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I had dinner with Dodge, Azurdee, and Lark last night. Azurdee and Lark filled me in on everything happening in their world. I was so happy for them both. They had gone through so much and to come out in the end so head over heels in love was just heartwarming.
Closing my eyes, I thought back to my phone conversation with my mother.
“What do you mean you’re moving to South Texas? Do you mean south Austin?”
Rolling my eyes I said, “No, Mom, I mean I’m moving to be with Tristan on his family’s ranch. His father had a heart attack and Tristan is now going to run his family’s ranch. It’s something he has been dreaming of doing for a while now.”
“And tell me why, Kathryn, we paid good money for you to get a college degree so you could go be a farmer’s wife?”
Wife?
Pushing that thought from my mind, I took in a sharp breath and blew it out. “Mom, it’s a ranch. Not a farm. I still have my business that is growing more and more. I’ve just landed a huge company that is really going to change things for me.”
“The only thing that needs changing is your way of thinking. Home is where you need to be.”
Inhaling a deep breath in, I shook my hands a few times and got ready to start my new life. Opening the door, I stepped out and smiled when I looked at Peter and Joyce’s house.
Home. This was now my home.
My heart filled with hope. Hope for a future that was going to be more amazing than I had ever dreamed.
Tristan didn’t think I was heading back until next week. I had moved up a few business meetings that I had to be present for and got those out of the way yesterday. It had been one hell of a day yesterday, but it was worth it. Knowing I would be in Tristan’s arms four days earlier than we thought had my libido jumping with excitement.
Reaching into the back seat of my car, I pulled out my day bag and decided to leave my other stuff for later. I had my back seat and trunk full of stuff. I must have mailed twenty-five huge boxes over the last two weeks down here of just business stuff.
Walking up to the house, I pulled my phone out and sent Tristan a text.
Me: Done for the day. I miss you.
Not even a minute later he responded.
Tristan: Phone sex?
Laughing, I slipped it back into my pocket and headed into the house. I set my bag down on the chair in the foyer as I heard Joyce and Peter talking. Walking into the kitchen, I had my finger over my mouth. Joyce’s eyes lit up as she made her way over to me.
“Oh my darling, Kathryn!” Pulling back she looked my body up and down, just like you would picture your mother doing as she made sure you were in one piece. “He has no idea you are coming. Let me tell you something, that boy has been grumpy. It’s safe to say he missed you.”
Walking up with his arms extended, Peter gave me the sweetest smile. “He missed you a lot, sweetheart.”
Kissing Joyce on the cheek and then Peter, I looked around the kitchen as I took in the smells through my nose. “You made my favorite!”
Joyce gave me a wink, “Of course I did. Now the boys are on the back porch. Go put that son of mine out of misery and let him know you are here.”
Glancing to the back door, I asked, “Boys?”
Peter went to the stove and started the pot of water for what I was guessing was for the pile of homemade pasta sitting on a plate. “Chris is with him.”
“Oh right, Tristan has been talking a lot about Chris. I’m glad I get to meet him.” Looking at them both bustling about I asked, “Did you um . . . need any help in here?”
Turning and looking at me, the both wore shocked expressions. “Kathryn, go see Tristan, sweetheart.”
Smiling, I gave them a polite nod and headed to the back door, anxious to see Tristan. Pulling it open, I walked through the screened in back porch and to the back deck. My stomach dropped when I heard Tristan’s voice. It filled my body with warmth instantly.
Standing up, Tristan turned to Chris. “Yeah, maybe I should talk to Ryn first about this.”
Peaking my curiosity and giving me a good excuse to make myself known, I pushed open the door and asked, “Talk to me about what?”
Tristan turned and looked as did his friend, Chris. I couldn’t help but notice the smile that spread across Chris’s face. Looking at Tristan he seemed confused at first, but then he gave me that grin that had changed my entire life less than two years ago. It was dark, but I swore I saw his green eyes light up.
“Ryn, you’re . . . baby, you’re here.”
I quickly moved to him and he had me wrapped in his arms in seconds. My heart slammed against my chest. I don’t think I would ever be able to explain to Tristan how his response in seeing me just erased any doubts and fears I had about our relationship.
I heard it in his voice. I saw it in the expression he wore on his face. I felt it in the way he was holding me. This man loved me and needed me as much as I loved and needed him.
Pulling back, he cupped my face within in his hands. “You’re here.”
Grinning like fool, I could only whisper, “Yes.”
Tristan pressed his lips to mine as he kissed me. I was still very aware of his friend Chris standing there. When Tristan pulled away, my eyes went to Chris.
