A Match Made in Wilde (Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 2)

He smiled, more glad to have such a wonderful aunt. “If that was her intention, she’s doing a damn good job. At least I think so. What about you, Grant? Do you agree?”

“Absolutely, I agree. Wholeheartedly, I agree. Totally. Without a doubt, I agree.”

She laughed. “I get it. We all get it. You agree.” Maude opened a package of crackers from a basket on the

table and gave one each to Heath and Toby. “I really hate to ask this, but how in the world did you two lose track of Toby?”

“It’s a fair question,” he said, looking across the table at his brother. It was clear as a sunny day that Grant was attracted to Maude as much as he was. “I was feeding Nate and Seth, and Grant was changing Heath’s diaper. I guess Toby followed someone out when we were not looking.”

“That’s very understandable, but one of you has to be watching the boys at all times, especially away from home. All of your boys are so cute and personable. What if I had been a kidnapper?”

He loved how direct she was. “You’re absolutely right.”

Grant nodded. “This has never happened before, and I promise you it will never happen again.”

“I believe you, but it seems to me you could use a little help—like a nanny or something.”

“You’re right again,” he said. “Are you looking for a new career and have your resume handy?”

“Sorry, guys. I have a job. But if I were looking, I promise you I would take you up on the offer. I absolutely am crazy about your boys.” She leaned over and kissed Toby on the top of his head. “They are the cutest young men I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“I love you, Mama,” Toby said.

Maude didn’t correct him. “I love you, too. And I love you, Heath.” She grabbed Seth and Nate’s tiny hands. “And I love these two precious babies.”

Seth and Nate smiled at her.

“They always like everyone, Maude,” he confessed, “but I’ve never seen them take to anyone like they have to you.”

“Little ones always know when someone genuinely loves them. And it was love at first sight for me with these little charmers.” She looked at each of the boys and then turned to him and Grant. “I really can’t stay long. I need to get back to Mrs. Wilde and my sister.” She looked out the window and her eyes went wide as the color drained out of her face.

He reached across the table. “What’s the matter, Maude?”

“Oh my God. That’s my sister and her ex. Your cousins have him on the ground. What has Paul done to her?” She jumped up from the chair and rushed to the door.

“Go, Greg,” his brother said. “I’ve got the boys. Take care of our girl.”

As he ran after her, he thought about Grant’s words and realized they both wanted the same thing. A future with our girl—Maude.

Too fast? Maybe, but this was Wilde, and he’d never met anyone as wonderful as Maude. Grant and I need to talk.

Chapter Five

Maude raced out of the Horseshoe Bar & Grill, needing to get to her sister across the street. “I’m going to kill you, Paul Holstead, for all—”

But before she could finish her sentence, Greg came up behind her and put his arm around her. “Your sister is safe. She’s in good hands now.”

“I just need to hit that asshole,” she said, feeling the anger swell inside her. “He hurt my sister. Not just now but for months and months. I should’ve known. I should’ve protected her.”

“You need to go to her, not to that fucker.” Greg put his arm around her shoulder, and she turned and looked into his eyes. “Your sister needs you, and I can tell you need her, too. I’ll help my cousins with that dirtbag. Here comes the sheriff, Maude.” He pointed to the uniformed man running to Mary. “Everything is under control. Take a deep breath. You want to be calm when you talk to your sister, don’t you?”

She knew he was right, so she closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. When she saw Carol, they both ran to Mary.

“I’m okay,” her sister yelled to her and Carol.

Once she was beside Mary, she could see in her sister a strength and will she’d never witnessed before in her.

Mary turned to the three Wilde brothers. “He finally is going to get what’s coming to him.” She quickly kissed them one by one, an obvious expression of her thankfulness and love. “I’m going to testify against him. I’m not running away this time. I’m not afraid of him anymore.”