“I work at the casino as a blackjack dealer up in Randlett, Oklahoma. I imagine I could put in a word for you if you’re shopping around for a job,” Colleen said.

“I’d rather have something closer,” Liz said.

“Then go talk to Jasmine at Chicken Fried. She’s going to need a waitress in a couple of days. I’m Austin, the sister-in-law, Rye’s wife,” a tall woman, with jet-black hair and beautiful blue eyes said from behind Maddie. “And that baby that Maddie is takin’ from my husband is Rachel, our daughter.”

It was plain that Rye and Raylen were brothers, only Rye was well over six feet tall. The baby that he was passing to his mother was a dark-haired little girl with her mother’s eyes. Liz wondered if Rachel would be as tall as her mother too.

“I’m pleased to meet you,” Liz said. “Who’s Jasmine?”

A brunette in pink cowboy boots, jeans, and a cute flowing top raised her hand. “That’ll be me. And anytime you want to work come see me. I’m lookin’ for a waitress at the Chicken Fried, my café just up the highway. And I’m not sister or kin. I got into the family on Austin’s shirttails. Welcome to the area. I love it here.”

Before Liz could answer Jasmine, Grandma slipped her arm around Liz’s shoulders and knocked Raylen’s off. “We sure miss Haskell around here. He and his wife were a big part of our community. You tell him hello for us next time you talk to him.”

“I sure will.” Liz wondered if these people accepted everyone like this, or if she was being given the royal treatment because she was with Raylen.

“I’m Dewar, his other brother,” another cowboy said.

Dewar wasn’t quite as tall as Rye but taller than Raylen and his face was fuller. He also sported a deeper dimple in his chin and a scar on his cheek. “So, are you getting unpacked over there? Got a truck coming in with your things? Need us to gather up a bunch of men and help you get it unloaded?”

“No, thank you, I’m handling it just fine,” Liz answered.

“Well, you call us if you change your mind,” Dewar said.

“You better stop yapping and get over here or I’m going to clean out the mashed potato bowl and you’re goin’ to be left out in the cold,” Jasmine said.

“Got to go protect my dinner.” Dewar headed to the table where all the food was laid out buffet style.

***

Thank you, Jasmine, Raylen thought.

His brother’s eyes had lit up entirely too bright when he saw Liz. And he was the next in line. Rye found Austin the year before, and it was Dewar’s turn if Cash’s prophecy about his children all getting married in the order of their birth was to come true. Raylen didn’t care if his brother got married or to whom, as long as it wasn’t the new neighbor. He might not even like her once he got to know her, but that tingle in his hand every time he laid it on her shoulder sure made him want a chance.