“Me, too. It’s great to meet a member of the famous McGavin clan.”
He grinned. “Don’t know about famous. Numerous is more like it. And increasing.”
“Isabel, you have to see this.” Henri left the coffee on her desk and brought over a framed five-by-seven. “Remember that little guy Hamish from the wedding?”
“How could I forget?” Isabel took the picture, which included two other children besides the baby. “Is that him? I barely recognize the little guy.”
“They grow fast at this age,” Zane said.
“Who are the other two?”
“My son, Rhys, and my niece, Noel. She’s eighteen months and talking a blue streak. Before long she’ll be telling those boys what’s what.”
“Cute kids. I can’t believe Hamish has changed so much. He has way more hair and for sure that’s a smile, not gas.”
“Time goes like lightning,” Zane said. “Seems like only yesterday that Rhys was born. On July second, he’ll be a year old.” He flashed a proud-dad smile. “He took his first steps last week.”
“Hey, that’s major,” CJ said. “Were you there?”
“Sure was. Wouldn’t have missed it. Mandy and I knew it would be any day, so we cut back on work a bit so we could coax him along. He didn’t need much encouragement. He was ready.”
“Cool.” CJ moved closer to Isabel and studied the five-by-seven. “Rhys is six months younger than Noel, but he’s bigger.” He smiled at Zane. “Chip off the old block, huh?”
“Guess so.”
CJ focused on the picture again. “Can’t believe the change in Hamish. Must be something, watching them grow.”
“Very exciting. Worth every sleepless night and postponed project. We’d like to give Rhys a sister or brother. We’ll see how that goes.”
“I have a younger sister.” Isabel handed the picture back to Henri. “We’re close in age, which is nice. I can’t imagine what life would be like without her.” Would her baby have any siblings? Not full-blooded ones, for sure, and a big age gap was likely, too.
“My wife Mandy is an only,” Zane said. “Although she had me and my brothers next door, she still would have liked a sister or brother.”
“I’m an only, too,” CJ said. “I used to wish for the same thing.” He shrugged and slid a glance at Isabel. “Not always in the cards.” He held her gaze for a beat before turning back to Zane. “So what happened today? Did you guys find a good location for the visitor center?”
“We sure did.” Zane’s phone chimed. “Excuse me a minute.” He glanced at the screen. “I’ll let Henri tell you about it. If I don’t get a move on, I’ll screw up date night.” He tucked his phone away. “Nice meeting you, Isabel. Henri, we have more to iron out, but I love the plan so far. You will, too, CJ.” He tipped his hat to the women and clapped CJ on the shoulder before hurrying out the door.
CJ faced Henri, his expression eager. “So? Are we ready to break ground?”
“We are.” Henri’s eyes glowed with excitement. “Isabel, I don’t know if Lucy—”
“She did. She’s thrilled about it.”
“For good reason. It’s an awesome concept. And now we know where it’ll be. As the one who’ll manage the day-to-day operation, Jake got final say, but he agreed it was perfect.”
“If it’s the clearing I’m thinking of,” CJ said, “it’s close to the cabin he and Millie are building.”
“That’s the one.”
“I’m not surprised they got together.” Isabel smiled. “Sparks were flying during the wedding weekend.”
Henri laughed. “That pretty much describes their relationship in all its facets. They’re watching how-to videos as they work together on the cabin. It’s been…interesting.” She exchanged a glance with CJ. “I still can’t believe they’ve moved in already. They might as well be camping out.”
“Matt and Lucy are in the same boat with theirs. They’re still cooking on a camp stove.”
“I know.” Henri sighed. “Impatient kids. I told both couples they could stay in a guest cabin until their places were more livable, but…” She shrugged and glanced at Isabel. “Enough chit-chat. I’ll bet you’re ready to put your feet up.”
“I admit I’m a little tired.”
“Then let me fetch your key.” She walked over to the antique desk that was clearly action central for the Buckskin. Positioning the framed picture in a place of honor, she plucked a key out of a drawer and brought it over. “Millie set up your cabin today, but if you need anything she didn’t think of, please let us know.”
“I can’t imagine what that would be. And thank you for your generosity. Despite what you said in your email, I feel that I should pay for—”
“Let me do this, Isabel. You can repay me by bringing the baby for a visit now and then. And sending lots of pictures in between times.”
“Of course I will.”
“Then we’ll be even. CJ will see that you get settled, but we’re all here for you.”
Her throat tightened. “Thank you. I didn’t realize how close-knit everyone was.”
“CJ told you about the Brotherhood?”
“He did.”
“You can count on those men, Isabel. And on me.”
She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. Her emotions weren’t under the best of control these days. Much more of this talk and she’d dissolve into a weepy mess. She turned to CJ. “It’s been a long day. We’d better go.”
“Right. Let’s do it.” He glanced at Henri. “I’m happy about that raptor center.”
“Me, too. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He put on his hat and touched two fingers to the brim before escorting Isabel out the door and handing her into his truck.
After he closed the door and rounded the truck to climb behind the wheel, he turned toward her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little weary. Didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Me, either.” He buckled up and started the engine. “Dinner will be served in the dining hall in an hour or so, but if you’re not up to going, I could bring you something from the buffet.”
“That’s a lovely idea, but I don’t trust either of us in
