Page 31 of Chasing Liberty

“I don’t know what it is about the single women of this town and their fascination for married men.” Liberty wrinkled her nose, trying her best to rip her gaze off the pair.

“You really don’t understand how living in a town where women outnumber men by half doesn’t cause a male bidding war?” Freedom sniffed loudly. “Daddy needs to hire more hands.” She laughed.

“Have a talk with him. Tell him your feelings,” Liberty said.

“Maybe I should ask Daddy to find me a husband too.”

“Good idea.”

Freedom waved her hand in front of Liberty’s line of sight. “Hello. Earth to Liberty?”

“What?”

“Did you even hear me?”

“Of course. I agree. We need more hands.”

“So, you weren’t listening.” Freedom dropped her empty tray into the trashcan.

Wyler lifted his chin, looking for something or someone, and when he saw Liberty, he waved as if he hadn’t been chatting it up with Miss Sagebrush Pine.

She turned as if she hadn’t seen him. “Katlynn adores my husband.”

“Don’t you mean soon to be ex-husband?” Freedom reminded Liberty.

“Huh?” Liberty couldn’t seem to get past her brain fog.

"You and Wyler. He will be available soon. There's already a list of people anticipating his availability, and he's not even aware of it."

“About that—”

Her words were cut short by the subject of their discussion. He came sweeping up and gave Freedom a side hug. “How’s my favorite sister-in-law?”

“Wyler, you say that to all the sisters-in-law.” Despite acting unconcerned, Freedom held a deep affection for Wyler. His kindness and humor had endeared him to the entire family. Liberty saw it too. He wasn't excessively charming, but just the right amount. Always ready to lend a hand without being asked, and his smile was as brilliant as his eyes.

Liberty found him utterly infuriating.

He then focused on Liberty, and she narrowed her gaze on him. “How’s Kaitlynn?” she asked.

“Peachy.” His smile grew as he snaked his arm around her waist and dragged her closer for a tight squeeze. His hugs were wonderful, and she hated them. He lowered his head to whisper, “The least you can do is pretend that you like my touch, like you used to when I was deep inside—”

She gasped in alarm and gave him a shove “Behave.”.

“You never wanted me to before,” he teased.

Warmth spread from her cheeks to the tips of her polished toenails in the open sandals.

“Am I missing something?” Freedom whipped her curious gaze from Wyler and Liberty.

Wyler kept his arm wrapped around Liberty’s waist which made her knees wobbly. The man both enraged and tempted her. That was why she had to be very careful.

“I’m sure Liberty told you.”

“Told me what?” Freedom raised an eyebrow in query.

“I was just trying to tell her.” Liberty playfully patted Wyler’s cheek. “Did you tell Kaitlynn?”

He winked. “I couldn’t get a word in inch wise, or I would have.”