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we going to trade?” she asked. She couldn’t imagine what they had that the other men didn’t.
    “They need some of their clothes mended, and I promised you would cook them a full meal.”
    “You did what?” She couldn’t believe he’d bartered her services without asking her.
    “Kate, they need their clothes tended to and haven’t had a decent cooked meal in years. Since their wife died. We need the meat.”
    “Fine.” She needed to get used to the fact that he was making the decisions. It just irked her not to have any say in anything.
    “Bruce said they would drop off some things to be fixed tomorrow. If I’m outside, please be sure it’s one of them before you open the door.”
    “I will. When am I supposed to cook this meal for them?”
    “I thought we would have them over at the end of the week. Supposed to start getting cold after that,” Bruce said. “We’ll need to start getting things ready for the snows.” Mike hugged her. “What do you think about them, Kate?”
    “They’re nice enough, but they’re still grieving for their wife.”
    “I think they’ve started looking around for another woman now. At least that’s the feeling I’ve gotten when we’ve talked.”
    “I’m not going to throw myself on them, so get that out of your head.”
    “I wouldn’t expect you to, Kate.”
    “Good, because I’m not desperate for a husband. I’m happy like I am.”
    Mike sighed and shook his head. “You’re going to have to choose someone soon, Kate. With these strangers in the area, I’m getting worried.”
    “I keep the pistol in my reach all the time, Mike. I can shoot what I aim for.”
    “Yeah, I know, but you might not have time to reach for it. These guys are pretty slick, according to the other men.” Mike pursed his lips. “I can’t help but be worried, Kate.”
    “I know, Mike.” She sighed. “Just see how things go this winter.”
    Mike shook his head and headed for his bedroom. Kate finished up in the kitchen and walked to hers. She could see that the worry and strain had aged her brother beyond his twenty-four years. He had lines around his mouth, and he only seemed to smile now when he was around his new friends.
    She lay awake in bed a long time, thinking about her plight. Should she pick one of the sets of men and let her brother go? Could she handle being married to two men she didn’t love? Then she thought about Bruce and Marcus. She was attracted to them, for some reason. Maybe it was because they’d been so careful of her when they’d saved her that day in Barter Town.
    Finally, after turning it all around in her head over and over, she fell asleep and dreamed of the two men.

Chapter Five

    Saturday night Bruce and Marcus pulled into Mike and Kate’s drive and parked behind their truck. Bruce was looking forward to a real home-cooked meal complete with meat and a dessert. He wasn’t looking forward to being around Kate when he was attracted to her. It would be hell to handle, but Bruce would enjoy every torturous minute of it. She starred in his dreams each night and was the face he jacked off to each day.
    He didn’t feel bad about it since she was already married to Mike and there was no chance of there being anything between them. He knew Marcus felt the same way. They’d finally come to grips with the attraction. As long as they didn’t act on it, there was nothing wrong with it. At least that is what Bruce told himself.
    “Hey, guys. Come on in. Kate has dinner almost ready.” Mike had the door open by the time they had gotten out of the truck.
    “How are you doing, Mike?” Marcus asked, shaking his hand.
    “Fine. We’re glad you’re here.”
    They stood in the living area talking until Kate walked into the room wiping her hands on her apron and called them to the table. Bruce could already taste the roast and potatoes. It looked delicious. She’d filled the table full of good things, and he smelled what he thought was blackberry cobbler