"I hate that my daughter has been through so much, but I'm sure glad Chad was the one to step into her life. I think another wedding may be in the near future," George beamed.
"I'm happy for you, brother. You deserve joy in your life. Speaking of which, I think I've detected some sparks between you and Esther," Joseph said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Now, don't you start matchmaking on me. Esther and I are only friends," George said in a hushed tone as he looked around, making sure no one had overheard them. If his kids even suspected he had feelings for Esther, they'd be all over him. He knew they had their own suspicions about Joseph and him stepping into their children's lives and matchmaking.
"I'm just saying … " Joseph trailed off. He watched as George's eyes sought out Esther every few minutes or so. It looked to him like his brother may have found a second chance of happiness in life. He deserved it. Losing his wife was devastating for him, and Esther was a good woman.
"Well, don't you be saying anything. And don't even think about getting any fool idea's in your head," George said before he stomped off to speak to someone else. Joseph's loud laughter followed him across the yard.
***
"My Dad and Esther, huh? I would've never even imagined it," Austin said to his cousin, Lucas.
"Eavesdropping definitely has its benefits," Lucas said as he watched his uncle stomp away.
"He's mourned for long enough. I think it would be great if he was able to find a slice of happiness again," Austin said.
"I just think it's time he gets paid back. I can't prove it, but I know Dad and Uncle George have been meddling in our lives. They think they're so slick, but they start crying about grandkids and all of a sudden they have more than a houseful. That seems like more than just a coincidence to me," Trenton mused.
"Good thing I'm smarter than the rest of you," Austin answered smugly.
"Sure, Cuz, we'll see how smart you are," Trenton laughed. Austin glared at his cousin before walking away.
"What are you two up to?" Jennifer asked as she came up and wrapped her arms around her husband.
"Looks like Dad may be falling in love. We think it's time to do some interfering of our own," Trenton answered, quickly kissing his wife. He couldn't seem to get enough of her, no matter how much time he spent at her side.
"What do you mean?" she asked, looking confused.
"I don't know how the old men have done it, but I know they've been meddling in our love lives. Not that I'm complaining – it led me to you," Trenton added. He loved his wife and wouldn't change a thing between them.
"Then why do you want revenge?"
"Not revenge, my dear - payback," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Men," she said before kissing him and heading back to the other women, who made far more sense. Trenton enjoyed watching her as she walked away. The longer he was with her, the more he fell in love. She only grew more beautiful each day.
***
"How are you holding up?" George asked.
"I'm still standing," Bree answered. She didn't think any of them planned on leaving the ranch anytime soon. They'd all been there for several hours and the party was in full bloom. She was tired, but didn't want to admit her weakness to them. She had a feeling she wasn't normally one to complain about things.
"I'll start rounding everyone up. They're just so excited to have you back home," George said.
"You don't have to do that, I'm fine," she automatically responded. She felt as if she were ungrateful, when everyone had been nothing but kind to her.
"It's okay to be tired, Bree. You've been through a lot. Your brothers have always been protective over you, and the years of lost time when everyone mourned the loss of your mother has made them even more so. Too much time was lost, and now we all want to be reassured that nothing will rip our family apart again," he explained.
Bree loved him – she couldn't remember him being her father, but he was such a kind and gentle man, and she knew beyond a doubt that she loved her father. She threw her arms around him and clung for several moments. When she pulled back, there were tears in his eyes.
"Thank you, Dad. I'm sure everything will eventually come back to me, but one thing I know is that I love you. I can feel it in my heart, even if my mind is shut down at the moment."
"That's the best thing you could ever say to me. I love you, too, Sweetheart. Now, I'm going to get all these testosterone filled men out of here so you can get off your feet and rest. You are growing my beautiful grandchild, after all."
Bree laughed as she let him take her arm and lead her to the porch. She thought a nap sounded pretty heavenly right then, though. She was passed around once again as everyone said goodbye. The little kids all needed a hug and kiss from her, and she once again felt that warm glow in her heart as she held them tightly against her chest. She obviously loved this big chaotic family. Memory or not, she felt at home – at ease with her world.