Page 30 of The Maxwell Brothers

“Very efficient.”

“But don't let me keep you with my tales. Fill your plate again. They just made the grilled corn, and it's fabulous for everyone who still has theirrealteeth. Take advantage of it," she said.

Laughing, I stood up. "It was nice talking to you, Beatrice."

She winked at me. "You're good for Paisley.” After a brief pause, she added, "And for Tate."

I felt my cheeks heat up to my ears. I walked away quickly, heading to the grill.

Tyler was operating it this time. I held out my plate and asked, "May I have an ear of corn?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, putting one on my plate. He looked up at me with a twinkle in his eyes. "I'm putting it out there that you can always ask me stuff about my brother. I promise 100 percent honesty.”

"Does he know you're going around offering information about him?"

"I bet he does.” He smirked. “In my defense, I don't do it often, just for the people I like. And I like you, Lexi."

I grinned, liking the ease between us. I didn’t feel like I was working but rather like I was part of the gang. It felt like they were embracing me as one of their own.

I looked around for Reese but couldn’t see her anywhere.

“Where is Reese?” I asked Tyler.

“She just left.”

“Oh, okay. I’m going to check on Paisley, then.”

She was at the other end of the yard, sitting next to her father. "What are you two chatting about?" I asked as I approached.

"I was telling Daddy I want to watchThe Jungle Booktoday."

Tate gave me a meaningful look.

The corners of my mouth lifted.So, this is where he draws the line.

“Well, I think your dad might be a bit tired after barbequing for so many people, but why don’t we watch it on Monday?”

Paisley lit up. “Okay. I’m gonna tell Great-Gran. Maybe she wants to watch it too.” Sliding down from Tate’s lap, she immediately headed to Beatrice.

“Thank you,” he said with a sigh. “How could you tell that I couldn’t find a good excuse?”

“You seemed a bit stuck and in need of my help.”

“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I’ve watchedThe Jungle Bookso many times with her that I want to bust the screen when the theme song comes up.”

We laughed for a moment, and then he asked, “Are you having fun?”

“Yes. I love your grandma.”

“She’s amazing,” he said with admiration in his voice.

“Your whole family is lovely. It makes me miss my parents. They often have gatherings like these too. They love to invite neighbors and friends over for cookouts on the weekend. Well, they used to, before Mom had the surgery. But as soon as she’s better, things will return to normal.” I looked around with asmile, regretting that I had to leave. “It was a great day. I’m happy I stayed.”

His smile faded. “You’re leaving?”

“I’m meeting my friend, remember?”

“Okay. I’ll walk you out.”