Loving You (Love Wanted in Texas 6)

“I have, a lot. So has Reed.”

Taylor turned to me and I couldn’t help but return the happy look she was giving me. “What a crazy small world.”

With a chuckle, I nodded my head. “It is.” I turned to my father and said, “I wonder if Gunner is related to the architect I have a meeting with in a few weeks. His last name is Mathews.”

Taylor gasped. “Drew! Drew Mathews?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“Jase! That’s Gunner! Drew is his real name.” Shaking her head in disbelief, she covered her mouth and laughed.

“Now this is crazy. It appears our worlds were meant to collide one way or another doesn’t it?” my mother said as she took an apple pie out of the oven.

Reed slapped me on the back and said, “I’m shocked the two of you didn’t meet before college.”

Everyone laughed as my mom and Courtney started bringing the food into the dining room. “Let me help, please,” Taylor said.

Whitley drew her attention over to Jase. “No! You’re a guest, Walker and Jase can help, you visit with Liza and Ava and get to know them.”

Liza walked up to Taylor and hugged her. “I know we keep saying it, but it is really wonderful that things worked out the way they have. I haven’t seen Jase this happy in a very long time.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jase this happy,” Ava said with a giggle.

Taylor’s face blushed even more.

Once we got all the food in the dining room, I led Taylor in and pulled a chair out for her. Ava quickly sat down next to Taylor. Peeking up at me she said, “I’m going to need a neutral supporter.”

“Oh no,” Taylor said under her breath.

Narrowing my eye at Ava, I asked, “What are you planning on doing?”

She leaned in closer as I sat down and answered, “Ryder asked me to marry him.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Taylor asked.

Ava screwed her face up. “It will be for my parents. But it most certainly isn’t for me.”

“Your dad is going to freak, Ava!” I whispered.

She sighed. “You don’t think I know that?”

“When are you going to tell them?” Taylor asked.

Ava glanced around at everyone. “Probably when my dad has had a few drinks. I thought about drugging him, but I figured he might not like that.”

Taylor’s face dropped as I took her hand in mine. “She’s kidding. I think.”

“Half-heartedly,” Ava mumbled.

“So, Ava, how was Montana? Are you glad to be home?” my mother asked.

Walker and Liza must have known as well because they froze just like Taylor and I did.

Ava giggled nervously. “Well, I’m not actually home to stay.”

Reed and Courtney both said together, “What?”

“This just got interesting,” my father said as Taylor tried to hide her smile.