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“I love you, too, Jonathan Lake.”
eleven
Alyssa couldn’t stop smiling.
The goofy grin and girlish need to be close was an odd experience. They’d woken up on Friday wrapped around each other, naked, chilly, and sore from trying to sleep on hay and feed bags. Giggling like naughty teens, they’d snuck back to their respective rooms at the inn, then tried hard not to make googly eyes at each other over breakfast.
Mia noticed it all, giving Alyssa a wink.
They rode horses and visited the local craft fair, where she picked up a dried floral wreath, blown-glass wine goblets, and an intricate wood carving of a horse that looked like Phoenix. Chloe bought a bag of warm apple cider donuts, and they feasted as they sampled craft beer from the local breweries. By the time they arrived back at the inn, she felt tipsy, but already knew it had nothing to do with the alcohol.
“I’m exhausted,” Ethan said, stretching his back. “How about we all recess for a nap?”
Chloe groaned. “Come on, Ethan, even Mia’s not tired. Sometimes I think you’re the one who’s pregnant!”
Mia laughed. Ethan glared. “Not cool, Chloe. I’m still recovering from doing one hundred pots and pans from yesterday.”
“I should probably do a few rounds at the barn,” Harper said. “You can come with me, Chloe.”
Aidan took that moment to snatch her up and lift her into his arms like she was a fragile butterfly. “Don’t think so, love. We’re overdue for a nap. Catch you guys later.”
Harper gasped. “What are you doing!”
“Making you rest. It’s a holiday weekend, and I want a…nap.”
Harper’s cheeks turned red. “Oh.”
He strode away with his wife in his arms, making Alyssa swoon a tiny bit. Chloe sighed. “Okay, I’m going to make a few phone calls, but don’t forget, we’re doing game night. Poker is first.”
Kyle rubbed his hands together. “Good, I’m ready to redeem myself this round. But let me finish this chapter so I get my next advance check and can bet big.”
Ophelia and Kyle disappeared. Mia shared a look with Jonathan. “Want to use our two-hour window and get some work done?” she asked him.
“Sounds good. That okay, Ethan?”
Ethan looked sorrowful. “No nap, huh?”
Mia pressed a kiss to his cheek. “We’ll go to bed early instead.”
He grumbled a bit, but Alyssa could tell it was just for show. “I’ll check on the animals and do a few things at the house. Meet you back here for poker. Don’t work too hard.”
“Let me just grab my laptop,” Mia said.
They were left alone on the front porch. Jonathan crooked his finger. “Come here, sweetheart.”
She never hesitated. He enfolded her in his arms, hugging her tight, and she clung to his warmth and strength, sinking into him. They stayed like that for a while, and she tucked her head against his chest, enjoying the moment.
“I want to tell Chloe about us today,” he whispered in her ear. “What do you think?”
“Definitely. You don’t think she’ll have a problem with it?”
“I think the opposite. She’s going to be thrilled. She’s dropped hints to me before about you, you know. I think she always secretly hoped we’d get together.”
“What about when we get back?”
He pulled slightly away and stared down at her. His ocean-blue eyes were serious. “What do you want to do, Alyssa? I don’t want to drag you into the spotlight in a messy way. Why don’t we talk to Mia and figure out the best plan?”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
