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Before I could respond, Cole continued, “One day, both of our families will be together in one place. I just hope it’s before our wedding.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Al said, and we raised our glasses. “To the Monroes and the Calloways.”
Fiona’s hand rested on my thigh as she leaned close, her hair brushing the scruff on my chin. “Can you imagine all that testosterone in one room? There would definitely be an explosion.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I said because her proximity never failed to get to me. It was difficult to breathe in deeply, and her father raised his brow from across the table.
“Your dad is watching,” I said quietly.
Fiona returned to her seat but flashed me a smile. “Everyone knows we’re working together. It makes sense that we’re friends.”
“Sure,” I said, but I wasn’t ready to talk to her father yet. Not until I knew if there was anything between me and Fiona.
Fiona was familiar with me. It made sense because we dated previously, but I wondered if she noticed how her touch affected me. Was she doing it on purpose or was she oblivious? It was hard to imagine that she was unaware.
For the rest of dinner, I fielded questions about the inn and the proposed renovations, but no one talked about Christmas tree farms. Both families were in the middle of their busiest season, and since the businesses were the source of tension it was best to avoid talk of it.
After dinner, everyone helped clean up. Then the male Monroes congregated on the back patio. Apparently, it was a Monroe tradition.
Somehow, I was herded out along with them.
“I never thought we’d be here, celebrating Cole moving in with a Calloway,” Emmett said.
“Don’t cause any trouble,” Cole said tightly.
Knox nodded. “Daphne won’t be a Calloway much longer. They’re getting married.”
Cole looked around the crowd. “I’d be honored if you’d stand up for me. I’d like all my cousins by my side.”
“I’d be honored too,” Knox said.
Heath clasped his shoulder. “Happy to.”
Sebastian nodded. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“We’ll be there,” Talon said.
Then everyone’s gaze moved to Emmett. “I can do that.”
“I don’t want any issues at our wedding. You’ll need to get along with Daphne’s brothers,” Cole said.
I had a feeling I’d need to keep an eye on things, make sure there weren’t any arguments.
“We’re not Neanderthals. We can behave for a few hours at a wedding,” Knox teased.
“You’re not the one I’m worried about,” Cole said.
“I know you’re all worried about me, and how I’ll react. But don’t you think you should be worried about the Calloways? They aren’t here tonight.”
Cole cradled his beer. “The Calloways run the farm themselves. They don’t have any help. I assure you; that’s the main reason they’re not able to be here tonight.”
“That’s no way to run a business. You need to hire people,” Emmett said.
“You were the same way. You were reluctant to hire anyone who wasn’t family,” Cole admonished him. “We’re not here to criticize how the Calloways run their business. Their main jobs come first.”
“That just means their business suffers because of their practices, not anything we’re doing on our farm,” Emmett continued.
Cole held up his hand. “No talk about Christmas tree farms or business. Not when we’re together. Surely, we can talk about something besides that.”