Tristan stepped back and looked at Chris who was standing there with a smile on his face. “Sorry, Chris.” Glancing back to me, Tristan wrapped his arm around me. “This is my Ryn.”
My Ryn.
Walking up to me, Chris held out his hand. Shaking his hand quickly, I began to talk. “Tristan has been talking a lot about you. Y’all were good friends in high school, right?”
“Yes, we were. It’s a pleasure finally getting to meet you, Ryn. I’m not sure how you did it, but you managed to tame the wild child.”
Looking into each other’s eyes everything seemed to have fallen into place in that very moment. Tristan leaned in and said, “Best surprise ever.”
Placing my hand on his bicep, I needed control. My knees wobbled and I was sure everything was spinning while I stood perfectly still. “I hope so.”
Tristan and I were caught in a trance, neither of us pulling away. I felt as if I could see my entire future within in his eyes.
Clearing his throat, Chris clapped his hands, causing us to break free from the hold. “Well, this was fun, but I think I’ll head out.”
“You don’t have to leave on my account,” I said as I took a step back from Tristan. I needed to create space between us before the heat grew more.
Tristan chuckled as he pushed Chris toward the door. “Yeah, he does.”
Laughing, I playfully hit Tristan on the shoulder. “Stop that.”
Walking into the kitchen Joyce let out a happy yelp. “Dinner is ready. Chris, please say you’ll join us?”
Holding up his hands, he shook his head. “No, no, Joyce, I don’t want to impose on family time.”
Tristan pulled my seat out for me as he said, “Sure you do. You want to talk about your doggy daycare set up?”
Chris glared at Tristan. “You don’t know how lucky you are there are women in the room right now.”
Peter laughed, “Shit, that’s never stopped me from speaking my mind and it sure as hell has never stopped my sons.”
“Peter Williams. Christopher, sit down, I want to hear all about this.”
Smiling, I nodded my head. “Oh, me too! I’ve always wanted a dog.”
Tristan dropped into his seat. “No. No dogs in a brand new house. Nope, I’m putting my foot down right now before this even comes up again.”
Patting Tristan on the leg, I calmly said, “Okay, okay. Don’t get all upset about it. No dogs.”
Glancing over to Chris, I mouthed, for now.
Chuckling, he sat.
Joyce set a giant bowl of homemade pasta on the table and another of homemade sauce. My mouth watered. I loved to cook but I never did. Cooking for just me was a pain. I always ended up making way too much and throwing it away or giving it to the
single guy who lived next door. The last time I brought food over, he came out and asked me if I just wanted to come in and have sex. When I said no, his face dropped. Then he said, “I take it I won’t be getting any leftovers from now on.” Smiling, I informed him he would indeed not be getting any more.
Joyce started asking Chris about the vet clinic. Then the conversation moved to the doggy daycare. “Christopher, where are you going to find time? With the vet clinic keeping you so busy and now you helping out Tristan with the animals here, how will you be able to do all three?”
Giving Joyce the sweetest smile he nodded his head. “Well, I would probably have to hire some employees for the boarding side. It wouldn’t just be doggy daycare.” Looking toward Tristan, Chris shot him a dirty look while Tristan laughed.
Taking Tristan’s hand in mine, I gave it a light squeeze. “I think it’s a great idea, Chris. I’d even be interested in volunteering part-time for you.”
Tristan’s head snapped up. “What?”
“Yeah, I love animals and I think it would be fun. It would for sure be a way for me to meet people. Of course, I’d only be able to help out a few hours a week.”
Chris sat up straighter. “Really, Ryn? Are you serious?”
Giving him a wide grin, I said, “Yes! I’m totally serious. I run my own company, so I make my own hours. If you’d have me, I’d love to help you get things set up.”
Chris’s eyes lit up and Tristan squeezed my hand. When I looked at Tristan, his smile was soft and gentle. Giving me a quick wink, I knew he was just as excited for Chris but he was having more fun giving him a hard time.
I sat back and listened to Chris talking to Peter and Joyce. Peter was full of wonderful pieces of advice on where to start. Of course with Chris opening his own Vet clinic, he had a good sense on where to begin. It was then I took a really good look at him.
Dark hair. Dark deep chocolate eyes. His skin looked like he had been touched with a kiss of sun. I wondered if that was part of his heritage or if he hit the tanning beds. His smile was warm and friendly. You could for sure tell he grew up on a ranch or farm. He had muscles but nothing too extreme.
