“We make sure we don’t mess up. We’ve never failed at anything when we’ve put our minds together. You know that.”
Greg leaned back in the chair. “Are you really willing to share the same woman with me, Grant? Share Maude?”
“Absolutely, bro. Yes, we were each lucky to find two amazing women to marry and have our wonderful boys. We’ve suffered incredible loss and pain. Together we got through the darkness. We’ve built a life here on the ranch with our boys. But now Maude has come to town. She’s stolen all six of our hearts. I’m totally ready to embrace the Wilde way because of her—and frankly because of you. I want you to be happy, bro.”
“Same here from me for you. We already are a family. And we just need Maude to complete us.”
“So? Are we going to do this? Are we going to sweep Maude off her feet together?”
“Damn right.” Greg gave him a big brotherly hug. “Toby and Heath are already calling her ‘mama.’ And you and I need to make sure she will be their mama.”
“I honestly believe the boys knew before we did that she belonged in this house. We’ve got to make sure that we win Maude’s affection. But where to begin?”
Grant sighed. “You and I have always known about the lifestyle. But I honestly don’t know how it works. Should we talk to our uncles first?”
“Not first, because I know she’s planning on leaving town soon. The clock is ticking. But I do agree we need to sit down with them. We definitely need a crash course in Wilde Lifestyle 101. And we can also ask Uncles Jack, Tom, and Will how they were able to win Aunt Carol’s heart. Like Maude, she wasn’t from Wilde either.”
“Perfect,” Greg said. “Let’s dive into this headfirst. What about dinner tonight here with the boys? There’s no way she can refuse.”
“Now that’s using the old noggin, bro.” Grant dialed the Wilde’s number.
“Hello,” Aunt Carol answered.
“Hi, Aunt Carol. This is Grant. Greg and I would like to talk with Maude, if you don’t mind.”
“She’s in the other room.” Aunt Carol’s voice lowered. “You’re calling about the date. I’d be more than happy to babysit.”
He laughed. “Maude was so right about you playing matchmaker.”
“I knew in my heart the three of you would be perfect for one another. And when you dropped her off at the house after your lunch yesterday, I saw how you two looked at her and how she looked at you. And those four little angels are completely smitten by her.”
“Yes they are. And Greg and I are going to pursue Maude with everything in our arsenal. We want to have her at our house with the boys for dinner. Thanks for the offer of babysitting. We may take you up on it later.”
“You better. Remember, Grant. It worked for your uncles and me. I’m sure it will work for you, too.”
“Aunt Carol, we know she’s the right one for all of us. We just got to let her figure it out for herself. I’m sure this is a lot to take in for her, not being from Wilde.”
“She’s gotten on board with Mary dating my three boys.”
“Let’s hope she’ll get on board with dating me and Greg. May I speak to her please?”
“Good luck,” Aunt Carol said. “I’ll get her for you.”
He realized it had been many years since he’d asked any woman on a date. Had he lost the old charm, or would it return in full force?
“Hi, Grant.” Maude’s voice swept over his entire being like a warm breeze. “Carol said you wanted to talk to me.”
A long moment passed.
“Grant, are you there?”
“I’m here.” Come on, Charm. Where are you? “Will you be hungry tonight? The boys, Greg, and I sure will be.”
She laughed. “I’m sure I will be, too.”
“Great. That’s great.” What’s wrong with me? I sound like a nervous teenage boy.
“It’s great that I’m going to be hungry?”