she’s the one.”
Brody knelt and began removing the lug nuts off the flat. “What if she is? The one, I mean? Won’t it be weird, seeing as how her sister is marrying our brother?”
Liam shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. “Naw, I’m fine with it. Not saying some folks won’t gossip. That’s human nature, a little scandalous, a bit salacious. Fodder for the rumor mill, especially in a small town like Shiloh Springs. Nobody in the family’s gonna object, if that’s what you’re wondering. Anybody else says anything, they’ll answer to us. And I doubt anybody wants to cross Momma.”
Brody gave an expert flip of his wrist and pulled off the last lug nut. Pulling the flat off, he laid it on the ground and lifted the spare, shifting and turning it to fit into place, all the while considering Liam’s words.
“She’s been through a lot. It’s a good thing her ex is behind bars, or I’d be tempted to hunt him down and teach him a lesson.”
“Trust me, you’re not the only one. I think Dad would be first in line behind you.”
Their father had made his feelings clear on more than one occasion exactly what he thought of Evan Stewart and his actions toward Beth and Jamie. Though never when Tessa or Beth were within earshot. None of the men in the Boudreau clan disagreed with their father’s assessment and his multitude of suggestions of what Stewart deserved. Personally, Brody wished he could get five minutes alone in a room with the other man.
Finished tightening the lug nuts, Brody released the jack and lowered the truck. Liam grabbed the flat and tossed it into the truck bed, and Brody gathered the tools and handed them back to his brother.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” He plucked at his sweat-soaked shirt. “I definitely need a shower now. I should have just enough time to get home and changed before picking up Beth.”
“Where are you taking her?”
“Claudette’s.”
“Nice. I figured first date you should go someplace special, where you might get a bit of privacy,” Liam chuckled. “Not something you’re likely to get if you went anywhere in Shiloh Springs. The gossip mills would be running overtime before you even sat down.”
“Which is why I vetoed Beth’s suggestion of going to Daisy’s. I want to spend a little private time with her. Just the two of us, you know?” Brody brushed his dirty hands on his jean-clad thighs. “Tessa’s gonna watch Jamie for the night.”
Liam quirked a brow and gave him a knowing grin. After giving Brody a slap on the back, he headed for his truck. “Have a good time, bro. You deserve it.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the rescue.”
“No problem. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it goes.”
Brody waved as Liam pulled back onto the road, before climbing behind the wheel and starting his truck. A quick glance for oncoming traffic, and he was headed back toward Shiloh Springs and his date with Beth.
Nothing better ruin his plans for the perfect evening. Nothing.
CHAPTER TEN
It felt like a million butterflies had taken flight in her stomach as Beth watched through the front window as Brody’s pickup truck pull into her drive. Her hands clenched into fists, and she nervously opened and closed them several times, her breath caught in her throat. She’d been on pins and needles for the past half hour, fussing over and over with her hair, wondering if she had on too much makeup or not enough.
Tessa and Jamie left for their sleepover at the Big House right after Tessa had finished helping her get ready. Thinking about Jamie made her heart feel light. She’d adjusted beautifully since they’d come to Shiloh Springs, better than Beth could have hoped. Ah, the joys of youth. Nothing seemed to phase her daughter except, heaven forbid they, run out of frozen waffles. That catastrophe might be the end of the civilized world.
The knock on the door brought her thoughts flying back to Brody. He’s here. Standing on my front porch. Not with the rest of the Boudreaus hanging around. Not with a house full of people, chattering and futzing around. Alone. He’s here to see me. Not me and Jamie. Me.
Her stomach quivered, nerves fluttering deep inside, and she felt almost lightheaded. Which was ridiculous, she reminded herself. They were simply two friends going out to dinner. People did it all the time.
Except most people weren’t Brody Boudreau.
Pulling open the front door, Brody stood on the other side, dressed