“Just nothing dangerous, please,” Dani interjected.
“I promise they’ll get nothing but the oldest, kindest horse. That would be Gentry. She’s out in the pasture right now, but she’ll come if I whistle. We’ll have to get her saddled up, but she loves kids.”
They strolled out past the barn to a small pasture for the horses. The longhorns were kept farther away from the main house. Gentry was easily found with her chestnut-and-white coloring. She was a pretty horse now, but she’d been stunning in her prime.
Cole placed his thumb and middle finger between his lips and whistled. Gentry looked up and, seeming resigned, made her way to the gate. Cole unhooked the latch and started to walk right up to her, but the boys and Dani hung back. “It’s okay, boys. Come on. She won’t hurt you.”
Cameron sprinted into action, and Colin followed. Gentry dropped her head when she got close to Cole and he gave her exactly what she wanted—scratches behind both ears.
Cole took the boys and Gentry down to the small corral next to the barn, saddled up the horse and let them take turns riding her. They took to it easily. These boys were born ranchers—one more reason for him to wonder if they might be his. Dani leaned against the fence, her long hair flowing over her shoulder in the breeze. She kept watch over her boys, but Cole also caught her keeping an eye on him once or twice. When that happened, their gazes locked for a heartbeat or two, making Cole’s pulse thunder in his ears. Then Dani would drop her head or look away, and he’d be plunged right back into self-doubt.
He tried not to think too much about the tension between them, the unfinished business, but it was next to impossible. It was all around him. An indelible force. He’d love it if she’d let down her guard and talk to him about the boys. But how could he expect her to open up about anything when it was his secret that kept them apart in the first place? Especially since his was a secret he refused to share. He didn’t want anyone’s pity because of the tumor.
Just then a familiar, gleaming RV pulled up in front of the house. Cole’s stomach sank. His parents. Those two and Dani did not have a good history. If he was trying to smooth things over with her, his mom and dad were going to stand in the way. No question about that.
“Come on, boys, we’re going to let Gentry have a rest,” Cole said. He waved over one of the ranch hands to have him take care of the horse.
“We were having fun,” Cameron said, seeming disappointed.
Dani strolled over. “Who’s that in the big RV?”
It wasn’t merely big, it was massive. A top-of-the-line Prevost, with a king-size bed in the master suite, hardwood floors, and marble tables. His parents had spared no expense. Cole smiled, as if that was going to make this any easier. “That would be my parents.”
“Your parents are here?” Dani muttered with a biting edge to her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me they were coming over?”
Cole was already on edge. His parents had not been particularly kind to Dani when he and Dani were together. “I didn’t know they were going to. They’re retired now and living out of that thing most of the year.” He pointed in the direction of the RV, just as his parents climbed out. Of course, they managed to spot Cole, Dani and the boys right away. “But they drop in unannounced every now and then to check in on things with the ranch. I’m so sorry. I know they’re not your favorite people.”
“Great. And I have no car. I really don’t think this is a good idea.”
Cole couldn’t help but notice the panic in Dani’s voice. This was a big deal for her. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything bad happen.” If only he could be so certain that he could keep that promise.
“I swear to God, Cole. If they say one thing to me, I’m leaving. I will call Elena and get her to pick us up.”
Cole rested his hand on her shoulder, trying to ignore how good it felt to have his fingers on her bare skin. “I will drive you myself if something happens. Or better yet, I’ll tell them to leave. Just give them a chance, Dani. They’ve both mellowed out a bit with retirement.”
Dani pressed her lips together tightly. “Hmm.” She did not seem convinced.
“Come on. Let’s just say hello.” The four of them made the trek up to the driveway. Cole’s mom, Bonnie, approached them, her curly blond hair up in a ponytail. Always impeccably dressed, she was wearing a sleeveless black blouse and white Capris, her trademark diamond stud earrings glinting in the sunlight. Mom spread her arms wide, but to Cole’s great surprise, that embrace was not meant for him—it was for Dani.
“Dani Moore. I can’t believe you’re here. It’s so nice to see you.” She gave Dani a pat on the back and stepped back. “You look just as gorgeous as always.” She turned to Cole’s dad. “Gus, doesn’t she look amazing?”
“She does. She does.” Dad was looking especially tan, and dressed like he was ready to go golfing, in khakis and a blue polo. Now that he was retired, he always looked more at ease than he had when he was still running the ranch. He hugged Dani, too, then shook Cole’s hand. “Son. Good to see you.”
“Nice to see you guys. I wish I would’ve known you were coming.”Seriously. Maybe give a guy a phone call next time?
“And who do we have here?” Cole’s mom asked.
Colin and Cameron introduced themselves. Cole was impressed.
“Would you boys like some cookies? And to check out our RV? If it’s okay with your mother, of course.”
Dani crossed her arms. “Oh, sure. Go right ahead.”
As soon as his parents walked off with the boys, Cole had to check in and see how Dani was feeling. “That wasn’t so bad. I mean, considering how you feel about them.”
“Anything I feel about them is because of things that they said. I never wanted anything but to be accepted, Cole.”
“I talked to them about it that one time, and they got better, didn’t they?”
