by Chloe Lang
Craig laughed. “You’re just saying that because you’re going to be jealous of my scar. This is going to be the best of the lot.”
Dillon shook his head. “You’ll never change.” He loved his brothers, but wondered how they would ever be able to start a family together.
“Who the hell is that standing outside Norma’s Diner?” Dan pointed out the windshield.
He saw the gorgeous blonde in the white dress.
“That’s our wife, fellas,” Craig stated flatly. “Pull in.”
“No,” Dillon said. “You’re going to the doctor. No ‘ifs,’ ‘ands,’ or ‘buts’ about it.”
“Damn, Dillon,” Craig said. “Why do you always have to be right about everything?”
“You would look pretty funny on our wedding night with an infected leg,” he said. “Let’s get you stitched up and then we can go back to the diner and see if that beauty is still there. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like we need to hurry,” Craig said. “Come on, Dan.”
“Yeah, bro,” Dillon said. “Hit the gas.”
A few seconds later they heard a siren.
Dillon turned around and saw the sheriff’s car. He rolled down his window and leaned out, shouting, “Wounded man, Sheriff. Got to get to Doc’s fast.”
“Follow me,” the sheriff yelled back, driving past them, keeping the lights and siren on.
“Police escort,” Craig said. “I feel special.”
“Enjoy it while you can,” he said, laughing. “I can’t wait to hear you two tell this little addition to today’s events to Mom, Pappy, Dad, and Pop.”
“You’ve got a mean streak in you, Dillon,” Dan said.
Craig’s eyebrows shot up. “Hey, you were with us when the siren went off. You’re just as guilty as us on this one. More. You’re the one who said ‘hit the gas’ after we saw that cute girl. Besides my leg hurts like hell. I’m going to get at least Mom’s sympathy.”
They all laughed.
“You better try to get the sheriff’s sympathy,” Dan said, parking the truck next to the sheriff’s car.
The sheriff jumped out. “Do you need a stretcher?”
“No, sir,” Dillon said. “Craig just needs stitches.”
The sheriff smiled. “What happened this time? Craig, how many scars do you have?”
“Thirteen,” his brother said with pride. “The women love them.”
Chapter Three
Mary walked into the diner and was shocked to see every seat taken, including the stools at the lunch counter. At the table closest to the entry, a middle-aged blonde woman sat with two gentlemen. The woman looked at her and smiled.
Mary looked at her watch. Straight-up noon. No wonder the place was so full.
One of the waitresses came up to her. “As you can see we are packed. It might be another fifteen minutes before something opens up.”
“Is there somewhere else in town I could get something to eat?”
“Nonsense,” the woman at the table said. “We have a free chair right here.” She pointed at it. “We just sat down and haven’t ordered. We would love it if you would join us. I’m Carol, and this is Tom and Will.”
“I’m Mary,” she said. The trio looked harmless, and their smiles seemed genuine. “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re absolutely not intruding. My husbands and I love to meet new people. We don’t get visitors in Wilde very often.”
Husbands?
Tom stood and pulled out the chair next to Carol. “I know it’s lunchtime, but I recommend the King Cakes.”
She took a seat. “Thank you, but what are King Cakes?”
Will grinned. “Wilde may be small, but Elvis Presley actually came here. He ordered pancakes in this very diner. He loved them. Ever since they have been called ‘King Cakes.’ When we heard about his death three years ago, the whole town grieved his loss. Not only did we lose a great singer, but we also lost a great gentleman.”
Mary’s excitement grew. Did this town have the story she so desperately needed? “What else can you tell me about your town?”
Carol grinned. “I love your curiosity. I noticed the look on your face when I introduced Tom and Will as my husbands.”
Mary felt heat rush to her cheeks. “I am a writer and I am looking for a story. Can you tell me more?”
“Should we?” Will said with a wide grin. “Wilde is a well-kept secret. If the outside world learned what goes on here, only God knows what would happen.”
“Stop teasing the girl, Will,” Carol scolded. “It’s the worst-kept secret ever. People from as far away as Europe visit our town because of the nonjudgmental attitudes of our citizens.”
“If you’re going to write a story about the town, you better start with our family,” Tom said.
“Sure,” Mary said. “What can you tell me about your family?”
“First, the town’s name comes from us,” he said. “We are the Wilde family.”
“You and Will are brothers?”
“Hard to imagine, isn’t it?” Tom laughed. “I’m so much better looking than him.”
Will shook his head. “Mary isn’t blind, Tom. She can see I’m model material, not you.”
“Listen to my guys,” Carol said. “They are just as bad as our boys. We have three. Wilde men never fully grow up.”
Tom reached across the table and held Carol’s hand. “Honey, it’s not my fault I look like Rock Hudson. Who can blame me? Besides, I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“We both are,” Will said and grabbed her other hand.
Even though shocked by the news that Carol was married to both men, it was clear to Mary that these three were deeply in love. “How do you avoid getting jealous of each other?”
Will grinned. “We get jealous from time to time, but our amazing wife sets us straight. Besides I have the greatest brothers in the world.”
