Read Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch for Free Online Page B

they all settled around the table to enjoy their meal, he was glad she’d have a say in its future.
    The conversation went from baby talk to weddings, and Chris and Heather admitted they were about to discuss wedding dates. That started a whole discussion about what kind of reception they wanted.
    â€œEvery time we think we know what we want, someone else beats us to the marriage game,” Chris admitted. “Last Christmas it was Brooke and Adam, and this summer it’s Tony and Kate—­and this is their second wedding.”
    â€œIt’s very romantic that they’re having it at the same place,” Emily said with a soft sigh.
    â€œThe Rose Garden,” Chris said, shaking his head.
    â€œWhat, you can’t get married at the same place someone else did?” Daniel demanded with pretend outrage, itching his latest tattoo.
    Heather laughed. “No, it’s just the Valentine Valley curse, I guess. Weddings everywhere.”
    â€œYou know you are always invited to have it at the inn,” Grandma Sweet pointed out.
    â€œWe know that, Grandma,” Chris said, “and you’re the best. We’re just not sure if we want a formal or informal wedding.”
    â€œAnd you want yours to feel special,” Faith said.
    â€œOf course it’ll feel special.” Heather took Chris’s hand. “I’m marrying a great guy.”
    Everyone around the table did the “aww” thing, and the wedding talk just kept going on and on. By the time Steph, Emily, and Heather were gushing about flowers, Will caught Daniel’s eye, and they shared a commiserating glance. Will thought a guy had to be getting married to care about wedding details, but it wasn’t that way with women.
    Daniel’s date, Chelsea–Daniel had finally remembered to introduce her—­didn’t have all that much to say. She worked at the Open Book and seemed as if she must read more than she spoke.
    But she did speak up about the meal. “Sorry I didn’t eat my steak, Mrs. Sweet. I’m a vegetarian.”
    Faith frowned her worry. “I’m so sorry, dear. Daniel should have told me.”
    â€œI left a note on your desk, Mom,” Daniel said. “You didn’t get it?”
    â€œOh,” Faith said, her cheeks going red. “I must have missed it. Guess you’ll just have to text me next time,” she added awkwardly.
    â€œWe can text you now?” Steph asked, surprised. “Since when?”
    â€œI have to get better at all this modern technology.” Faith sounded a little defensive.
    Steph cleared her throat. “And on that subject, guess we’ll get a chance to text even more than you thought. I’m going to sublet the apartment over Monica’s Flowers and Gifts.”
    A frown wrinkled Faith’s forehead. “Oh, I didn’t realize you weren’t happy.”
    Emily, Steph’s summer boss, appeared chagrined. Tyler, Steph’s boyfriend, pointedly kept eating his steak without glancing up. Will wondered if Tyler was moving in too, but he didn’t ask. He knew the boy was attending classes at Colorado Mountain College, CMC. He also knew that Steph was perfectly old enough, but . . . even he was a little uncomfortable at the thought of his baby sister running off to—­
    â€œNot happy?” Steph’s eyes widened, even as she grinned. “Of course I’m happy. But I’m nineteen, Mom, and I just finished my first year of college. Monica’s place is empty because she and Travis just bought a house, remember?” She scrupulously kept her eyes off their grandma, who studied her with interest. “And I’m working full-­time with Em, and I just . . . want my commute to be a little easier.”
    Will held back a snort and didn’t look at his brothers. They might easily set each other off into laughter. Everyone knew a commute in Valentine Valley was a few