both hard times and good times, neither of which were forgotten or taken for granted.
The elder Coopers occupied the head positions at the table. Leanne sat across from Dex next to Angelica, the five-year-old daughter of Ty’s adopted brother Chad. Chad and his wife also sat on that side. Next to Dex was Chad’s older brother Court, his wife, and their four-year-old twin boys. At least he hoped he had the right name with the right brother.
Ty had explained that Court and Chad were the sons of Grandmother Cooper’s younger sister who had died years ago, leaving the boys alone in the world since their father had already passed away. The Coopers had gladly taken in the boys, adopting them and rearing them as Ty’s brothers. Dex suddenly wanted to know what that sort of love was like. That kind of family bond. Though he knew his grandparents in Atlanta loved him, it wasn’t the same.
“So, did you have a pleasant trip?” Grandmother Cooper asked as she offered a platter of steaks to Dex.
Dex stared at the enormous platter as he accepted it. Big, thick, juicy cuts of beef. He selected the smallest portion then passed the platter to Court. “It was…” How the hell was it? he wondered. “…as well as can be expected, I suppose,” he said noncommittally.
Grandfather Cooper snorted. “I told you not to get your hopes up, son. You’re just like your mother, always dreaming big dreams. But sometimes you just have to be satisfied with the way things are.”
Dex stared at the older man. Just like his mother. His mother’d had big dreams? What kind of dreams? He suddenly wanted to know.
“Enough of that,” Grandmother Cooper scolded when Dex was relatively sure his grandfather would have gone on. “Ty’s just gotten home. He can tell us about the business part of his trip tomorrow.”
She smiled at Dex and he had the abrupt, overwhelming feeling that it was exactly like seeing his mother smile. Before he could dwell further on the gesture a bowl of green beans was thrust under his chin. Dex peered down at the clearly overcooked vegetable. The whole meal was a ticket to an early grave. Green beans, cooked with what appeared to be a hunk of meat consisting totally of fat, steak, potatoes brimming with golden butter, and a slab of cornbread that looked as though it could keep them all fed for a week. The kind of meal the Montgomerys avoided at all costs.
Not a single lettuce leaf was in sight.
Dex surveyed the large group gathered around the table. Hadn’t any of them heard about eating healthy? Without warning, something hit him square in the chest. A green bean lay on the table, a greasy spot just above the fourth button soiled the tan-colored shirt he wore.
Across the wide expanse of worn, but well-polished oak Angelica smiled innocently at him. Dex peered at her in confusion for a moment, then at the bean once more. Had she thrown it at him? He lifted his gaze back to her just in time to see her use her spoon to launch another one in his direction. This one hit high on his right shoulder.
Dex frowned, uncertain of what course of action he should take, if any. He hadn’t spent any time around children. He only knew that they were messy and cried a lot. This one appeared intent on the former. He scanned the other adult faces. All were engrossed in eating or some discussion about the ranch he probably wouldn’t have understood even if he’d been listening.
Just when Angelica, an evil grin plastered across her pretty little face, prepared to fire at him once more, her father’s hand closed over hers. “Stop that, young lady,” he said firmly.
Relieved, Dex relaxed. “She’s a pretty good shot, Court,” he offered conversationally.
Everyone stopped talking and stared at him. What had he done? The sound of blood roaring through his ears made the silence deafening. Had he made a mistake already?
And then he knew.
“Chad,” Dex amended, then shook his head. He’d called the man by the wrong name. Dex shrugged. “Jet lag,” he offered in explanation.
All nodded, some even laughed and seemed to be satisfied with that excuse. All but Leanne, who studied him inquisitively. Flashing her a strained smile, Dex focused on the food on his plate. He’d have to be more careful. His head was throbbing, his heart pounding. But he was here now. He might as well give this trading places thing a shot. There was no reason he couldn’t do it. He glanced at the child sitting across the table. She gave him one of those I’m-not-through-with-you-yet looks. Then again, maybe he couldn’t do it.
Had he lost his mind entirely? Dex slowly studied the people seated around the table. Uncertainty undermined his newly found determination. How in the world was he supposed to fool all of them? When his gaze settled on his Grandmother Cooper again she chose that precise moment to turn toward him. Another of those heartwarming smiles spread across her lovely face. This was why he was here. This was his opportunity to learn what kind of person his mother had been. To see pictures…to learn about her past.
And maybe to somehow understand how a family as seemingly loving and generous as this one could take one child and turn their back on the other.
Chapter Two
Dex felt like a character from an episode of a reality TV show.
He was mentally and physically drained, but his first meal with the Coopers was nearing an end at last. The moment anyone seated around the large table made a move signaling the event was officially over, he intended to excuse himself for the evening. His senses were on overload. Too much conversation, too many different voices and personalities. He’d definitely taken for granted the experience of quiet dining. He doubted he would do that again anytime soon. This level of stimuli during a meal couldn’t possibly bode well for the digestive system.
Not to mention he’d ingested more saturated fats in one sitting than he had in a lifetime of eating his usual cuisine. He had to admit, however, that the steak had been more than palatable…tasty even. If what he’d been served tonight was indicative of Cooper beef, then the quality was premium.
He could see now why Ty felt compelled to pursue larger markets. The product was certainly worth the extra effort.
“We’ll clear, ladies,” Chad, or at least Dex thought it was Chad, said as he pushed back his chair and stood.
At this point Dex wasn’t sure of anything except that he had to be alone.
“Why, thank you, honey,” Chad’s wife—Jenny, if Dex remembered correctly—crooned with a wide smile.
Following the example of the other men, Dex stood as well. He knew a moment of panic as he considered what he should do next. He’d never had to clear a table before. How difficult could it be? Drawing on years of experience of eating at restaurants, he reached for his plate and glass like the waiters who’d served him in the past.
“No way, brother,” Court said from beside him. “You’ve got the night off.” Court winked. “Besides, you have company to see to.”
Dex blinked, uncertain what the man meant. What company?
“Oh, don’t be silly, Court,” Leanne chided. She pushed to her feet. “I can see myself out. It’s past time I got home.” She leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Grandmother Cooper’s cheek. “Thank you for having me to supper.”
“Anytime, dear,” she returned. “Anytime. You tell your mama I said hello.”
“I sure will.” Leanne glanced at Dex. “Well, I guess I’ll be going.”
Court elbowed him. “I’ll…ah…see you to the door,” Dex offered, suddenly remembering his manners, and realizing, just as abruptly, that the rest of the family clearly considered Leanne his company.
Still trying to figure that one out, Dex followed her into the front hall. “Thank you again for picking me up at the airport,” he offered for lack of anything else to say.
“I didn’t mind,” she said, turning back to him when she stopped at the door. “I hope something good comes of your trip,