Page 26 of High Country Escape

“No! I mean, I’d love to spend more time with you. But my whole family—it can be a lot.”

“I’ve already met Aaron and Bethany and Carter. Is there anyone else?”

“Just my parents. And Aaron’s and Carter’s fiancées and Bethany’s fiancé.”

“Is your mom a good cook?”

“She’s a great cook.”

“Lasagna is my favorite, too,” she said.

He closed the program on his computer, then stood. “Are you ready to go?”

She nodded. Nothing intense about meeting his family, right? Butterflies took off in her stomach and she fought the urge to flee. Back to her solitary home. Away from people who might misunderstand or judge her.

But that wasn’t happening here, she reminded herself. Dalton didn’t do those things and even if his family did, she could face them, knowing he had her back.

Chapter Seven

Dalton loved his family. He loved them enough that when the rest of them decided to move from Vermont to Eagle Mountain, Colorado, he hadn’t hesitated to join them. But he couldn’t help thinking that at times the Ames clan could be a little...overwhelming. He thought this now as he led Roxanne up the walkway to his parents’ home. From the street they had been able to hear the blare of music and cacophony of people talking, laughing and even shouting.

He gave her a weak smile. “They’re not exactly a reserved bunch,” he said.

“It sounds like they’re having a good time,” she said.

The door opened before they reached the steps and Bethany leaned out. “I thought that was your car,” she said. “Hello, Roxanne. You look like you’re feeling much better than the last time I saw you.”

“Oh, yes,” Roxanne said. “I’m fi—”

Bethany grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. “We’re looking at table decorations for my wedding. Tell me what you think. I’m having a terrible time deciding.”

“Well, I—” Roxanne looked back over her shoulder at Dalton.

“Bethany, don’t—” he began, but the two women had already disappeared through the door.

Dalton hurried after them. He immediately collided with Carter, who shoved a cold can into his hand. “Try this,” he said. “It’s cider Dad picked up somewhere.” He sipped from his own can. “Pretty good stuff.”

“Where did Bethany take Roxanne?” Dalton asked.

“That was Roxanne?” Carter grinned. “You sly dog. Things must be moving pretty fast if you’re already bringing her home to meet the family. I wouldn’t let Mira anywhere near the whole crew until I was pretty sure she wasn’t going to run away screaming.”

“We’re not that bad,” Dalton protested.

“You aren’t. But Mom can be a bit much sometimes. And Dad’s jokes aren’t really that funny most of the time.”

“Dalton!” Their mother headed down the hallway toward them. “Weren’t you supposed to bring someone? Where is she?”

“Hi, Mom.” Dalton leaned in to hug his mother. She smelled of oregano and hair spray, a scent he probably could have used to track her in any crowd. “Roxanne is here somewhere. Bethany took her to look at table decorations.”

“I already told Bethany we should go with the white candles on silver trays but she keeps dithering. The wedding is going to be here before she makes up her mind.”

“She’s still got a few weeks,” Dalton said.

Diane Ames gave him the look moms everywhere leveled at children who refuse to see the obvious. “The wedding is in three weeks,” she said. “Everything should have been decided long ago.” She looked back over her shoulder. “I need to check the oven, but as soon as that’s done, I want you to introduce me to your young lady.”

“Mom, she’s not my—” But his mother was gone.

Carter put his arm around Dalton. “Drink up, and go with the flow. Mira tells me she thinks Mom and Dad are ‘darling.’”