a home that’s not functioning the way it should and you figure out how to fix the dynamic through a bathroom remodel or a kitchen makeover. It changes people’s lives.”
“I’m sure it does.” Hope thought of her extremely basic apartment in Cody and yearned for a place she could really make her own. She was saving, but not fast enough to suit her.
Phil sighed. “We need to get back to the party, but I almost hate to. It’s been so good catching up after all this time.”
“It has.” Hope gave her a hug. “Cody isn’t that far away. We need to keep in better touch.” She glanced down at the almost invisible bulge that indicated Phil was pregnant with her first child. “Do you know yet if it’s a boy or a girl?”
“We don’t want to know before he or she is born. But I’m hoping for a girl. Damon’s foster family is chockablock with testosterone. Rosie’s been holding the fort with some help from Lexi and me, but honestly, we need reinforcements. I understand why Rosie and Herb decided to take only boys after they brought Cade home. Life was less complicated that way. But the ladies need more representation around here.”
“Then I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a girl.”
“Good deal. Now let’s go kick butt at some cards.”
“I’m pumped. Let’s do it.” She walked into the living room and discovered every woman with her nose pressed against the windows.
“Hey!” Phil’s shout made them turn around, and they all looked guilty as hell. “I thought we’d agreed not to watch.”
“We did, dear.” Edie gestured toward the window. “But we’re only human, and every one of those lovely men has taken off his shirt.”
“Which you wouldn’t have known if at least one of you hadn’t peeked.” Phil crossed her arms and tried to look stern, but Hope could tell she was working hard not to laugh.
“I confess,” Lexi said, grinning. “It was Edie.”
Phil sighed. “Come on, Edie. I’m sure you’ve seen shirtless cowboys before.”
“Not with muscles like theirs,” her stepmother said, “and not so many all at once.”
“Even Herb took off his shirt.” Rosie sounded proud of that. “If I do say so myself, he’s a fine figure of a man for his age. The sculpture’s almost in place. Do you want to—”
“No!” Phil clapped a hand over her eyes. “I’m not looking. Grady wanted this to be a surprise, and although I may be the only one in this room who will be surprised, I’m taking the high road.”
“Me, too.” As a gesture of solidarity, Hope refused to look out the window, even though the prospect of seeing Liam shirtless was a powerful draw.
Rosie walked over and wrapped her arm around Phil. “I admire your ethical stand. I’m also happy to report that the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood has settled your gift in its spot, and it looks magnificent.”
“Do you want a teensy-weensy hint as to what it is?” Edie looked ready to burst with eagerness.
“I do not.” Phil plopped into the nearest chair. “Don’t any of you dare tell me what it looks like, or give me hints, or whisper so I can hear you. Grady Magee, who is a god among sculptors, has made me—well, Damon and me—a fabulous work of art. I will not see it before its time!”
A decisive rap on the door grabbed everyone’s attention, but no one moved.
At last Hope got up. “I’ll get it.” When she opened the door, Liam stood on the other side, holding a bandana.
He wore a wide smile. “It’s up.”
Everyone in the room cheered, including Hope, although she was a bit distracted by the man standing in the open doorway. He’d put on his shirt, but it hung open to reveal a chest glistening with sweat. He must have taken the steps two at a time, because he was breathing fast. Hope stared in fascination at the droplets quivering on his dark chest hair.
Then she glanced up and discovered he was looking right at her with an expression that clearly said caught you looking. Heat rushed to her cheeks, but she bravely met his gaze. Talking with Phil had clarified the situation for her, and if he wanted to pursue this attraction for the weekend, she was game.
“So, can we go out now or what?” Rosie asked.
Liam walked into the room. “My instructions are to blindfold Phil and lead her to the sculpture. You can—”
“Why isn’t Grady doing the leading?” Rosie asked. “Or Damon?”
“Because both of them want to see her face when she takes off the blindfold, so I volunteered.”
Rosie nodded. “Makes sense. Proceed.”
“Thanks. You can all follow behind, but you’re not supposed to say anything. You might give it away.”
“Who, us?” Edie laughed. “Never.”
“We’ll be quiet,” Lexi promised.
“That means you can’t make any noises, like gasping and stuff.” Liam positioned the blue bandana over Phil’s eyes and tied it behind her head. “Is that too tight, Phil?”
“No.”
“Can you see?”
“No.”
“You’re sure?”
“She doesn’t want to see,” Hope said. “She’s been really good about not looking.”
He glanced at her. “Did you look?”
“Nope.”
“She didn’t,” Lexi said. “But you might want to skip that question for the rest of us.”
“Yeah, I saw those faces glued to the window. I think we’re ready, Phil. I’ll hold your right hand until we’re out the door. Hope, once we’re out, why don’t you take her left? That way she’ll have support on both sides if she trips on something. The ground’s uneven.”
“Glad to.” Maybe he’d suggested it as a reward because she’d been the only person besides Phil who hadn’t peeked at the sculpture. Or maybe he liked the idea of sharing this moment with her. Whatever his reason, she was honored that he’d asked.
“I have a suggestion, Liam,” Rosie said.
“What do you have in mind, Rosie?”
“Why not let us go first? Then you don’t have to worry that we’ll give anything away, and we get to see her reaction, too.”
“Okay, that’s better. Go on ahead.” After everyone else had left the cabin, he looked over at Hope. “Let’s give them a little lead time. Grady’s excited about this moment. He’s been envisioning it ever since he got the wedding invitation.”
“I never