“Brothers? There are more of you?” Oh boy, this is a great story.
Carol nodded. “Call me crazy but I am married to three men. These two and Jack.”
The waitress came over. “Coffee?”
They all nodded.
“What can I get all of you?”
“King Cakes all around,” Tom said.
“And crispy bacon,” Will added.
After the waitress left, they continued talking.
“What about you, Mary?” Carol asked. “Where is home?”
She swallowed hard. How to answer that? She’d never really felt at home anywhere. Not in her parents’ house, that was for certain. “Midwest girl, but I’m looking to make a move.”
Carol smiled broadly. “How long are you planning on staying in Wilde?”
“Not sure. But I definitely want to stay long enough to write this story. I need to find a hotel.”
“The Hotel Cactus is a very nice place,” Tom said, “but I can see by the look on my wife’s face that she won’t hear of that.”
“You’re right about that, mister,” Carol said. “I know we just met, but, Mary, would you consider letting us host you while you are here? It would be so nice to have another woman in the house. We have a guest bedroom that never gets used.”
“I’m not sure what to say.”
“Say ‘yes,’” Will said. “Besides, the more time you spend with our family the better your story will be.”
“But I don’t want to impose,” she said. Though saving money was at the top of her mind. She needed to make her funds last as long as she could until she could sell a few stories.
“Nonsense,” Carol said. “You will stay with us. That’s final.”
“Thank you.”
As they ate their king cakes, they continued talking about the unusual lifestyles that so many in Wilde lived, including Carol and her three husbands. They were so open and vibrant. Mary was intrigued. Since leaving Missouri, this was the first time she felt so at ease.
A man walked into the diner and over to
their table. He bent down and kissed Carol.
“Jack, this is Mary Kincaid,” Carol said. “Mary, this is my husband Jack.”
She extended her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wilde.”
He shook her hand. “My fathers are Mr. Wildes. I’m just ‘Jack.’”
The customers at the table next to theirs left, and Jack pulled one of the free chairs over.
“Craig cut his leg and needed stitches. Dan and Dillon are with him at the doctor’s office,” Jack informed.
“Craig is our middle son,” she said to Mary. “Is he going to be okay?” Carol asked with the tone of a mother concerned for her son.
“Yes, darlin’. Just another battle scar to add to his collection.”
“Someone needs to knock some sense into our boy’s head,” Tom said, frowning. “What was it this time?”
“He and Dan were horsing around in the mine.”
Carol shook her head. “You are giving Mary a bad impression of our boys. They really are good men. They just take after their dads, who will never fully grow up. But just wait until I get my hands on them.”
“Here’s your chance, sweetheart,” Jack said. “Because here all three of them come.”
Chapter Four
Craig saw his parents sitting at a table with the beautiful woman he and his brothers had seen on the street earlier. Could I be any luckier? Not a chance.
“Boys, I’d like to introduce you to Mary Kincaid,” Dad Tom said. “She will be staying at our house for a few days.”
“Do they live with you?” Mary asked, her eyes sparkling like diamonds.
“No. They each have their own house,” Carol said.
Pappy Jack smiled. “It’s a Wilde tradition that the young men in the family build a home with their own two hands. Builds character.”
“We have a big ranch,” Pop Will told Mary. “Plenty of room to have a lot of houses. One day, our grandsons will continue the tradition. We hope.”
Craig knew the dig was directed at him more than his two brothers. Pop had taken him aside on more than one occasion to try to get him to think about the future. He hadn’t been ready to settle down. There had been plenty of time for that. He’d always believed that when he, Dan, and Dillon found the right woman, then he’d get serious about the future. Looking into Mary’s eyes, he realized the time had finally come. She was the one. He felt it in his heart. Love at first sight had never been something he believed in. Now he knew that it not only existed, but he also was experiencing it firsthand.
“Craig, did the doctor give you some medicine?” his mom asked.
“Just antibiotics. Why?”
“Dan and Dillon have shaken Mary’s hand. She offered it to you, but you just stood there like you were in some kind of trance. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. Just lost to my thoughts.” He held out his hand. “My apologies, Miss Kincaid.”
She smiled, and it felt like the entire world got a little brighter. “Call me ‘Mary.’”
They shook hands, and he felt a warmth shoot up his arm from their touch. He held onto her delicate fingers, not wanting to let go. He couldn’t stop staring at her. She’s the one. The one for Dan, Dillon, and me.
“Honey, we better get you back home. I want to check on our new calves,” Pappy said.
“But you wanted us to do that, Pappy,” Dan said.
“I’d rather you talk to Mary. She’s working on a story about our family. I want her to get all the facts right.”
“She’s a writer?” Dillon asked.
“Freelance,” Mary answered. “I do have a few questions for you. I would like to know what it was like growing up in a family with so many parents. But we can do that later.”
Mom shook her head. “My boys will answer your questions. Now and later. They will make sure you make it to the house.” She turned to all three of them. “Have her to the house by supper time. I’m making fried chicken.”
