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We took our seats, and Sol stuck by Reed, settling at his feet.
“I think I’m going to have to share him.” Miles sighed, like it was a big hassle, but I saw right through him.
He’d adopted that dog as much for my brother as he had for himself.
When we got home, the first thing my mother did was invite Miles over for family dinner. She wanted to hear everything about our trip and meet Miles’ new son. We’d managed to hold her off a couple days so we could settle in, but then she’d rounded us up, insisting she missed her kids.
Landry showed up without her daughters and husband, much to Mama’s dismay. Her explanation that they were with her in-laws and Tom was finishing up work didn’t pass muster, but there wasn’t anything Mama could do about it besides kidnapping. I was almost certain she wouldn’t resort to that.
“It’s flat there.” Reed was back to being a man of few words. All the fun we’d had and exploring we’d done had been chalked up to “it’s flat there.” For some reason, I really loved his answer.
“Really? Isn’t there a mountain range in the area?” Landry asked before popping an olive into her mouth.
“Nearby is relative,” Miles replied. “The Sierra Nevadas take several hours to get to. Reed and I went on a hike, and it was not only flat, but paved.”
Dad shuddered. “That doesn’t sound like a hike.”
“It was a walk. I wore my Vans,” Reed supplied. “Sol managed to get dirty, so it was worth it.”
Solomon’s ears moved but his body remained prone on the nest Mama had made him from a pile of blankets and pillows. After knowing this dog for two whole days, I’d learned he had two modes: zoomies or lazy as hell.
“A dirty dog is always a good sign.” Dad turned to Miles. “How in the world did you choose this boy to adopt?”
“He chose us,” Reed answered. “We—”
Someone bellowed my name outside, loud enough to penetrate my parents’ walls. Then the pounding began. Bang, bang, bang. All of us abandoned our dinner and ran for the windows, peering out to see what the commotion was all about.
There, standing under the porch light on my landing, was my former boss, Nick. Crowded next to him was another man, much broader and taller. I had to squint to make him out, and even then, my mind couldn’t make sense of it.
“Is that Beau?” Mama screeched.
I guess I had been seeing things correctly. My oldest brother truly was standing beside Nick, pummeling my door and yelling my name.
What. The. Fuck?
“Beau?” Miles stood behind me, his hands squeezing my hips. “That’s the elusive Beau Dunham?”
Mama opened our back door and yelled across the courtyard. “Beau David Dunham. Quit waking up the neighborhood and get your behind in here.”
His head swiveled sharply. “Sorry, Mama, but I have to find Daisy.”
“You’re in luck. Your sister’s here. Now, come on. Dinner’s almost ready.”
She left the door open for them and bustled to the table to put out two more place settings. I didn’t particularly want to break bread with Nick after the last time I saw him, but it’d been a while since I’d seen Beau, so I couldn’t be disappointed he’d shown up out of the blue.
Beau stepped into the house, eyes widening when he caught sight of Landry, Reed, Solomon, and finally Miles. Dad approached him, giving him a hug and pat on the back.
“What brings you to town, son?” Dad asked.
“I need to talk to Daisy.” Beau zeroed in on me standing in Miles’ orbit. “I’ve been hearing some disturbing things, but it looks like I’m too late.”
Nick walked in then, his expression serious. He greeted my father and mother while barely taking his eyes off Miles and me.
“Disturbing things?” Mama laughed. “What could you have possibly heard?”
Beau was a mountain man. He’d grown taller than our dad by several inches, and his breadth always took my breath away. His beard was thick and bushy, and the only time he didn’t wear flannel were the dog days of summer. And when he crossed his arms over his barrel chest, it was like two tree trunks twining.
Miles lowered his mouth to my ear. “You guys look a lot alike.”
