“We did plenty. I bought the saloon,” Martin said in his defense, sending a severe look Bethel’s way.
“Anyone can buy a bar,” Eileen replied with a chuckle.
“Well, it wasn’t just anyone who did it. It was me.” Martin was unwilling to lose the credit he felt he richly deserved.
“That’s all it takes, my friend. That’s all it takes,” Joseph said. At least Joseph knew that Martin had done well.
“Pshaw,” Bethel said. “Let’s see if you can do it again, or if this was just a lucky coincidence. After all, those two kids met months before you decided they’d make the perfect couple.”
As Martin cradled his beautiful granddaughter in his arms, he tuned out his friends, tuned out his troubles, tuned out everything but Angel. This was right where he needed to be—among friends and family, holding his four-month-old granddaughter.
“You’ve been hogging the baby all night. It’s my turn,” Joseph told him, and he held out his arms. Martin reluctantly handed her over and Joseph beamed at the little marvel of a girl.
“Well, I know you want to focus on your boys, Martin, but Taylor is stubborn as sin and she scares me witless with all her stunts on those dirt bikes. I would love nothing more than to see her happily married and settled down,” Maggie said, obviously missing her daughter.
“Oooh, I like your thinking, Maggie,” Bethel said. “I have watched Taylor grow up through the years. What a beautiful, strong daughter you have. I think it would be quite fun to see what we could arrange for her.”
“Don’t you worry, ladies. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. I’m sure we could come up with a plan,” Martin said.
“These kids just have no idea how much effort we put into their future happiness,” Joseph said. His hearty laugh made a number of heads turn in his direction.
“No, they sure don’t,” Martin said.
Then the five friends leaned in tight as they began making plans. Taylor Winchester might be up for more than she could handle in a very short time.