Page 59 of Ironwood Ranch Cowboys

“That sounds on brand,” Duke says.

Jesse grins at him over one shoulder. “That’s because you know me.”

And then he’s gone, swallowed back into the swirl of people and noise and paper plates.

Marshall gives me a short nod that somehow reads as both hello and goodbye, then turns back to Abilene long enough to murmur something low by her ear. She rolls her eyes, but there’s affection all through it.

“It gets easier,” he says, and I’m not entirely sure whether he means potlucks, small towns, or being looked at by this many people at once.

Probably all three.

Then he heads off after the others, leaving me standing there with Abilene, Dakota, Duke, and the strange sensation that I’ve just been absorbed into something without any paperwork or formal approval process.

Which feels inefficient.

And also… nice.

“I’m serious,” Abilene says, adjusting the casserole dish in her hands. “Come sit with us.”

Dakota nods. “You’ll be safer there.”

“Safer from what?” I ask.

“Margaret O’Hara asking if you’re seeing anyone before you make it to the potatoes,” Abilene says dryly.

“Oh wow, really?”

“Yup.”

I laugh again, softer this time, and I ease another notch.

Duke appears at my elbow like he’s been there the whole time, plate in hand. “You want food?”

“Yes,” I say with the urgency of a woman fleeing her own thoughts. “Immediately.”

His grin flashes, warm and wicked. “That’s my girl.”

Every thought in my head trips over itself.

Dakota’s mouth twitches.

Abilene suddenly looks very interested in not rescuing me from this.

I decide I hate everyone here.

A little.

Duke guides me toward the food tables before I can recover, one hand hovering at the small of my back without quite touching.

It’s worse somehow, that almost contact. More noticeable. More unfair.

“Who cooks for all these things every month?” I murmur.

“Everyone,” Duke says. “Or they pick something up from Millie, Betty Lou, or whatever family member they fear most.”

“That feels efficient.”

He shrugs. “People don’t skip meals around here.”