Swept Away in Wilde (Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 1)

“Someone needs to knock some sense into our boy’s head,” Tom said, frowning. “What was it this time?”

“He and Dan were horsing around in the mine.”

Carol shook her head. “You are giving Mary a bad impression of our boys. They really are good men. They just take after their dads, who will never fully grow up. But just wait until I get my hands on them.”

“Here’s your chance, sweetheart,” Jack said. “Because here all three of them come.”

Chapter Four

Craig saw his parents sitting at a table with the beautiful woman he and his brothers had seen on the street earlier. Could I be any luckier? Not a chance.

“Boys, I’d like to introduce you to Mary Kincaid,” Dad Tom said. “She will be staying at our house for a few days.”

“Do they live with you?” Mary asked, her eyes sparkling like diamonds.

“No. They each have their own house,” Carol said.

Pappy Jack smiled. “It’s a Wilde tradition that the young men in the family build a home with their own two hands. Builds character.”

“We have a big ranch,” Pop Will told Mary. “Plenty of room to have a lot of houses. One day, our grandsons will continue the tradition. We hope.”

Craig knew the dig was directed at him more than his two brothers. Pop had taken him aside on more than one occasion to try to get him to think about the future. He hadn’t been ready to settle down. There had been plenty of time for that. He’d always believed that when he, Dan, and Dillon found the right woman, then he’d get serious about the future. Looking into Mary’s eyes, he realized the time had finally come. She was the one. He felt it in his heart. Love at first sight had never been something he believed in. Now he knew that it not only existed, but he also was experiencing it firsthand.

“Craig, did the doctor give you some medicine?” his mom asked.

“Just antibiotics. Why?”

“Dan and Dillon have shaken Mary’s hand. She offered it to you, but you just stood there like you were in some kind of trance. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, ma’am. Just lost to my thoughts.” He held out his hand. “My apologies, Miss Kincaid.”

She smiled, and it felt like the entire world got a little brighter. “Call me ‘Mary.’”

They shook hands, and he felt a warmth shoot up his arm from their touch. He held onto her delicate fingers, not wanting to let go. He couldn’t stop staring at her. She’s the one. The one for Dan, Dillon, and me.

“Honey, we better get you back home. I want to check on our new calves,” Pappy said.

“But you wanted us to do that, Pappy,” Dan said.

“I’d rather you talk to Mary. She’s working on a story about our family. I want her to get all the facts right.”

“She’s a writer?” Dillon asked.

“Freelance,” Mary answered. “I do have a few questions for you. I would like to know what it was like growing up in a family with so many parents. But we can do that later.”

Mom shook her head. “My boys will answer your questions. Now and later. They will make sure you make it to the house.” She turned to all three of them. “Have her to the house by supper time. I’m making fried chicken.”

Dinner at the folks’ usually only occurred on the weekend. Mary’s arrival had changed that. It was clear to Craig that his parents liked her, too. And the looks on Dan and Dillon’s faces told him they felt the same way.

Their parents paid their bill and left. Dan sat next to Mary, and he and Dillon sat across from her.

The waitress returned. “Hey, guys, would you like something to eat?”

Craig looked at Mary. “Would you like something else?”

“Just coffee. Thank you.”

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” Dan said. “I’ll have today’s special.”