How was she going to keep things professional when her heart fluttered in her chest like a humming bird just being around them? Did the three of them want the same lifestyle as their parents? I better be careful.
She gazed at her reflection, deciding on her best course of action to get her story. “I need to interview them separately. That way, one-on-one, I won’t be at a disadvantage. They will. I will be able to get them to open up and share the good and bad of growing up in such an unusual home.”
Determined and with a ton of hope that things were turning around in her life, she returned to the table. Craig, Dan, and Dillon were finishing their lunch. They all stood, and Dan pulled out her chair.
How long had she talked with Maude? As she took a seat, she glanced at her watch and saw a half hour had passed since she’d left the three brothers to make the call. “I’m sorry I was gone so long.”
“Don’t think a thing about it,” Craig said. “You needed to talk with your sister. Is everything okay back home?”
No. Nothing back home is okay. “She’s fine. I just needed to let her know where I was staying.”
“You said Missouri is home,” Dan said. “The Show-Me State. Were you born there?”
“Yes. In Springfield.” She didn’t want to talk about herself. Too painful. “But enough about me. I really do want to get your story. I think it might be best for me to interview you each separately.”
“Whatever you want, Mary. That’s what I want,” Craig said. There was an intensity in him that both drew her in but also gave her a little pause. His gaze never faltered from her. What was he thinking?
“Good. Let’s set this up.” She turned to Dan. “How about you first?”
“Sure. When and where?”
“How about here? Tomorrow morning?”
He nodded.
She looked at Dillon. “What about you? When are you free?”
“I’ll pick you up at our parents’ house at four tomorrow afternoon. I know the perfect place for you to interview me.”
She wasn’t sure about what he had in mind, but she wanted this story. If Dillon wanted to play games, she would go along with it, for now.
“And you?” she asked Craig.
“Day after tomorrow. 7:00 p.m. Dinner. You and me.”
The command in his voice made her hesitate. He wasn’t asking. “I want to interview you, Craig. This can’t be a date, you understand? I won’t be in Wilde that long.”
“How long?” he asked, his tone deepening.
“A few days. Maybe a week. Just long enough to get your family’s story. That’s all.”
Chapter Five
Dan walked behind Mary. She was incredibly beautiful, unbelievably charming, and so wonderfully sweet. Craig had confessed that he thought she was the woman of their dreams. Was he right? So far all he’d seen and learned from her seemed to confirm his brother’s assessment.
Dillon and Craig flanked each side of Mary as they all walked to her car.
“That’s it.” She pointed. On the back of her left arm he spotted a huge bruise that was exposed when she had lifted her arm. “The silver Mercedes.”
“One of us can drive you to our parents’ ranch,” Dillon said. “The other two will follow in the mine’s truck.”
“I still can’t believe your folks own a ranch and a silver mine.”
“They are just common folk, Mary,” Craig said. “Down to earth.”
“I realized that when I walked into the diner.”
“I’ll drive you,” Dan said, wanting to get a little alone time with her.