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“Yum!” Theo exclaims, already opening the box and releasing the most amazing smells. The thick cinnamon and sugar scent calls to my stomach, which rumbles in answer as my mouth waters. “Can I have one, Mom?”
“Of course, Bud. Say thank you to Jeremy,” I answer, snorting as he grabs the biggest sugar cookie I’ve ever seen out of the box and bites it with gusto. He thanks him around a mouthful of cookie, spraying crumbs all over, which Blue eagerly gobbles down.
Reaching into the box, I grab a scone. “Thank you for these. You didn’t have to bring us anything.”
“I wanted to, and Blue told me he felt bad about scaring you the other day, then sneaking in overnight. He said treats are the best way to atone.” Jeremy looks so sincere and guileless that I turn the box, offering it back to him, and he too grabs a treat to munch. Against my better judgment, I ask them in and offer drinks as we all settle in around the cabin’s small kitchen table.
Between the huge man and the huge dog, I should feel uncomfortable, unsure. Years of abuse will do that, but something about them seems right. His sunny demeanor allows me to relax for the first time in forever. Don’t let your guard down.
All too soon, Jeremy stands. “I wish I didn’t have to leave, but it’s my night to feed the horses,” he says, giving me a sheepish grin.
“Oh, can I help?” Theo begs, scrambling up from the table and looking at me imploringly.
“I’m sure Jeremy has a lot to get done. And you’ve never been around horses…” I begin, but hell if my heart doesn’t yearn to keep this evening going. Not to mention how badly I want to get down there and meet the horses, too. Riding was a huge part of my life before I got pregnant. The second I spotted the animals in the paddocks below, my fingers began itching to touch, to help, to love on them.
“He’s welcome. You both are,” Jeremy jumps in eagerly, his eyes hopeful.
Are we doing this? Are we going to let someone get close enough to be a … friend?
“We’d love to.”
Chapter Six
“Okay. You see this big bale of hay? I’m gonna break it open and then you can grab two flakes. Bring them to each of the stalls in this row,” I say, holding up a smaller section of the scratchy hay to show him how big a flake is. Theo’s tongue pokes between his lips, brow furrowed in complete concentration as he nods at my every word. Arden is already filling grain buckets with smooth movements that tell of a clear familiarity. She has a cheerful little grin on her face as she makes her way back and forth from the grain bin, her hips swaying.
The urge to sweep her into my arms and lay a big smacking kiss on her plump lips is almost overwhelming, but her son is just feet away. Her eyes dart to him, making sure he’s being careful, but all the horses are outside, and I can’t wait to see both of their faces when they clamor in for dinner.
The scents of the barn fill the surrounding space. Hay, molasses, horses, and sawdust all combine in a way that’s somehow sweet. The fresh air filters in from the doors, and spinning fans high in the rafters keep the whole barn cool and comfortable. Having them here with me enhances the moment, turning the mundane chores into something to be savored. I haven’t spent much time considering having a family or kids—but right now, it’s all I can imagine. A home with them. Teaching Theo to ride horses. Making breakfast together. Having Arden in my bed. Yeah…
“Hey, Jeremy, the board on Cinnamon’s stall says she needs extra vitamin D—do you give drops or chewables? And where can I find those?” Arden’s melodic voice floats from the feed bins and I blink hard, trying to dispel the image of her naked body writhing on my sheets.
“Drops, right in the cabinet above the bin,” a gruff voice calls in answer, followed by the steady clopping of hooves. Arden’s face pales noticeably, and her hand shakes as she reaches for the bottle. Ah, the Beast has arrived. He frowns at me while leading a heavily pregnant mare down the aisle to her big box stall. Shuffling toward Arden, I go to introduce her to my grump of a brother when another noise at the door demands my attention.
“Uncle Jeremy!” a boy exclaims from the doorway, and a huge smile splits my face as Dylan, my cousin’s son, rushes to greet me. Hearing another kid, Theo pops out of a stall—this couldn’t be more perfect.
“Hey Dyl. I didn’t know you were coming over today,” I say, motioning Theo toward me. My pseudo-nephew is a friendly and outgoing seven-year-old who loves horses and dogs.
“Yeah, Mom and Dad had something to do and Adam said I could come help with the horses,” he says enthusiastically, already leaning down to help with the hay. Theo tucks his hands in his back pockets, clearly unsure of what to do. But in the way that kids do, Dylan already has it covered. He smiles at Theo and immediately introduces himself.
Standing back, I watch the two, and for just a second they remind me of my childhood. My brothers and I roaming the barn without a care in the world, feeding horses and making mischief.
“Can I show Theo the horses?” Dylan asks, looking up at me with hope in his eyes.
“Actually, we’re just about ready to call them in,” I answer, and he gives a gleeful leap, releasing a whoop that echoes throughout the barn.
“Oh, this is so cool! You have to see! Can we watch from up there?” he asks, pointing to the loft. It’s probably the safest spot, so I agree, watching them scramble up to get seats around the stacks of hay bales we keep there. Arden notices them climbing and quickly strides over, but I intercept her before she can demand Theo return to the ground. Her green eyes glitter in warning, already prickly.
“They are okay, I promise. We’re about to call the horses in for dinner,” I explain with a shrug. She bites her lip, flicking her eyes up to them with concern written all over her face. But they are sitting comfortably on a hay bale, chatting animatedly. Both boys are grinning from ear to ear and their arms are moving as fast as their mouths.
“Who is that?” she asks warily.
“My cousin Holden’s son. He’s a firefighter, and his wife’s a teacher at the school. Dylan is in second grade,” I explain, and she swallows hard before nodding.
“Theo’s in second grade, too. I should sign him up this week.” Her arms cross as though she’s uncomfortable with the very thought. She bites her lip, and the desire to reach forward and stop her is so fucking strong, but I doubt she would welcome the touch. Not yet. “It’ll be nice for him to have a friendly face.”
Her voice is quiet now, barely a whisper, and I’m not sure if she’s talking to me or trying to convince herself that a friend would be good for Theo. Words are stuck in my throat and I’m completely out of my depth here. What is she so concerned about?
Fortunately, right then, Adam reappears. His massive form surges toward us, and Arden’s hand darts out, gripping mine tightly. Her small hand fits perfectly in mine, smooth and soft but surprisingly strong. And it’s like it has always belonged there. Giving it a tug, I pull her closer, only to realize she’s trembling.
