Heart of Texas Vol. 2 by Debbie Macomber

romance.
    So Nell was the perfect choice. No pressures there. Not only that, he had a great deal of respect and affection for her family. He’d enjoy spending the evening with them.
    But Nell was sitting with her mother-in-law and their table was full.
    Wade had to admit he felt lonely. Everyone present seemed to be part of a couple, and those who were single had found partners. Even Grady Weston had a date, and frankly, Wade was pleased with his choice. He’d long admired Caroline Daniels; she and Grady seemed right together, a thought that had occurred to him more than once since Savannah’s wedding.
    Not until Wade was at the end of the dessert table did he spot the ideal location. He smiled, amused that the vacant seatwas at the very table he’d considered moments earlier. The empty spot was next to Cal Patterson. Wade got along just fine with the rancher, although the man had a reputation for being prickly. Cal sat with his brother Glen, but Glen wasn’t paying him any heed. The younger Patterson’s concentration was held by Ellie, and rightly so.
    â€œMind if I join you?” Wade asked Cal.
    â€œMind?” Cal muttered, sliding his chair over to give Wade ample room. “I’d be grateful.”
    â€œThis is a great way to celebrate the church’s birthday, isn’t it?” Wade asked, digging into his food with gusto. He never ate better than at church dinners.
    â€œGrowing up, I can remember looking forward to the third Saturday in July,” Cal said. “My mom made her special baked beans every year. Still does. Apparently the recipe’s been handed down from one generation to the next for at least a hundred years. If I remember right, it originally came from back East.”
    Wade took a forkful of the baked beans and nodded approvingly. “Mmm.” He chewed slowly, savoring every morsel. “There’s a lot to be said for tradition, especially when it tastes this good.”
    â€œShe only bakes ’em once a year and it’s always for the church.” Having cleaned his own plate, Cal pushed back his chair and folded his arms. Wade’s gaze followed Cal’s. Grady and Caroline stood in the dessert line with Savannah and Laredo. The four were engaged in conversation and appeared to be enjoying them selves.
    â€œGrady and Caroline make a handsome couple, don’t they?” Wade asked, testing the waters with the older Patterson brother. This couldn’t be easy on him, especially after Cal’s own un fortunate experience a few years earlier. His wedding had been canceled just two days before the ceremony. Cal had takenthe brunt of the embarrassment when his fiancée abruptly left town.
    Wade and Cal had shared some serious discussions afterward and bonded as friends. But Cal hadn’t mentioned Jennifer’s name, not in all the time since. The subject of marriage appeared to be taboo, as well. More than once Wade had been tempted to remind Cal not to judge all women by Jennifer’s actions. It might be a cliché, but time really was a great healer. When Cal was ready, Wade believed he’d date again.
    â€œIt’s about time Grady opened his eyes,” Cal said, grinning.
    â€œAbout Caroline?”
    â€œYeah. Those two have been circling each other for a year, maybe more. If one of ’em didn’t make a move soon, I was going to rope ’em together myself.”
    Wade chuckled, enjoying the image.
    â€œSeems that every time Grady gets close to making a move, something happens and he takes off like a jackrabbit.”
    Little Maggie Daniels raced past at that moment, and Wade caught her about the waist to keep her from colliding with Nell Bishop’s son. “Whoa there,” he said, laughing. “What’s the big hurry?”
    Maggie covered her mouth and giggled. “Petey was chasing me.”
    â€œBe careful, understand?”
    Maggie bobbed her head, and Wade pointed to the