Page 75 of The Wilder Widows

“He what?” Alice and I echoed as we flew up to sitting.

“You’re kidding,” I breathed, but Doris only smiled and shook her head.

“No. We talked about it a little on our ride home. I told him how much I loved this and couldn’t wait to get back. And when I told him there was nothing waiting for me at home, he asked me to stay. They need a cook since Madeline hates doing it, and they’ve been getting busier. It sounds like heaven to me spending my days on a ranch cooking for large families and groups that come to visit.”

“Not to mention Axel?” I arched a brow.

Doris gave me a sheepish smile. “And Axel, too. I’m not sure what it all means, or if I’m just being a silly fool, but I really do love him. And if I stay on, I can see where it goes.”

“And maybe you’ll end up getting married and have the big hootie!” Alice teased.

“Maybe.” Doris shrugged it off, but I could see the excitement flicker in her eyes. “He sure is handsome. I can’t believe he’s interested in me.”

“I can.” I touched her shoulder. “You’re beautiful, Doris. And sweet. And funny. And caring and kind. You’re a catch for any man. Even that silver fox of yours.”

“He’s got abs, Doris. Abs. At our age. You hang on to that man with everything you’ve got.” Alice laughed. “Because if you don’t I—”

“Can it, Alice,” Marge said, stepping out around the corner. “He’s only got eyes for our Doris.”

Doris smirked and gave Marge a grateful smile.

“Did you hear that Doris may be staying on here?”

“I did,” Marge said, sliding into the water. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. We sure will miss you, but I don’t see any reason you shouldn’t give it a try. What’s waiting for you at home?”

“Nothing.” A flicker of pain traveled across Doris’s face, but then it lit up again. “Is this crazy? Me staying here?”

“Not even a little bit,” I said. “I would stay in a heartbeat if I were you.”

“You’re absolutely right! Why shouldn’t I stay? At least give it a try? All that’s left for me at home is knitting. At least out here, I can be useful. Have people around who need me. And El Diablo! He’ll be here too!”

“And have hootie after hootie.” Alice grinned.

“Amen to that.” Marge lifted a bottle of wine in the air.

“Ooh! Wine!” I took it from her, taking a pull straight from the bottle before passing it over to Doris.

“So, our Wilder Widows group is breaking up?” I asked, just realizing the ramifications of Doris’s new adventure.

“Not yet,” Marge stated, and I looked over to see mirth flashing in her eye. She reached out of the hot tub, and when her hand emerged, it clutched our knitting basket.

“What are you doing, Marge?” I said. “We pulled the last wish. This was it.”

She gave the basket a shake, and I heard something moving around inside. The three widows exchanged a mischievous smile and looked back at me.

“What? What’s going on?” I asked.

“I think there was a mistake,” Alice said after taking a big swig of the wine. “There was a mix-up with the wishes. There’s one more left. Go ahead. Take a look.”

Furrowing my brow, I slid forward in the water and reached into the basket. Sure enough, I felt a piece of paper at the tips of my fingers. Careful not to get it wet as I pulled it out, I unfolded it, gasping when I read the words. “Find Sylvie’s true love.”

“That’s your real wish, and to hell if we’re giving you your second choice. Our work isn’t done yet,” Marge said.

“I... I can’t.” I folded it back up and put it back in the basket. “Thank you, ladies, but I just can’t.”

“Why not?” Doris sat forward. “You deserve to have your happy ending, Sylvie. I have Axel. Marge has Roxy. Alice has... well, Alice has herself and about a hundred lovers.”

She grinned. “Why settle for just one?”