“It’s all right.” Tia Evie patted her hand. “You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to. I realize the Silva clan can be a little overwhelming.”
She cleared her throat. “I taught piano and voice at Bouchard’s School for Girls in New Orleans.”
“I’m just learning how to play. Aunt Felicity is teaching me.” Savannah put down the plate she’d been drying and walked over to hug Aunt Felicity.
“And you’re doing so well, too. Never saw a person with as much natural talent as you.” The older woman returned the hug and the wave of love between the two could be felt from across the room.
How much different her life would have been if she’d had people like this in it. People who openly showed their emotions and their affections. People who were truly proud of and encouraged each other. It made her want to be more like them.
“You’re a fellow teacher. How wonderful,” Jenny spoke, interrupting her train of thought. She dumped the last of the carrots into a bowl then wandered over to the sink to rinse them, gently moving Hilde, who was elbow-deep in soapy water, out of the way.
“I taught school as well,” Jenny said over her shoulder. “I came here from New Jersey to teach in town and then I met Heath. Actually, Tia Evie introduced us. Serenity is a wonderful place. Are you liking it?”
Sheridan answered, “Yes, it’s a lovely town. Most of the people I’ve met have been very friendly.”
“Ja, you’ll find that here.” Hilde dried her hands and moved away from the sink. “When Evie and I first came here, we didn’t know anyone, but even so, complete strangers were helpful, concerned for our well-being. The Zepedas on the next ranch over were especially kind. Marisol and Evie are still best friends.”
“Do you miss New Orleans?”
The question came from Catalina, and it struck her. Did she miss New Orleans? There really wasn’t much for her there. “Actually, I don’t. I think I’d like to stay here.”
Lucy patted her hand. “I’m glad.” She leaned a bit closer and lowered her voice. “Now, you just need to find that buyer for your business.”
“Yes. And it’s the first thing I’ll do tomorrow.”
A blast of frigid air swept into the room as the kitchen back door opened. Miguel entered, his cheeks rosy as he shrugged out of his coat and hung it up. He was followed by a tall man with gray in his hair and beard, who went straight toTiaEvie and gave her a kiss. A second man came in, so bow-legged he seemed to be still in the saddle, his pure white hair puffing around his head, then a third, younger than the other two but just as handsome.
Sheridan rose from her seat as introductions were quickly made. She met Jake Hannigan,TiaEvie’s mail-order husband. It seemed like the match was made in heaven. The bow-legged man was Antonio, Hilde’s husband, former foreman for Montaña del Trueno. He was retired now and only offered advice, but seemed happy to do so.
The third man held out his hand. “Teddy Silva. Welcome to our home.”
The door remained open, letting freezing air into the house. “Are you coming in or just gonna stand outside?” Teddy yelled to someone who was still outside.
“I’m getting the dirt off my boots.”
Sheridan heard Wyatt’s voice even as that funny little tickle settled in her stomach. God knows, she’d heard it often enough in the dreams that seemed to invade her sleep lately.
“I don’t want to be dragging dirt into the house. Hilde might just come after me with a wooden spoon. Or a cast-iron skillet. I hear she’s got a wicked swing.”
“I promise she won’t hit you. Just come inside and close the door,” Teddy ordered, “before I decide to go after you with her skillet. You’re letting all the cold air in.”
CHAPTER 8
Wyatt stepped into the kitchen and closed the door. Despite the wonderful aromas of everything cooking, he smelled a particular perfume, one that he still couldn’t name, but knew it couldn’t belong to anyone other than her.
Sheridan.
He turned slowly and came face to face with the woman who’d been in his thoughts more often than not, especially after his disastrous ‘date’ with Julia Applebaum. He’d been right in thinking she was too young for him, despite having graduated from college. Her ideas weren’t fully formed. Indeed, she seemed to change her mind about any particular topic within a matter of minutes, changing her opinions to his, which is not what he wanted. But he had done what he said he’d do, and if seeing Sheridan was his reward for spending a few hours with Julia, he’d take it.
Pleasure filled him as his gaze swept over her and settled on her beautiful eyes, as well as her lovely, utterly kissable mouth. “Well, look who it is.”
“Hello, Wyatt.”
He loved the sound of her voice. Even more, he loved the blush that stole over her face, and the gentle smile that tilted up the corners of her mouth. “I didn’t know you would be here.”
“Teddy has some foals he’s looking to sell.”
“Are you interested in buying any?” Sheridan asked, her blush still staining her cheeks.
