and Silver like to go big or go home,” Kaiden agreed. “It’s going to be one hell of a party.”
“Wes is looking forward to it.”
“He’s planning on going?” Kaiden looked up. “I wouldn’t have thought it was his kind of thing.”
“Oh, he loves dressing up.” Beth grinned. “And I think he’s got a bit of a crush on Julia, so he’s hoping she’s coming, too. Do you know if she is?”
“I’ve no idea.” Kaiden shrugged like the thought of seeing her again wasn’t giving him life. “You should ask your boss.”
“Juan says she was definitely invited.” Beth set the covered dish on the table. “I just wondered whether she’d said anything more definite to you, personally. Wes seems to think you are his main competition.”
“Wes is—” Kaiden paused, remembering he was talking to his apprentice’s adopted mother. “Welcome to try his luck.”
“Like she’d pick him over you.” Beth chuckled. “Poor Wes.” She flicked the tea towel at him. “I think Julia’s already made her choice.”
“Yeah, well, she’s in San Francisco, and I’m here, so I can’t see that working out, can you?” Kaiden pocketed his tape measure and set about putting his stuff back into his toolbox.
“Some people make long distance relationships work,” Beth said. “Look at Chase and January.”
“Sure helps being a multimillionaire with a private jet,” Kaiden muttered. “Not all of us can manage that.”
“What’s up, Kaiden?” She studied him intently. “You’re usually one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. Now, you can barely manage a smile.”
He shrugged and focused on what he was doing, hoping she’d take the hint and stop asking him stuff.
“Are you worried about your dad?” Unfortunately, Beth kept talking.
“He’s doing much better. Dr. Tio says he can start doing some basic ranch work next week.”
“Then if it isn’t him, what is it?”
Kaiden stared at her. “Why does it matter?”
She put her hands on her hips. “Because I like you? Because you’ve sorted Wes out, and you got me this job, and I wish I could help you?”
“I’m just . . .” He shoved a hand through his hair. “Changing stuff up right now, and it’s hard, okay?”
“I get that. I had to make some difficult decisions myself a couple of years ago.” She hesitated. “Are you sure this doesn’t have anything to do with Julia Garcia?”
He picked up his toolbox. “We’ve already talked about that, and there’s nothing left to say. She’s gone, I’m here, and that’s the end of it.”
Beth rolled her eyes. “So, basically, you’ve decided to be stubborn.”
“Yup.” He set his Stetson on his head. “I’ll just put this away in my truck and come back for the rest of my stuff.”
He walked out through the mudroom, put his boots on, and stalked over to his truck. The problem with living in the place where you were born was that everyone knew you too well and thought they should give you advice all the time. Beth wasn’t the first well-meaning person who’d tried to help him, and she probably wouldn’t be the last.
He glanced up as an unfamiliar car came bouncing up the rutted driveway and stopped behind his truck. It looked like a rental, and for a second Kaiden wondered if Julia had come back early. The thrill that thought gave him indicated that despite everything he kept telling himself, he still wasn’t over her.
A guy got out, shut his door, and turned a slow circle before finally seeming to notice Kaiden was there.
“Hey. Long time no see.”
Kaiden blinked hard. “Miguel?”
“Yeah.” He came forward, his hand extended to shake Kaiden’s, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses. He wore a leather jacket with military badges on it and khaki pants. “Good to see you, Kai. Is my old man around?”
“He’s inside.” Kaiden gestured vaguely at the house. “What brings you back here?”
“Family business.” Miguel set off for the house and Kaiden followed him. “No need for you to announce me.”
“I dunno, maybe I should,” Kaiden said. “I don’t want to stress your dad out. I don’t think he’s expecting you, or he would have said something.”
Miguel paused in the doorway. “May I ask what you’re doing here?”
“I’m remodeling the kitchen. I’m sure Julia told you about it,” Kaiden said. “Since your dad’s MS has gotten a lot worse he needed the place to be wheelchair accessible.”
“Oh, that’s right. Julia did mention it.”
Miguel went to push past Kaiden, but he refused to budge.
“Seeing as we’re asking questions right now, Mig, does Julia know you’re here?”
“Definitely. I was just talking