Family for Keeps & Sadie's Hero by Margaret Daley Page B

box!” Johnny buckled his seat belt.
    “To this day I can’t eat chocolate. It makes my stomach churn.”
    “That’s awful. I can’t imagine not liking chocolate.”
    “So, Johnny, you’re a big fan of chocolate, are you?” Mac pulled out of the parking lot.
    “Any way I can get it.”
    “Then you’re gonna fit right in. Amy and I love chocolate. How about you, Tess?”
    “Yep, I have to say I have a hard time passing it up.”
    “Okay, you guys, if you’re trying to make me feel left out, you’re doing a great job.”
    “Never, Aunt Casey. I love you.” Amy threw her arms around Casey and gave her a hug.
    “I love you, too, squirt,” Casey said, tickling the little girl in her side.
    Tess settled back, listening to the giggles and laughter. Before long Johnny was drawn into the fun with Amy and Casey ganging up on him. The three only calmed down when Mac threatened to stop the car in the middle of the highway.
    “Casey Leigh MacPherson, I knew it was a mistake to bring you. Contain yourself for the children’s sake.” Mac’s amused tone belied his words.
    “Aye, aye, sir. Just as soon as I thoroughly orient Johnny to the Tickle Monster.”
    Another burst of laughter sounded in the car, prompting Tess to smile and say, “I think your sister is a lost cause.”
    “One of my many burdens,” Mac said with an exaggerated sigh.
    “Thank goodness we aren’t too far from the farm.”
    “Uncle, uncle,” Johnny called between giggles.
    “I think he’s thoroughly oriented, Mac.” Casey sat between the children as though she hadn’t caused a major upheaval in the car, her back straight, her hands clasped together in her lap, an innocent expression on her face.
    “Now I’ll get a good night’s sleep.” Mac’s gaze twinkled as it found Tess’s for a brief moment before he returned his attention to the highway.
    His look continued to undermine her determination to keep an emotional distance from Peter MacPherson. Tess focused on the beautiful mountainous terrain and tried not to think of the man next to her or the atmosphere of camaraderie that abounded in the car. Its lure tore at the barriers she’d erected around her heart, making her think of all kinds of possibilities.
    Thirty minutes later Mac turned off the highway onto a dirt road that led to a log cabin set at the base of a mountain and nestled in a grove of pine trees. Tess counted five dogs and three cats in the yard as he brought the car to a stop in front of the house. A huge man, taller and bigger than Mac, came onto the porch and waved.
    “What was Colt’s position on the team?” Tess asked, staring at the man who made Mac look small.
    “Tackle. He’s six-seven and weighs three hundred fifty pounds. He prides himself on saying it’s all muscles.”
    “Oh, my,” Casey whispered from the back while Colt left his porch and approached the car.
    “Good to see you, Mac. Glad to see your leg has finally mended,” Colt said as everyone climbed out of the vehicle.
    Mac shook Colt’s hand, then gestured toward the group behind him. “You know Amy.”
    “She’s looking more and more like Sheila every time I see her.”
    “That’s what Daddy says. I’m the spittin’—” Amy screwed her face into a thoughtful expression. “Spittin’?”
    “Image, pumpkin.”
    “Yeah.” Amy craned her neck and grinned at Colt. “You’re tall.”
    “And this is Tess, Casey, my sister, and Johnny.” Mac pointed to each person.
    “Well, you all are in luck. I have a nice selection of puppies for you to look at.” Colt began walking toward a barn about a hundred yards from his log cabin. “I hope you’ll stay for lunch.”
    Tess scanned the barn, the scent of hay and animals filling the air. Along one side were stalls, all empty except one with a horse in it. Various pens were along the opposite wall with rabbits, a coyote and a hawk in them. A calico cat came up to Tess and rubbed its body along her leg before ambling over to Colt,