to the list of acceptable excuses. She just had a baby a few weeks ago.”
“Seriously? That gets her a pass?”
“It does. When you go through labor, delivery and the first few weeks with an infant up all night, you’ll get a dispensation, too. Until then...”
Caleb winked at Lily. “She drives a hard bargain.”
“And you’re a silver-tongued devil. Always trying to charm your way out of trouble.” She affectionately touched his arm. “Now I’m going to introduce our guest to everyone else.” She put her hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Come along, sweetie.”
That left Mallory and Caleb to walk behind them. He nodded toward the other room and said, “Let’s go meet the Daltons.”
Mallory’s head was spinning and not just from being this close to the good-looking cowboy. She was baffled by the banter between mother and son. What a concept. If her mother—or father, for that matter—were that warm and approachable she’d still have a relationship with them. But disapproval was their trademark and she was pretty sure they’d frown on Lily, who wasn’t related to them by blood. This child would never go through what Mallory and Mona had growing up.
Caleb led her past a big, beautiful kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and a granite-topped island to the large family room. It had a leather sectional in front of a big screen TV mounted on the wall. Ben was standing with his other two sons. She knew them from the photos in her boss’s office, but shook their hands as Mary made introductions.
The men were all about the same height, six feet give or take an inch, and the unmistakable family resemblance marked them as brothers. Anderson, the oldest, had the same brown hair and blue eyes as Caleb, but there was an air of authority and seriousness different from his brother. Travis was the middle son and had his father’s brown eyes.
“Are you a cowboy, too?” Lily asked him after meeting all the men.
“I am.” Travis indicated his older brother. “So is he. In fact he’s in charge of the family ranch.”
“Aunt Mallory didn’t tell me you had a ranch.”
Mallory happened to be looking at Caleb and saw his mouth pull tight when Lily called her Aunt. He’d grown tense after Lily put on her matchmaking hat at the office. Clearly he was skittish about starting a relationship with a woman who had a child.
“We have a big ranch,” Travis was saying. “The Dalton family spread.”
“Do you have horses?” When Travis nodded, the little girl practically quivered with excitement. “I’ve never been on a horse, but I’d like to—”
“Lily,” Mallory interrupted, “it’s not polite to invite yourself.”
“That’s okay.” Travis smiled down at the child. “Pretty girls are always welcome.”
“How come you never tell us that?”
“Because you’re both irritating.” Travis grinned at the two beautiful young women who’d walked into the family room from the kitchen.
Mary stood between them and slid her arms through theirs. “These are my youngest daughters, Lani and Lindsay.”
Both had the Dalton light brown hair, but Lani wore hers long, and Lindsay had a ponytail.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” Mallory said. “I feel as if I know everyone already from all the photos Ben has in his office.”
“I’m Lily.” The little girl grinned up at the girls. “My name begins with an L, just like yours.”
“That’s really cool,” Lindsay said with a big smile. “You’re just as cute as you can be.”
“So, the girls will help me get drinks,” Mary said. “Mallory, we have beer, wine, club soda, soft drinks. What would you like?”
“I’d love a glass of wine.” It was weird because these were the nicest people in the world, but her nerves were a little raw, as if they were tightly wound springs ready to come loose. Every time she looked at Caleb they got a little more sensitive.
“What about you, Lily with an L?” Lani asked. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Would it be all right if I had soda?”
Mallory nodded, but added, “Nothing with caffeine.”
“Coming right up. Boys, be nice to our guests.” Mary put her arms around her daughters and headed them toward the kitchen.
Mallory and Lily were standing with Travis while her boss formed a circle to chat with his other two sons just a few feet away. Caleb showed no interest in talking to her, unlike the first time they’d met. At least he’d seemed engaged until Lily told him she, Mallory, needed a husband. If that was a friendship deal breaker then so be it. Her feelings would not be hurt.
After watching Mary Dalton gather her daughters, Mallory smiled at Travis. “It occurs to me that with six kids, your mom must have been pretty good at herding. Maybe that’s where you and your brothers inherited the skill.”
He laughed. “It’s a good theory. And she’s anxious to take those talents out, dust them off and use them on the next generation of Daltons.”
“I understand your sister had a baby and that’s why she’s not here.”
“I like babies.” Lily looked way up at the tall cowboy. “Do you?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do.”
Mallory could almost hear the wheels turning in her niece’s head and decided a preemptive strike was called for. “Travis, you should know that Lily is a budding matchmaker.”
“Is that so?” He squatted down to her level. “Who are you trying to marry off, young lady?”
“Me.” Mallory felt as if someone was looking at her and glanced at the other group. Caleb was staring, but not at her. The frown was directed at his brother, and when it slid to her, she quickly turned away. “She thinks I need a husband.”
“Is that right?” he asked the little girl.
“Maybe.” The beginnings of hero worship glowed in her black eyes when she looked at Caleb’s brother. “And she likes cowboys.”
“Lily!” Mallory didn’t know whether to laugh or apologize. “That’s not true.”
Travis stood and there was laughter in his eyes. “So, you don’t like cowboys?”
“No. I mean yes—” She sighed. “I’m sure cowboys are lovely people for someone who’s looking for commitment.”
She noticed Caleb was still frowning, but this time his gaze was on her. Someone should tell him to be careful or his face could freeze that way. Or stop listening in on her conversation. He was close enough to hear and didn’t seem to be paying attention to what his father and brother were talking about.
“Are
