Blake had expected after Jaxi had given him the lowdown from Laurel that very first day.
Just this week Mark had shown up a few more times in places where Blake was. Usually tagging along with George, helping out with whatever tasks his uncle was assigned to.
“What’d you think of him?” Matt wasn’t the type to want to discuss the topic for no good reason.
Blake turned and gave him a little more attention. “Specifically?”
“Oh, don’t give me your sphinx face. You know as well as I do the girls have been chatting this up all over text and the phone lines. You think him being interested in Auntie Dana is a good thing?”
“Interesting question, coming from you.” Blake held up a hand. “And I don’t mean that in a shitty way. I mean it—”
“You mean it took a hell of a long time to figure out which family member was the one worth spending time with. It’s true. Everything that I dreamed of having with Helen ended up coming true with Hope.” Matt stared at their uncle’s truck thoughtfully. “I think this is different. My case was being too distracted by expectations. Helen and I were boyfriend and girlfriend, therefore we should do the next thing, then do the next thing. I never stopped to open my eyes wide enough to realize I was following tradition rather than being with the person who wanted to be with me.”
“You think Auntie Dana and Uncle Ben were right together?”
“Dad said they were. At least at first.” Mark shrugged. “I think it took a hell of a lot of guts for Uncle Mark to come back here, and the last few weeks have shown he’s not an overbearing asshole. Or at least not right out in public, he isn’t.”
“That’s a pretty low bar to start approval at,” Blake said with a chuckle.
Matt grinned. “I guess my point is, I changed, and that’s what made me the right person for Hope. Maybe it’s taken this many years for Mark to become the right person to be a part of this family in more ways than one.”
The man they were discussing popped out of the barn. He spotted them and gave a wave, marching forward with a steady gait that spoke of a strong body and a clear conscience.
“He did a damn good thing helping Becky,” Blake said quietly. “And he did it when there was no possible reward for his actions. To be honest, that says more to me about his character than anything he’s done recently.”
Matt met his gaze. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”
“It happens sometimes,” Blake said dryly. He turned to his uncle and offered a greeting. “We’re wandering slowly. Need help with something?”
Mark shook his head. “I was hoping that I could help you.”
Jaxi passed the final plate to Becca to place on the table before lifting her gaze to Blake’s. She spoke softly so that the children rushing around to get the dinner table ready couldn’t hear. “So, Uncle Mark wants to be added to the work schedule? As in, he’s planning on going back to taking a full draw from the family finances?”
“He’s always taken a partial amount for the parts of the land that were co-owned by all the Colemans. But no.” Blake caught her by the wrist and hauled her against him for a moment, soothing his own concerns in the way that she instantly nestled against him, a perfect fit. “He said he’s here and he wants to work. He said we’d figure out the financial part in an official meeting in a month or so, but that he’s got no dastardly plans for any of us to worry about.”
“Oh, that’s reassuring,” Jaxi said dryly. “I’m so glad he says he has no dastardly plans.”
Blake snickered, tilting her chin up so he could press a kiss to her lips. She relaxed, the tension draining out of her as he took what he needed at that moment.
“Mooooommy. Daaaaaddy. We’re hungry.”
“And you’re kissing again.”
Jaxi’s lips curled into a smile under his. “We have very observant children.”
“I noticed that,” Blake said with a tease, glancing toward the kitchen door. “Is the table set?”
“Yes. Except we need pickles.” Lana marched past them to the refrigerator, jerking the door open and reaching inside with an experienced air. She glanced back at them then waved a little hand imperiously. “I got this. You can ring the bell.”
“Why, thank you, princess,” Blake said politely. He winked at Jaxi then led her into the dining