Page 110 of Sunrise & Serenity

I hide a smile. Looks like Mia’s going to bear the full brunt of his charm tonight.

As the sun sinks lower on the horizon, the cookout officially begins. The air fills with conversation and laughter, and the scent of grilling meat makes my mouth water. Music drifts from the porch speakers as the family and a few of the ranch hands who’ve joined in pull extra chairs around the tables.

I can’t help but duck inside and retrieve my camera. I’m not working, not searching for shots the way I usually do. Instead, I focus on capturing the moments unfolding around me. Quinn laughing so hard at River that beer nearly comes out his nose. Sterling refilling his dad’s glass as Harrison smiles his thanks up at him. River and Chance leaning against the fence while Ruby explains something to them with flamboyant gestures.

As happens so often these days, my gaze finds Holden. He’s standing by the grill, sleeves pushed up, smoke curling around him in the fading light. I instinctively raise my camera, but I stop myself before I take the shot. I may not be working, but he made it clear from the start that he didn’t want me to photograph him, and I don’t want to break his trust now.

Somehow, he notices anyway, eyes meeting mine across the yard. As if he’s as aware of me as I am of him, despite all the other people around.

Lowering my camera to my lap, I offer him an apologetic smile, but he gives a swift shake of his head. I hesitate, unsure if I’m reading him right. He keeps his attention on me, a half smile curving his mouth. As if he knows what I wanted to do. As if he’s letting me.

When I raise the camera again and look through the viewfinder, his eyes are still on me, his expression still relaxed. Warmth spreads through me as the shutter clicks. I capture another shot just as he picks up his beer, subtly tilts it toward me, and takes a sip.

He refocuses on his grilling duty as Chance approaches him, and I lower my camera again.

The interaction was small, subtle, yet my heart beats at a ridiculous rate. He was happy for me to photograph him here on the ranch, surrounded by his family. It shouldn’t matter so much, but it does.

My phone vibrates beside me on the table.

I almost ignore it, too caught up in the moment, until I recognize the mechanic’s number on the screen.

Right. My car.

A strange feeling grows in my stomach as I answer.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Sage, it’s Jim from the garage. Sorry for calling late. Just wanted to let you know your car’s ready to go. Sorry again about the delay getting the parts in.”

“Oh.” I glance at Holden, who’s still standing beside the grill. “That’s… great. Thank you.”

“We’ll be open until five tomorrow if you want to pick it up then.”

“Perfect,” I answer a little weakly. “I appreciate it.”

When the call ends, I lower the phone slowly.

My car’s fixed.

A month ago, that would’ve felt like freedom. Now all I can think about is my cute little cabin, morning drives into the ranch with Holden, and nights spent curled up next to him. With my car now running, I don’t have an excuse to keep staying out here.

Suddenly, our expiration date looms all too close.

CHAPTER 29

HOLDEN

Ilean against a post, cold beer in hand, watching with amusement as River gestures broadly, telling loud stories to our friends and family. Mia’s daughter, Ruby, is sitting next to him with stars in her eyes. Apparently, he can charm women of all ages.

My gaze drifts to Sage, who’s seated between Mia and Taryn, laughing at River’s story.

She fits in here too easily. With my family.

Hell, with me.

The dangerous part is how easy it is to picture her staying. I take another swallow of beer. That’s a thought I’ve got no right having.

But the longer I watch her, the more it seems her mood has shifted, as if she’s not quite as carefree as she was earlier.