Jericho sized Wyatt up in an instant. The solidly built man not only had the same brown eyes as Ivy, but they shared the same dark hair color. Wyatt’s weathered face contained a thick layer of scruff that made him appear more mature. It fit him well. Thankfully, his expression contained only anticipation and not a hint of animosity.

“Wyatt.” Jericho reached out for a handshake. “Good to see you.”

Wyatt’s grip was firm but friendly. The oldest of the McQuaid brothers was even-tempered, which was why Jericho had decided to visit Wyatt first instead of Flynn. More like a father figure to the family, Flynn viewed life seriously and wouldn’t be as easy on him as Wyatt. Jericho couldn’t put off visiting Flynn for long, but he hoped to give his old friend a little time to get used to the idea he was here—without Dylan.

In no time, Jericho found himself seated at the big table with the family. Astrid insisted on Greta staying put and resting her feet while she went to the big kitchen in the next room and dished Jericho up a plate of beef with vegetables and gravy. The rich roasted scent mixed with the aroma of freshly baked bread, and his mouth watered at the prospect of slathering his bread with some of Greta’s famous mountain-berry jam.

As he ate, Wyatt caught him up on the doings around the ranch, including the construction he’d begun on a new house and inn adjacent to the hot spring on his property. Apparently Greta had the idea of developing a resort for people who wanted to experience the fresh mountain air and the healing hot water of the spring. She planned to run the new business as well as continue to sell her wares.

Jericho didn’t see how Greta could possibly find the time or the energy for all her endeavors, not with her young ones underfoot. But she was a hard worker and a savvy businesswoman. In fact, all the McQuaid brothers had married smart women. Flynn had married Linnea, a botanist. And Brody had married Savannah, a veterinarian.

Jericho doubted Dylan would be as lucky, not with the type of women he spent time with. Dylan might have stopped his gambling, but he was still a heavy drinker and as wild as always.

“If you’re needing work,” Wyatt said, “I’m looking for a few more reliable fellas to help with the new building projects.”

Jericho nodded and scraped the last of the gravy from his plate. Maybe the temporary job would buy him time and give him more opportunities to investigate the newcomers to the community.