Montana Sky

McKinnon was a slimly built man who stopped just shy of lanky. He’d inherited his mother’s wavy hair and his father’s squared-off jaw. His eyes were green, like Ben’s, but dreamier. He was a man who liked to spend his days in the clouds. The minute he was out of coat and hat, he kissed his wife and picked up his daughter.
    “Did you wipe your feet?” his mother demanded.
    “Yes’m. Is that sweet potato?”
    “It’s mine,” Stu said darkly, then nudged the pie closer possessively as the door opened again.
    “The piebald mare’s looking ready to—” Ben spotted Willa and his smile came slow. “Hey, Will.”
    “She brought pie,” Zack said, eyeing it avariciously. “Dad won’t share.”
    “What kind?” Ben dropped into a chair beside Willa and began to play with her hair.
    “Your father’s kind,” she said, and brushed his hand away.
    “Thata girl.” Stu scooped up another forkful, then looked crushed when his wife sliced two more pieces. “I thought I was sick.”
    “You’ll be sick if you eat all this yourself. Give Shelly the baby, Zack, and pour the coffee. Ben, stop fussing with Will and let the girl eat.”
    “Nag, nag, nag,” Stu muttered, then beamed when Willa winked and slid her piece of pie from her plate to his.
    “Stuart McKinnon, shame on you.” Sarah put her hands on her hips as her husband dug in to the second piece.
    “She gave it to me, didn’t she? How are those pretty sisters of yours, Will?”
    “They’re fine. Ah . . .” Neither Lily nor Adam had asked that it be kept secret. In any case, Willa imagined tongues were already starting to wag. “Adam and Lily are engaged. They’re going to be married in June.”
    “A wedding.” Shelly bounced as happily as the baby. “Oh, that’s wonderful.”
    “Adam’s getting married.” Sarah let out a sigh as her eyes went sentimentally moist. “Why, I can remember when he and Ben used to tramp off to the stream with fishing poles.” She sniffed, dabbed her eyes. “We’ll help you with the shower, Willa.”
    “Shower?”
    “The bridal shower,” Shelly said, gearing up. “I can’t wait. They’ll live in that adorable little house of his, won’t they? I wonder what kind of dress she’s looking for. I’ll have to tell her about this wonderful shop in Billings where I found mine. And they have gorgeous bridesmaids’ dresses too. I hope she wants vivid colors for you.”
    Willa set her cup down before she choked. “For me?”
    “I’m sure you and Tess will be her attendants. Both of you want strong colors. Rich blue, dark pink.”
    “Pink?”
    At the desperate look in her eyes, Ben howled. “You’re scaring her bloodless, Shelly. Don’t worry, Will. I’ll look after you. I’m going to be best man.” He toasted her with his coffee. “I just talked to Adam this morning. You beat me to the announcement.”
    With his plate scraped clean, Zack came up for air. “Better let me talk to him. I’ve still got the scars from our wedding.” As Shelly’s eyes narrowed, he grinned. “Remember those monkey suits we had to wear, Ben? Thought I’d strangle before I could say ‘I do.’ ” He bent to his coffee when Shelly smacked the back of his head. “Of course, I had a lump in my throat when I looked down the aisle and saw this vision coming toward me. The most beautiful sight any man sees in his life.”
    “Good save, son,” Stu commented. “I don’t mind weddings myself, though your mom and I did it the easy way and eloped.”
    “That was only because my father wanted to shoot you. You tell Lily to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help, Will. Just thinking about a wedding makes spring seem closer.”
    “I will. I know she’ll appreciate it. I have to get back.”
    “Oh, don’t go yet.” Shelly reached out to grab her hand. “You’ve hardly been here at all. I can have Zack go down to the house and get my stack of Bride’s magazines and the photo album. It might give Lily some ideas.”
    “I’m sure she’d like to come over herself and huddle with you.” Now the idea of a wedding was making her shoulder blades itch. “I’d stay if I could, but the light’s already going.”
    “She’s right,” Sarah murmured, shooting an uneasy glance out the window. “It’s no time for a woman to be out on the road alone at night. Ben—”
    “I’ll ride over with her.” Ignoring Willa’s protests, he rose and fetched his hat and coat. “One of your men can drive me