challenge to expand this area of their business, wanting to build a world-renowned equestrian facility known for its community outreach programs. Each of them was committed to affording young boys and girls from impoverished homes the experience of ranch life up close and personal. Mark, in particular, had made it his personal pet project.
As the three men made their way up the steps of the oversize home, Juanita greeted them at the door, her excitement uncontained. The petite woman reached to wrap her arms tightly around thick necks.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you boys!” Juanita exclaimed, her gray hair swaying down against her shoulders.
“You need to come into the office more often to see us, Aunt Juanita,” Mark said as he lifted her from the ground in a deep bear hug.
“Soon. I promise,” Juanita answered. “There’s been so much going on here that I’ve just had my hands full.” She gestured for them to follow her. “Come on in. We were all getting breakfast,” she said softly.
Inside the large home, the rest of the Briscoe-Stallion clan were gathered around the kitchen island consuming a home-cooked meal. The men were greeted by the delectable aroma of pan-fried potatoes, thick sausage and seasoned eggs.
“Looks like we’re just in time,” Matthew said, reaching for an empty plate off the counter. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning,” said Edward and his daughters, Marah and Eden.
“There are homemade biscuits in the oven,” Marah’s twin sister Marla said, her infant son looking curiously about from her lap.
Mark grinned. “No wonder our big brother can’t ever be found. A beautiful wife and homemade biscuits, too! You’ve got it made, boy!” he exclaimed, slapping John on the back.
“I go away for a few days and now I can’t be found.” John rolled his eyes skyward as he pulled another forkful of potatoes into his mouth. “Please.”
Luke laughed. “Please nothing. Before, you would take a vacation and we’d hear from you every day. When’s the last time you talked to him, Matt?”
Matthew shook his head. “He didn’t call me.”
“Me either,” Mark chuckled.
Marah grinned widely, moving to wrap her arms around her husband’s neck. “A good woman will do that for you. You boys should try it one day,” she said as she planted a kiss against John’s cheek.
John’s smile was even wider than hers. “Don’t be jealous, boys,” he said as he hugged Marah tightly.
They all laughed, chattering easily together as they consumed their morning meal.
“You all are coming to our event tonight, aren’t you?” Eden asked, looking from one brother to the others.
Luke nodded eagerly. “And, I’m bringing a good friend. You remember Michelle, don’t you, Marah?”
Marah nodded. “Oh, I really liked her. I’m glad she’s coming. I know just the men to introduce her to.”
Mark bristled ever so slightly. “Maybe she doesn’t want to be introduced to any men,” he said, his eyes shifting across his plate as he tried to avoid Marah’s curious stare.
Luke eyed Marah and chuckled. “But that’s why she’s coming, Mark. I told her if anyone can help her find a good man that Marah can.”
Mark raised one eyebrow, lifting his gaze slightly to meet his brother’s. “Did you now?” he asked, his tone voicing his displeasure at the sudden thought of his favorite mechanic meeting any other men.
Luke laughed out loud. John looked from Mark to Luke and back again, cutting his gaze toward Matthew. “Did I miss something?”
Matthew shrugged. “Beats me.”
Mark frowned. “No, you didn’t miss a thing. Your brother just thinks he’s funny, that’s all.”
Luke laughed again, shaking his head vigorously.
Marah interjected. “Well, just so you’re prepared, Mark. I think it would be nice if you got to know Michelle better. Unless of course you think Matt would be a better choice for her?”
Mark cast his gaze toward Marah, a rush of heat warming his cheeks as he shook his head vehemently. He stammered, choking on a piece of food. Juanita rushed to his aid, the small of her palm hammering against his broad back.
“I swear, Mark,” Juanita exclaimed. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that you’re obviously interested in this girl.”
Edward shook his head. “Son, I think Juanita done peeped your hold card!”
Mark tapped a closed fist against his chest as he gasped for air. Everyone around him was laughing heartily.
“You all leave Mark be,” Juanita said warmly, her gaze glistening with joy. “Y’all gone make him jump scared before he gets a chance to know the girl.”
Luke grinned, reaching for another biscuit. “Not me, Aunt Juanita. I’ve got a bet riding on this meeting. And I don’t like to lose.”
It was a nice crowd, Mark thought to himself. A very nice group of current clients, former customers and newbies interested in the services the Post Club might have to offer filled the room. Mark watched as Marah and Eden worked the room. They’d been going strong for well over an hour as they guided singles into groups and groups into couples. As he looked anxiously toward the door for the umpteenth time, he noted the arrival of his brothers as Luke and John entered the room at the same time. Luke’s friend Michelle was nowhere to be found.
Marah rushed to greet them, wrapping both men in a deep hug. “This is so exciting!” she gushed, her gaze racing around the perimeter of the room. “We’ve had a great turnout tonight.”
John nodded his head, looking from one sister to the other. “It looks like you and Eden have done a great job,” he said as he leaned his six-foot-plus frame down to kiss her cheek. “Congratulations, baby,” he said, hugging her tightly against his solid body.
“Thank you,” Marah said excitedly.
“Is Michelle still coming?” Mark asked, moving to join the trio. His attention fell on Luke’s face, eagerness flooding his expression. He glanced toward the door one more time.
“Hello to you, too,” John said, rolling his eyes skyward.
Luke echoed his sentiments. “Boy, is that how you greet your family?”
“Hey,” Mark said with a quick nod. “So, is she?”
Before Luke could respond, the entrance door opening and then closing pulled at their attention. The small group turned at the same time to see who was coming through the doorway. Mark was suddenly taken aback as he caught sight of the exquisite woman making her entrance.
“Hot damn!” Mark exclaimed under his breath, his eyes widening with excitement.
Donning a silk dress that was the color of summer-kissed peaches,
