“Stop.”
“You’ve got a decent track record; Law and I are wild cards. We’ve never shown any interest in settling down.”
“You should. Then I can have the heat off me,” I grumble.
Gael chuckles. “Not on your life.”
“Who called a meeting and forgot to invite me?” Law joins as I straighten.
“Mrs. Ethel is cornering big brother and all but offering up a dowry for Nell.”
Law’s jaw clenches. “The meddlesome bat needs to keep her opinions to herself. Nell is a cool girl who’s far too sweet to stand up to her mother.”
I blink, stunned by his passionate words.
“You okay?” Gael places a hand on Law’s shoulder.
“Yeah, I’ve just gotten to know her better while we designed her deck, and it’s given me some clarity on the situation.” Law shrugs.
“Seems like a lot of emotion,” I add.
“Someone should be irritated for her.” Law scowls.
I exchange a look with Gael. There’s a story Law isn’t sharing.
“I have to get this back to mom.” I turn and mentally swear when I see Nell has joined Mom and Mrs. Ethel.
“Here you are mom. Hi Nell.”
“Hi,” She smiles.
I toy with the brim of my hat and scan the area to monitor the party and Brax, who’s hanging in the children’s corner with Noah and Ethan.
“The apple pie auction is coming soon. Are you going to be participating as one of the bidders?” Mrs. Ethel asks.
“Raglin family does every year.” I nod.
“Well, you’ll have to keep an eye out for Nell’s. She’s an excellent baker.”
Nell’s cheeks pinken.
“I’ll keep that in mind. If you ladies will excuse me, I’m going to do the rounds” I make a beeline to Fey, Henry, and Daph across the room.
I place a hand on the small of her back, and she angles herself toward me.
“What’s going on?” Daph raises an eyebrow.
“I need your help,” I whisper.
She leans in. “With what?”
I bend down and brush my lips against her ear. “Mrs. Ethel.”
Placing a hand on my chest, she laughs. “I think you’re on your own with that.”
“Would you really leave me to the wolves, little Blume?” I slide my hand down to cup her hip.
“Let’s show Sugar Creek what they can expect from us.”