“Would everyone please quiet down?” Mary Wilde stood between Charly and Jessie with her arms around them both. He could swear by the grin on the older woman’s face she was giddy. “This is such a great night. Tonight we have gathered to celebrate Charly Wynn, soon to be Charly Strong. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m certain my nephews will make her happy for the rest of her life.”
“They better,” Maude said. “Or they will have to deal with their mom. They know what I’m capable of.”
“Yes, we do.” Heath waved to his mother from the crowd.
The Strong brothers were good men. They deserved happiness. They’d found it with Charly and then some.
Maude continued, “But, Mary, you have news, too.”
“Not me. Jessie.” She handed the microphone to her daughter-in-law.
Wade glanced over at the five Wilde brothers. Whatever was about to be shared, they already knew about it.
“Charly, I’m so sorry,” Jessie said. “This is about you and not me.”
“Don’t be sorry, Jess. You’ve given me the best news I could’ve ever dreamed of.” Charly hugged her. “I’m thrilled. Tell them.”
“Okay. My loose lips always get me in trouble. Well, the truth is I’m pregnant.”
The crowd burst into applause.
He squeezed Mackenzie tight into him. He imagined what she would look like pregnant. It was an odd thought, but one he couldn’t seem to shake. She would be beautiful, no doubt.
“Wow,” she said. “That’s really big news.”
“Aren’t you glad I made you stay?”
“Yes.” She leaned into him. Wasn’t it his job to snare her and not the other way around? Somehow the minx had flipped the tables on him. Wyatt wouldn’t be pleased to know that. Best to keep that truth to himself for now.
He leaned down and kissed her hair.
Whatever pain you’re dealing with, I will help take it away.
He wasn’t about to let her get out of his sight. Ever.
Chapter Three
Wyatt watched as his brother, Wade, guided Mackenzie out on the dance floor with the other revelers. Their plan to divide and conquer was working perfectly. Still, he hated that it wasn’t him rubbing up against her. Was this what sibling rivalry felt like? Odd. He and his twin had never dealt with it. They always had each other’s back and best interest at heart. They were a little old to start now.
The ballroom boomed with the music from the band. Wyatt watched her move perfectly to the deep vibrating beats of the bass line. God, Mackenzie was beautiful.
The dance floor overflowed with people, and he soon lost sight of his brother and her. The last two months, his every waking thought and nighttime dream had been about her. She wasn’t the best waitress in town, not even close, but she was smart, really smart. He suspected that something besides working at Norma’s had brought her to Wilde. What? No clue. But he was determined to find out. Was she on the run from an abusive ex? The heartbreak in her eyes spoke volumes that something or someone had trampled her. Even with her cheery façade, her past was still a heavy load she seemed to carry.
Suddenly, he saw Mackenzie leave the dance floor through a trio. She was giving his brother the slip. Time for the better twin to make his move.
Just as he took a step toward her, Wade emerged from the throng of dancers and grabbed Mackenzie by the arm. He said something to her, but they were too far away for him to hear. She set down her glass and looked at her cell. He could tell by her facial expressions that her insides danced with agitation.
Silently, he hoped his brother would blow his chance. Then rock- paper-scissors be damned, he would step up and be there for her, however she needed him. The sudden bout of jealousy shocked him. He shoved the green-eyed monster inside his head back to the shadows. Sharing was what he and Wade had always done. That had to be the reason he was so out of sorts and off his game when it came to tonight and their plan for Mackenzie. What else could it be?
Austin Wilde stepped up next to Wyatt. “Hello, Masters. I see your brother is flying solo tonight. Unusual for you two, isn’t it?”
“It is, but necessary with her,” he answered.
The eldest of the Wilde clan was the most powerful man in town.
“I wonder why that girl is really here in Wilde?” Austin’s question was a valid one and something he was also curious to learn the answer to.
“You think she’s hiding something?” Wyatt considered trying to get closer to Mackenzie, sidling up next to her despite the plan he and Wade had concocted. But he decided against it. Besides, he needed to check with the bank about the ranch loan in the morning. Let Wade try his best to unlock her secrets tonight. Tomorrow would be his turn with her. That was their plan.