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“This sounds familiar,” she says, a smile playing on her lips.
“What?” I ask, confused.
“Aria, this is just how Mason and I met, and look at us now.” She holds up her left hand, flashing me her wedding ring before patting her swollen stomach.
“What happened with you and Mason was totally different.” I know the story of how she came to stay here when her friend died in an accident. “You didn’t have a child you had to provide for. He can’t just decide to stay. His whole life is back in the UK.”
“I guess, but if it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be.”
“I wish I had your optimism.”
“If you like him, just see how it goes. Who’s to say it will work out anyway?”
“Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence,” I say with a giggle. “I like him though, Lib. I know it might be a bit weird me talking to you about him since he’s your brother, but I’ve never felt a connection with someone like I do with him.”
“Please don’t write anything off with him before you’ve even tried. Promise me.”
I sigh, but nod my head. “Okay, I promise, but I’ll blame you if I end up heartbroken and alone.” Her eyes widen and I laugh. “I’m kidding, Lib.”
She looks relieved, and we carry on walking toward the stables. I might have made a promise to Libby, but I’m not going to make myself vulnerable. I’ve made that mistake before. Whatever this is with Jack can’t go anywhere, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun while he’s here. As long as I go into it knowing it’s fun and nothing more, my heart could stay intact. I hope.
Despite being employed as a horse trainer, I turned my hand to most things around the ranch, helping out wherever I could. Today, I’m mucking out. Libby is too pregnant to help, even though she insists she isn’t. The horses have already been moved to the exercise area, and I pick up the pitchfork and head into one of the stalls.
“How are you feeling today? Any twinges?”
She shakes her head. “I’m good. Just a bit of backache.”
“Why don’t you sit down? You don’t need to help out today.”
“I want to.”
“I know you do, but you’re going to have to slow down soon, Lib. I’m surprised that cowboy of yours even lets you out of his sight,” I joke.
“I don’t normally,” Mason says as he appears behind us. “She snuck out on me this morning.”
“I did not sneak out on you,” Libby says, and I turn to see Mason pull her into his arms.
“You should listen to Aria though, Lib. Hell, you won’t listen to me!” He kisses her and I smile before carrying on with what I was doing.
“I’m fine! You’re all fussing.”
“God, woman! You drive me crazy.”
“Cowboy!” the sweetest voice shouts, and I look over my shoulder, smiling as Jacob runs toward Mason. Jack follows him, his eyes meeting mine. Tearing my gaze off him, I watch as Mason lifts Jacob into the air, spinning him around.
“He saw you coming in here from the porch swing. He wanted to see the cowboy,” Jack explains with a chuckle.
“Seems someone’s made quite the impression,” Libby says as she presses a kiss on Mason’s cheek.
“Hat,” Jacob says, and Mason takes his hat off, placing it gently on Jacob’s head. It’s huge and completely covers his eyes.
“He needs a cowboy hat of his own. The store in town has them,” I say.
“Why don’t we go for lunch in Marble Falls? We can stop and get him one,” Libby suggests.
“Sure, sweetheart. You up for that, Jack?” Mason asks.
Jack nods, his eyes flicking to me.
