but you’re risking our relationship if you continue.”

Cody hid his smile, recognizing the steely tone in her voice.

Maizy’s demeanor softened instantaneously when she saw her mother. “Hey, Mom! I see you found Spencer.” Maizy wrapped her arms around her mother and Cody saw the “save me” look in Spencer’s eyes. Spencer hated family confrontations and arguments, probably because of his history in foster care. He’d definitely drawn the short straw of all of them with regard to the homes he’d lived in. The woman kissed Maizy’s cheek, and then got big eyes as Cody joined their group.

Maizy smiled up at him when he slid his arm around her waist and squeezed her gently. She slid her hand up his back and said, “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Cody Welsh.” She cast a warning glance at her father, who didn’t seem to intimidate her at all. “Cody. This is my mother, Amelia, and my father, George. My sisters Roberta and Rhonda were around here earlier. I wanted to introduce them to you but I don’t know where they’ve gotten off to.”

Amelia smiled up at him graciously and when he put out his hand to shake hers she pooh-poohed the gesture and put her arms out for a hug. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Cody. I was just telling Spencer how much I wanted to meet you and Heath. Maizy has been so preoccupied with the wedding lately and the two of you have been so busy working that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you yet.” She slipped her hand back around Spencer’s elbow and patted his arm. “But that doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed getting to know Spencer. We understand each other very well. Sometimes just because someone doesn’t have much to say doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have opinions.” As she spoke, she looked at her husband, not with accusation but with humor.

Maizy nodded and smiled as she turned to Cody and said, “Up until recently, my mom was chronically ill with a number of health complaints. When she changed doctors, they discovered the underlying issues and she had surgery. She’s been making up for lost time ever since. We’re very proud of her.” She looked at her dad like she wanted to stick her tongue out at him. “Isn’t that right, Dad?”

George glowered at Maizy but Cody just barely caught it when he gave her a half wink and then looked at his wife who was smiling at him and tilting her head toward Cody. Mr. Owen looked him in the eye, nodded succinctly, and said, “Mr. Welsh.” He turned to Spencer with a raised eyebrow and said, “Mr. Ketchum. We meet again.” No pleasantries, but Cody was okay with that and he knew Spencer didn’t give a crap. He’d mentioned meeting Maizy’s father at the rehearsal dinner the night before but hadn’t elaborated beyond mentioning that her father hadn’t said much during the meal and had left early. It was obvious that Mr. Owen held his daughter to a high standard but that subtle clue he’d given Maizy as he winked at her let Cody know that he wasn’t completely cold…just set in his ways. Like concrete.