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“Me? No way. I know when a woman is out of my league. Or more than I want to deal with.”

Milo patted him on the shoulder. “Good. Stay strong. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself co-parenting a spoiled dog.”

Shortly before eight, Luke and Wes arrived in Luke’s Range Rover, bringing a giant ice chest and a case of beer. Milo shook hands with them, then introduced them to Mathias.

“This is Wes and Luke, the oldest and youngest Buchanan brothers. Guys, this is Wilda’s brother, Mathias.”

The men shook hands, then Milo nodded toward Wilda. “And, Wes, you haven’t met Wilda yet.”

She smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

Rachel raised a hand. “I’m here too. Hi, guys.”

Luke went to Rachel and hugged her. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?”

“I had to see the table.”

Wes smiled. “I’m with her. I want to see the table.”

The men headed to the parlor, and Rachel called after them. “We’ll be here to greet the others, then send them your way.”

Wes and Luke were impressed by the table and the room in general. Luke stood in the middle of it. “When are you getting a card table? This is so much better than Justin’s old house.”

Justin came through the door. “Thanks a lot.” He looked around. “Of course you’re right.” He went to Mathias and shook his hand. “I’m Justin.”

“Mathias. Nice to meet you.”

Justin clapped Milo on the shoulder. “Great room. I love it.”

“Thanks.”

“Lucia made some salsa. I left it in the kitchen with Wilda and Rachel.” He smiled. “Wasn’t expecting to see Rachel tonight.”

“Me neither, brother.”

“Gentry and Abe are on their way with a couple of pizzas and some breadsticks.”

“Perfect.”

Luke emptied the case of beer into the ice chest, then picked up a billiard ball and rolled it across the table. “Are we putting up any money tonight? A pool tournament, perhaps. Last man standing takes it all.”

Wes took out his wallet and held up a twenty. “Twenty dollars apiece?”

Milo nodded. “I could use an extra $120.00 dollars.”

Rachel stood in the doorway. “Let me play and make it $140.00.”

“Bro night, Rachel.”

Luke walked over and pulled her into the room. “Ah…come on. Rachel is one of the guys.”

She laughed. “Yeah. I think.”

Wilda came in behind her. “If she’s playing, then I’m watching.”

Milo shook his head. “I’ve completely lost control of this situation.”

Abe and Gentry walked in with a large and two extra-large pizza boxes, bringing the smell of pepperoni, sausage, onions, and garlic. Abe looked around at the group. “We're here now. What’s the problem?”