Mara McBain by McCade's Way Page B

breakfast is running a little late.”
    “No worries, little sister. Mama always said anyone in a hurry is free to help,” Cole said, raising a brow at the table’s occupants that was ignored.
    “I wish I’d gotten the chance to know your mama. She sounds like a wonderful woman,” Gen said, reaching over to give Cole’s arm a squeeze.
    “She was the best. You would’ve loved her, and I think she would’ve taken right to you,” he said uncovering the apples. “She thought the sun, moon and stars rose and set on Trey’s ass. You have that in common.”
    “I’m sure that isn’t true,” she said awkwardly. Toying with the edge of the sizzling pancake, she struggled for something else to say. How did a mother love one child more than another?
    He finished what he was doing and then turned to look at her. She blushed. He obviously read the worry on her face, and he shook his head, hurrying to set her straight. 
    “Oh, don’t take that wrong. My mama loved all three of us boys. Trey was just special. The brute would’ve ripped his heart out and laid it at her feet if he’d thought it would make Mama happy. When he loves it’s this completely selfless thing.” Cole said, blushing. “Of course that was before. I don’t know how to explain it.”
    “Then stop trying,” Trey growled, bringing in a bowl of clean eggs.
    “That was fast,” Cole said, ignoring his brother’s glare and putting the syrup on to warm.
    “I’m hungry.”
    “Food always motivates you. Dangle a ham sandwich in front of your face and you’d work all day long.”
    “I’ll remember that,” Gen giggled, patting Trey’s flat belly.
    He looked back and forth between her and Cole for a moment, and his frown slipped away. He opened his mouth as if to comment and was interrupted. 
    “Is breakfast going to be served soon? Lilly is very cranky, and this applesauce isn’t very filling,” Rose asked, bouncing the little princess on her lap.
    Genevieve blushed, swallowing the lump of shame that rose in her throat.
    “The first batch of pancakes is just coming off the griddle. I apologize for the wait, Rose. I got sidetracked with other chores this morning.”
    “More likely sidetracked dallying with her husband,” Wade grumbled, not far enough under his breath. 
    “You rude bastard,” Cole snarled, his forward progress halted by his older brother’s hand in his collar.
    “If you don’t like the way things are ran in my household feel free to get the hell out,” Trey said flatly. “The only one my wife needs to answer to, make happy, or damn well apologize to, is me. Is everyone clear on that?”
    Gen caught herself nodding at the snap in his tone. Her hand shook violently as she flipped the pancakes onto a platter.
    “I’m sorry,” Rose whimpered, the pregnant woman literally cringing before Trey’s anger.
    “As you two have disposed of the niceties, I guess I can too. Pregnant or not, I don’t want to see you sitting on your ass expecting Gen to wait on you. It doesn’t work that way around here, princess. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. It was my daddy’s rule, and it’s mine as well,” Trey snapped and turned on his uncle, leveling a blunt forefinger at the older man. “If our schedule, menu, or sex life offends your snooty sensibilities, hit the door. This is a farm, city boy. There is always work to do. If you’re staying, you’ll be working. End of story. Anyone have anything they want to say?”
    “Amen,” Cole said with a grin.
    Trey snorted and clapped his brother on the shoulder affectionately and looked back at his uncle.
    “Do we have an understanding?”
    “I just need a little capital to get back on my feet, Trey. I’m sure that we can work something out. Of course we don’t mind helping out while we’re here,” Wade said, snapping his fingers at his sniffling wife in open annoyance.
    “If that’s your way of asking for money, this ain’t a bank,” Trey said flatly.
    “Now’s not