Page 111 of Falling Together

“Sure. I won’t make you keep going if you don’t want to,” I say.

I lead Queenie back around to help Grant get down. He’s adjusting his pants, no doubt uncomfortable from the ride.

“I love you, Cowgirl, but I don’t know if horseback riding is for me.” Grant drops a quick peck on my mouth.

“That’s okay. I appreciate you trying.”

“You know what you should give him?” Luke asks.

I try to hide my smirk, but I know what he’s getting at. “What’s that?”

“One of the plastic cowboy hats you give the kids when they first ride.” He snickers.

“Seriously?” Grant rolls his eyes at him.

“I could even write number one cowboy on it for you,” Luke says.

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. Luke doubles over next to me as Grant gives me a subtle finger.

“You two suck, you know that?”

“I’m sorry.” I wrap my arms around him. “You did great for a first-timer.”

“Which is why you should get a hat,” Luke says again, laughing.

“Who raised you?” Grant laughs. “No respect for your old man.”

“Sorry, Dad. You walked right into it. Now, can we eat? I’m starving.”

“Do you want to ride Queenie before or after?” I ask, shifting in Grant’s arms.

“After. Whatever Rex made smells amazing.”

“Okay. But don’t forget you said you were going to help us with the nursery this afternoon.”

“I know. I have to make sure you don’t pick out anything dumb.”

“As if we would,” Grant says.

I tend to Queenie and send her into the pasture while we eat so she can stretch her legs. Maybe since Luke is a more experienced rider now, he can do a few laps outside.

Luke grabs the picnic basket and spreads the blanket out under the trees. A cool breeze kicks up bright red and orange leaves. Fall has arrived in Pinecrest, and I love it. Everything is cast in a golden hue around the ranch.

Grant helps Luke unbox everything before helping me sit down next to him. I shift around, trying to get comfortable. The closer I get to my due date, the more and more uncomfortable I’ve been getting.

I’m not looking forward to these next few months.

But I’ll take whatever discomfort if it means I get days like this with these two. I absentmindedly rub my belly, dreaming of the days when this little one is here. When the four of us can do this as a family.

More and more, I’m planning our future.

Days spent at the ranch where I—and Luke—can teach this kid to ride.

Watching their dad play baseball and teaching him to play.

Pancakes at the Emporium.

I have so few good memories growing up—the best ones always with the girls—that I can’t wait to make new ones with this family of mine.