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“I’d forgotten how hot summers are here,” I say to Mason as we walk across the road to where his truck is parked.
“A bit different to home, then?”
“Yeah, just a bit. We’ve had rubbish weather so far this year.”
“Well, you won’t be short on sun here, that’s for sure.”
As we reach where he’s parked, I put Jacob back in the trolley as I fix the car seat we brought with us into the back of the truck. Mason puts our luggage into the flatbed section of the truck as I strap Jacob into his seat. Once we’re all in the car, I turn to Mason.
“Is Libby still in the dark about us coming?”
“Yep. She has no idea. She was leaving to meet Savannah in the stables when I left. She thinks I’ve come out for a part for one of the ranch trucks.”
“I can’t wait to see her face when she sees Jacob. I know how much she misses him.”
“She misses you both. She’s going to freak!”
I laugh as he pulls out of the parking space and away from the airport.
It’s about an hour’s drive to my aunt and uncle’s place, and Mason fills me in on how everyone’s doing. My cousins, Savannah and Brody, both live on the ranch with their partners, Josh and Quinn. Savannah and Josh have the most adorable little girl called Hope, and I’m hoping Jacob and Hope become firm friends while we’re here. When I spoke to Aunt Claire earlier in the week, she’d invited us to stay in the ranch house with them. Since Savannah and Brody moved out, there’s plenty of room, and I think she misses having a full house.
“We’re almost there. I’m just going to pull over and message Sav, let her know to keep Libby away from the driveway.” Mason pulls to the side of the road and types out a message on his phone before pulling back on to the road. A few minutes later and we’re heading up the oak-lined driveway that leads to the ranch house. Suddenly, the driveway opens up and the house comes into view. It’s an impressive sight and I’d forgotten just how beautiful this place is. The large wraparound porch has been painted white since I was last here, and the steps up to the front door have colorful flowerpots on them. The porch swing still sits to the left of the door, and as I climb out of the truck, the door opens, and Aunt Claire comes flying down the steps.
“You’re here!” she cries, throwing her arms around my neck and hugging me tightly. “Where’s that beautiful little boy of yours?” she asks, stepping out of the embrace.
“Great to see you, Aunt Claire. Thanks for having us to stay.” She waves her hand and shakes her head.
“No need to thank me. We love having you here.” I chuckle as she tries to look through the tinted windows to get a glimpse of Jacob. “He is in there, isn’t he?” she asks, peering through the glass.
“He is,” I assure her. “Let me get him.” Opening the door, I unfasten his straps and lift him from the car. His face nuzzles into my neck, and I know he’s feeling shy. “Jacob, this is Aunt Claire. Do you want to say hi?” He shakes his head, his face still buried in my neck.
“When your daddy was little, he used to love playing with cars. Do you like cars, Jacob?” she asks, the palm of her hand coming to rest on his back. He’s still for a few minutes before nodding his head and slowly looking round at her. His eyes drop to her open hand where a toy pickup truck sits. “This is for you.” His eyes widen before he looks to me for reassurance.
“Go ahead, Jacob. Take it,” I tell him, smiling encouragingly. His little fingers clasp around the truck as he takes it from her hand. “What do you say?”
“Tank you.”
She smiles and ruffles his hair. “You’re very welcome. Hope is going to love playing with you. We’re a little light on children around the ranch.”
“Not for long though, with Lib due soon,” I say, putting Jacob down so he can drive his car on the ground. “Talking of Lib, where is she?”
“She’s in the stables with Aria, the horse trainer. Savannah’s standing guard outside. It’s been killing me to keep your visit a secret. Why don’t you go and find her?” She gestures with her head to the stables, which stand a little distance from the house.
“I’ll come with you,” Mason says from behind me. “In case you send her into early labor.” He chuckles when a look of horror crosses my face. “I’m joking, Jack. I just want to see her face.” He slaps me on the back before scooping Jacob up and guiding me toward the stables. Despite Jacob only having met Mason an hour ago, he’s happy for him to carry him. Mason told him he was a cowboy during the journey from the airport, and now he thinks he’s Woody fromToy Story.
As we reach the stables, I see Savannah bouncing up and down outside the doors. “I can’t believe you’re really here,” she whisper-shouts as we get nearer. She throws her arms around my neck as I reach her, and I kiss her on the cheek.
“Great to see you, Sav. How’s Josh and Hope?”
“They’re great. I actually need to run and pick Hope up from her friend’s house. She had a sleepover last night. I really wish I could stay and see Lib’s face when she sees you. She’s inside with Aria.” She turns to Mason, who’s holding Jacob, and squeals. “Oh my God, is this Jacob? I can’t believe how big he’s gotten. Hi.” Jacob buries his head in Mason’s shoulder, and I let out a chuckle.
“He’s a little shy.”
“Wait ’til he meets Hope. She’ll bring him round.” She ruffles his hair before going up on her tiptoes and kissing my cheek. “I’ve really got to run. I’ll catch up with you later though. Have fun.” With a wave, she rushes off toward the ranch house.
I push on the stable door, and it opens silently. I can see Libby at the other end of the building, tending to one of the horses. She hasn’t seen us yet, and I grin at Jacob before taking him from Mason. We’re almost halfway toward her when she looks up and sees us. The brush she’s holding falls to the floor as her hand covers her mouth.
“Oh my God! What are you doing here?”
