Page 14 of Sunrise & Serenity

Holden stands there, eyes fixed on me. “Wanted to make sure I don’t have to patch you up again.”

I purse my lips before flashing him the wide smile I hope annoys him. “Don’t worry, I learned my lesson last night.”

He steps back, and I carefully climb out, watching my feet this time before stretching back in for my camera bag. By the time I close the door and turn around, Holden’s already stomping up the stairs to the house.

God, this guy really can’t decide whether he’s a gentleman or not.

Taking my time, I trail behind him, absorbing every detail. When I reach the porch, I turn to take in the view of the valley.

Beautiful.

With a deep sigh of appreciation, I unzip my bag and pull out my camera. A quick glance at the horizon tells me the sun’s angle. Peering through the viewfinder, I make a few careful adjustments, chasing the strongest composition. The green pastures anchor the foreground, and the river draws the eye toward the darker, tree-covered foothills and lower mountains, while the rocky, snow-tipped peaks and the sky fill the upper third of the frame.

This early, the light is still soft and warm, and the long shadows add a touch of drama to the composition. I take the shot, then check the screen. Perfect. Getting people to fall in love with this place won’t be difficult. The challenge might be narrowing the selection of photos.

Excitement sparks through me, and I smile as I turn toward the house.

Holden is watching from the open front door. Those blue eyes of his are locked on me with enough intensity to send a little sizzle across my skin.

To mask my sudden awareness, I fiddle with my camera settings. “Is it okay for us to just walk in?”

His head tilts to one side, and I can’t tell whether I’m imagining the corners of his mouth twitching. “Yep.”

“I should introduce myself to Sterling first. Will he be here?”

“Should be. Morning chores’ll be done by now.”

His mood seems to have lightened, though I’m not sure why. Maybe he’s just looking forward to handing me over to Sterling so he can disappear.

Works for me.

“Great.” I flash him that bright smile again. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

His eyes narrow. I hope he’s not catching on to my new tactic.

When I don’t let my expression fall, he jerks his chin. “Come on.”

More pleased with myself than I probably should be, I follow him into the house.

I’m greeted by the irresistible aroma of bacon and coffee, making my mouth water and my stomach growl. Ahead, Holden sweeps his hat off his head as he steps through a doorway into what turns out to be a spacious country-style kitchen.

Stone countertops and stainless-steel appliances sit alongside warm hardwood floors and exposed beams spanning the ceiling. The wide windows I noticed outside flood the space with light and frame the mountain views beyond. Wooden cabinets, an island bench, and a large range fill one end of the room. The other is dominated by a long table where three men are eating breakfast.

They all shift their attention to us as we enter. More specifically, to me.

I give a little wave. “Hi.”

The man at the head of the table grins. He looks to be in his late fifties or early sixties, with a full head of salt-and-pepper hair. “This must be Sage,” he says. “Don’t be rude, Holden. Bring her over.”

With a twist to his mouth, Holden motions me toward the table with one hand.

As I approach, I scan the men, trying to figure out whether one of them is Sterling. It can’t be the man who greeted us. I didn’t recognize his voice. Of the other two, one looks maybe a few years older than Holden, and one a few years younger. They both share an unmistakable family resemblance, with striking light-colored eyes and strong jawlines. The older one, with a laptop in front of him, has short, dark hair, while the other has longer, dark curls.

Even the man at the head of the table shares the resemblance.

In fact, all three of them look like⁠—

My brain trips over itself as the realization hits me.