Dinner at the folks’ usually only occurred on the weekend. Mary’s arrival had changed that. It was clear to Craig that his parents liked her, too. And the looks on Dan and Dillon’s faces told him they felt the same way.
Their parents paid their bill and left. Dan sat next to Mary, and he and Dillon sat across from her.
The waitress returned. “Hey, guys, would you like something to eat?”
Craig looked at Mary. “Would you like something else?”
“Just coffee. Thank you.”
“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” Dan said. “I’ll have today’s special.”
Dillon nodded. “Make that two.”
“Same for me.”
“Three specials coming right up.” The waitress left.
“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful your eyes are?” Dan leaned closer to her.
Mary closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“I don’t think you should say that yet,” Craig said, not wanting to scare the woman of his dreams away.
“Yet?” Dillon looked puzzled.
“Why not now?” Dan asked. “She has the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s okay, Craig. A woman knows when a guy is feeding her a line, but I think your brother is being sincere.” She turned to Dan. “Thank you. You have nice eyes, too.” She reached into her purse and brought out a pen and notebook. “I really would like to ask you three some questions.”
“Okay by me,” Dan said.
“I’m not sure our story is that interesting.” Craig had never wanted anyone as much as he did her.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Mary smiled again, and he knew he would do anything to make her happy. “I think I won’t have any trouble selling your story to a syndicate.”
“What about your story, Mary?” he asked, wanting to learn more about her. “Tell us a little about you first.”
“Now that is a boring story.” Something in her tone seemed incongruent to her words.
“Where are you from?” he prodded lightly.
“Missouri.”
“How did you get into writing?”
“Always had a knack for it in school. Just a natural progression for me once I got to college.”
“What about your family? Brothers and sisters?”
“One sister.” Her face darkened. “Oh my God, I need to call her.”
Craig grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry. There’s a payphone next to the restrooms.”
“Will you excuse me? I really need to make this call.”
“Absolutely,” he said. “We’ll be right here when you get back, ready to answer all your questions.”
Another smile. God, I want to see those beautiful lips smiling for the rest of my life.
They all stood, and Dan pulled out her chair.
When she was out of earshot, he turned to his brothers, who were both staring at him like deer in the headlights.
“What’s with you?” Dan asked.
“That’s a strange question.”
“I don’t think so,” Dillon said. “You’re not acting like yourself. Are you sure you are okay?”
“I have no idea what you mean by that. I’m fine.”
“It’s her. It’s Mary,” Dillon said. “That’s what’s wrong with you, isn’t it?”
“That’s what’s right with me. I’m in love with her and I’m going to marry her.”
Dan smiled. “Now that does sound like my brother Craig. Jokester through and through.”
“I’m not joking. She’s the woman of my dreams. And both of yours, too.”
“We just met her, Craig,” Dillon said. “Slow down.”
“You tell me. Have you ever met anyone as beautiful and sweet as she is?”
“No,” they answered in unison.
“Well then…?”
* * * *
“Maude, I’m fine,” Mary said for the fifth time. “Really. I will be okay.”
“Why didn’t you tell me what was going on with Paul?”<
br />
“I was just too embarrassed and didn’t know what to do at first.”
“You know you can always come to me with anything. We’re sisters and best friends. I’m always here for you, Mary.”
“I know you are.”
“I’m going to stay here in Wilde for a little while and then head for California. I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, but I will let you know.”
“Give me your hotel’s number.”
“I’m not staying at a hotel. A sweet family has offered to put me up for a few nights. The Wildes. I will call you back with their phone number tomorrow.”
“You don’t know anything about them, do you?” Maude sighed, revealing her concern.
“Not really, but everyone in the diner seemed to respect them. Plus, I have a very good feeling about this.” She thought about the three Wilde brothers. What had it been like growing up in a family with three dads? She had no doubt it had to be better than how she’d grown up with her mom and dad. Carol and her three men seemed so happy. When Craig, Dan, and Dillon had come into the diner, she’d seen the love expressed on all their faces for one another. “Maude, I truly believe that the Wilde family’s story is what will put me on the map. I will be a legitimate journalist. You’ll see.”
“I’ve always believed in you and your dreams, sis. You know that. Just be careful. You are one that always leads with her heart. That can get you into trouble.”
Though Maude never said it, she knew her sister was thinking of Paul. “I will call you tomorrow and let you know how I’m doing.”
The beep sounded on the line.
“We’re almost out of time. I love you, Mary.”
“I love you, too. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“You better. What do you want me to tell our parents?”
“Don’t tell them anything. I doubt they will even realize I’m not in town.”
“Okay. But if they do, I will at least let them know you are safe.”
They ended the call.
She walked into the ladies’ room. Looking in the mirror, she checked her makeup. The three Wilde brothers were extremely good-looking. All three’s eyes were blue, though of different shades. Craig’s were sky blue. Dillon’s deep blue. Dan’s were a smoky blue, almost gray. The trio sported muscles from heat to toe. Not overly beefy. Just right in her book. And they were all tall, over six-four. Craig and Dillon were exactly the same height, and Dan was slightly taller by less than an inch.
