Her eyes encompass both of us, filling with something like satisfaction before she nods once and returns to her bowl of chili as her lips hook upward in a small grin.
The spoon has almost reached her mouth, when she stops suddenly. “And I meant to say, this chili is even better than my own, Emmy.” I can feel my cheeks flush as she continues. “You’ve taken to learning my family recipes like a duck to water. I think we’ll move on to baking real soon. What do you think, sweetie?”
Ford chuckles as I nod excitedly. “Oh, I’d love that, Abi. Your cake is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.”
She’s smiling with her eyes as she spoons the chili into her mouth, and I return her smile tenfold, thoroughly delighted with all I’ve learned since moving to Texas.
Cooking is something I’ve never really bothered with, but Abi reckons I have a knack for flavors, and judging by the empty bowls cluttering the table, I think she might be right.
Being taken under Abi’s tutelage has allowed me to take a step back from everything and, for the first time in my life, I get to decide what I truly want to do for myself moving forward. I’m none the wiser at present, but I’m having a ball figuring it out.
As Ford continues to hold my hand, I glance around the table, my gaze touching on each person present. I feel a deep sense of love and belonging for the family surrounding me, and I can’t help but think of my own family.
In the aftermath of Reese’s arrest, my father and I have grown so much closer – more so than we’ve been inyears. As Hayley no longer had a job working with me, and Dad had relocated to the Manhattan branch in an effort to work less and be present more, I’d been thrilled when he’d asked her to take on the role of his assistant.
Their tentative steps toward supporting one another had made my decision to leave Manhattan that little bit easier, but even so, I miss them—especially my rock, Hayley—who keeps promising she’ll visit when the time is right.
My brother has attempted to reach out via Hayley several times, and as much as it pains me to admit it, there are just some wrongs that can never be made right. Some cuts that go far too deep to ever even begin to heal properly.
My eyes shift to Fallon’s empty seat, and I’m reminded of the steps toward reconciliation that both she and Ford have taken recently.
When he’d presented her with the property title for Whispering Willows, which had been transferred by both Ford and Abi into Fallon’s name, she’d gone so far as to make eye contact when she thanked him. It’s a small victory, but every single one counts.
Wanting to help encourage their relationship as best I can, I push to stand, but Ford stops me when he gently tugs my hand in silent question. I answer with a soft smile. “I’m just going to bring Fallon a bowl. Make sure she doesn’t need help, that’s all.”
Both Ford and Sully begin to stand, clearly offering to go in my stead, but I stop them both with a quiet but firm, “I’ll go.”
I can feel Abi’s approving eyes on me, and I can’t help but glow under her silent praise. To say I’m more than a little in awe of the woman who reared the most wonderful man I know would be an understatement.
Once I’ve put a bowl of steaming chili, a bread roll, and a cool bottle of water onto a tray, I slip out the back door and stride across the yard toward the main stable.
Fallon’s favorite mare started to foal before we arrived for supper, and she refused to leave her side. Even though I have yet to form much of a relationship with Ford’s eldest sister, I’m determined to grow one.
As I walk into the stable, I hear Fallon’s voice as she murmurs soothingly, “It’s okay, Tilly girl. It’s okay. You’ve got this.” I round the corner into the stall, coming to a rapid halt when I see Fallon pacing, a worried expression pinching her brow.
She stops when she sees me, glancing at the food in my hands before resuming her pacing. I step closer, placing the tray on a high shelf before plucking the water from it, and passing it to Fallon. She accepts the offering without a word, draining it in two long gulps.
“This part is taking too long.” She screws the lid back on the empty bottle, worried eyes fixed on Tilly’s slick black coat. “I don’t wanna intervene, but I’m concerned at this point…”
As she trails off, I ask, “Should I run for Sully?”
Her eyes shoot to mine with a frown before she shakes her head succinctly. “No.” As she regards me, her voice is firm. “Youcan help me.”
FORD
As Lissie and Fin move off to help Momma clear the table, I glance out the window in the direction of the stable. There’s nosign of Emmy returning, and frankly, considering how volatile Fallon can be, I’m getting a little concerned.
“Wanna go check on ’em?” I look over my shoulder to find Sully’s knowing eyes filled with laughter. “I mean, it’s not like Fal has made an effort with y’all, so what on earth could be takin’ Emerson this long, right?”
Without even answering, I stride toward the back door with a chuckling Sully hot on my heels. “Back in five, Momma.”
My feet eat the ground, getting me to the stable in less than twenty seconds despite the distance, and when I step inside, I stop so quickly that Sully runs into me.
“Oof!” He starts to complain, but I shoot him a quelling glare and we both stop to listen.
“Oh my God, he’s going to stand, isn’t he?Isn’t he?”
My sister chuckles indulgently. “Watch, Em. Once he’s upright, he’ll wanna nurse, too.”
