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

A deep coldness swept through her body as she thought about that terrible time. Her sister still didn’t know her deep, dark secret. “I remember. But what does that have to do with me going on a date with the Strongs?”

“Just an example of how pushing past your own fears can be enlightening. I made it just fine after you left, and look how close we are.” Mary smiled. “Instead of giving into your own fears, why don’t you just live for today? For the moment? Two good-looking men want to have you over for dinner. Just enjoy yourself. We need to figure out what you are going to wear for your date.”

Date? Oh God. “I’m not sure I should have said ‘yes.’ I’m not like you, sis. I am really confused by all this.”

Carol grabbed her hand. “You know what will help you?

“What?”

“A plate of the peach cobbler I just made.”

“Carol, we just finished breakfast.”

“Does that matter? I say desert should be available at all hours of the day and night. And peach cobbler will give you plenty of energy. We can enjoy our special treat and hash out all your worries, honey. My boys are at the ranch and my husbands are at the mine. The house is all ours. We have all the privacy we need to talk freely. You know how much I love the gab sessions with you two girls.”

“And I love our talks too,” she confessed. “But some of my questions and concerns might be a little embarrassing.”

“Everything you ever wanted to know about the Wilde way of things will be revealed at my kitchen table. Nothing is off-limits.” Carol walked into the kitchen.

As they followed her, Mary said, “And I might have some answers, too, though I’m still figuring out things with my guys. Just know this. When Wilde men love a woman, they will do absolutely anything to make sure she’s happy.”

“Who said anything about love?” Maude sat down at the table. “But since it’s been brought up, how do you love more than one man? And how do they love you without getting jealous?”

“Not wanting to waste any time, are you? Getting straight to the point.” Carol brought over the cobbler and poured the coffee for all of them. Then she took the seat between her and Mary. “Eat up, girls.”

Her first bite of Carol’s cobbler was incredible. So sweet and flaky. Perfect in every way. “This is delicious.”

Mary nodded, taking a second bite.

“Have you ever thought about writing a cookbook, Carol?” She enjoyed another forkful of the desert. “God, if I could make something like this on my own, I think I would open up a bakery.”

“I wouldn’t know the first thing about writing a cookbook. Besides, everything I do in the kitchen is so easy. I’ll show you. But instead of talking about recipes, let’s get down to business.” Carol smiled. “You asked about how a woman can love more than one man. Just like this cobbler, it’s easier than you think when you meet the right guys. My three husbands are the very best. I can’t help but love them. I’m not originally from Wilde. This was all new to me, too. I know what you’re going through.”

“So how did everything change for you?” She had never looked up to anyone like she did Carol. Mary already called her “Mom,” which was so appropriate. Carol treated them both as if they were her daughters. It was a good feeling to Maude, having such a strained relationship with her own mother. “You ended up marrying three men, Carol. That’s just not normally done outside of this place. Can you tell us how that happened?”

“The three of us were spending so much time together in San Francisco. Jack had come back from the Korean War, and Tom and Will had arrived in the city to take him back to Wilde. I had the time of my life with them. We were inseparable. And before I knew it, and against everything I knew was acceptable in society, I fell in love with all three Wilde brothers. You can’t even imagine how conflicted I was.”

“I can, Mom,” Mary said. “I’m in love with your sons. All three of them. It wasn’t something I ever imagined was possible.”

Carol smiled. “Sweetheart, you’ve made my boys so happy.”

“And they’ve made me happy, too.”

Maude knew her sister had found a home. As strange as Wilde might be, this was where Mary belonged, with the three Wilde brothers. Could such a thing happen with me and Grant and Greg? What’s the matter with you, Maude? It’s just dinner.

Mary looked her in the eyes as if she were reading her mind. Then she turned to Carol. “Tell us more about how you and your men ended up together.”

“It was a whirlwind romance. But you have to remember it was the fifties. Things were much more conservative back then, especially outside of Wilde. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure which one of the three I was dating at the time. Sounds crazy, I know. They were complete gentlemen, and we were never apart for an entire month. Our last night in San Francisco, I was sick with a sinus infection and couldn’t hear a thing. I didn’t tell any of them because I knew they would insist that I go home and get in bed. I couldn’t let that happen, because I hated being apart from them. I was thinking to myself, how in the world could I choose which one I should be with? At a dance that night, Jack proposed. Then Tom and Will kissed me and said something, but I couldn’t hear them. I know now that all three of them proposed.” She laughed. “And I actually accepted, but it was at my wedding that I realized it when all three of my guys walked up and gave their vows.”

Mary gasped.

“Oh my God, are you serious?” Maude tried to imagine how such a thing could happen, but couldn’t. At least I know what I’m getting into with Grant and Greg. Or do I?

Carol told them the rest of her love story with Jack, Tom, and Will. “I’ve never regretted one second of my life with them. It’s been heaven.”

“Wow,” she said. “You’re a very lucky woman, and hearing your story makes me want to go on this date with Grant and Greg. But what if I’m like you and end up falling for them? I can’t imagine how such a relationship works in the bedroom.”

“Maude.” Mary’s face turned bright red.