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“Not as much as you, apparently,” Sybil mutters under her breath with a cheeky grin.
“What? Who said what?” I stab a finger in her direction across the table. Devon and Odette seem oblivious to the conversation, and they continue to chat about the horses and discuss some suggestions about the ranch moving forward.
“Let’s just say that Harley and Hudson filled me in on what you got up to this morning.” Sybil winks, and I inwardly cringe.
“Who else have they told? I don’t want people to think anything because we’re nothing more than friends. Surprisingly, we have quite a bit in common.”
Her eyebrows shoot skywards. “Really? How so?”
“I’m not telling you right now. I’ll share all in due time.”
“You’ve always been the queen of keeping secrets.” Sybil groans.
I shrug. “What can I say? I’m a pro now.”
“Yes, you are,” she says monotone as she takes another bite of food.
We finish our lunch, and I thank them, then head out to the horses. I’ve only got a little bit of time before I need to get Olive and begin our little afternoon routine before I put her down for bed. I can’t help but wonder if Sebastian will be out and about. I’m so worried about whatever this is we have going on. He’s a great kisser, so tender, yet so hungry for more. I get my phone from my back pocket and shoot off a message to Isla. She’ll know what to do.
Delilah:I need help. Sebastian and I kissed today… twice. I have no idea how to handle this. He’s so nice and everything I’m not used to. Eli was the complete opposite. HELP!
I’m not expecting a quick reply, but her fingers must move like The Flash.
Isla:YOU KISSED HIM? Wow.
Delilah:Yes, and now I don’t know what to do. I should know—I’m old enough to know these things, but my head is all over the place. I feel guilty over Eli and how quickly things have moved with Sebastian. I have told him we need to keep moving slowly, and he was fine with it.
Isla:I’m sitting here with my mouth hanging open, staring at my screen. I can’t believe you kissed him—twice. I think we need to celebrate, but I can tell you’re freaking out so we can do that later. Talk to me.
Delilah:It’s only been a short while since I buried Eli. Is kissing another person and having some feelings for them the wrong thing? And the fact that I’ve known this person hardly two weeks. It’s all too much for my messed-up head at the moment.
Isla:Tell me what and how this happened.
I have to work with these horses for a bit—especially Diamond. Typing and walking is the easiest thing. I fill her in on the horse ride, what happened with Claire and after Claire. My heart hammers even as I go back to those moments in my mind. My stomach swirls with excitement.
I enter the barn to the sound of horses moving around in their stalls and the soft crunch of them chewing hay. “Hey, pretties. Are we ready to get to work?” I go to Diamond’s gate first. Her head comes up, her ears prick and turn in my direction. “Hey, girl. Ready to try again? You’re such a good girl.” After unlatching her gate, I step in.
Diamond moves a little. I stand just inside the gate, closing it behind me. Slowly, I move closer. “You’re a beautiful girl,” I say softly. She doesn’t move or turn away from me—this time, she lets me pat her nose. A wide grin pulls across my face. After not training a horse for so long, this feeling of success makes tears fill my eyes. I run my hand down her neck and give her some scratches. She presses into my hand as if seeking the attention. “I know how you feel, pretty girl. Don’t worry. I’ll look after you.”
An hour later, I’ve done a little work with each of them, and now I’m absolutely wrecked. My eyelids are heavy and want to close. The sun starts to dip as I make my way up to collect Olive.
When I get to the cabin, the lights are off, and no one’s there. My stomach drops. Did I lose track of time? Olive must be wondering where I am. I run up to the house and hear voices floating down the hallway from the kitchen. I go to head in that direction, but I pause when I see the man sitting in the recliner in the living room.
“Dad? What are you doing?”
His head comes up from the book in his lap. I step closer and notice it’s a picture album. “Nothing,” he says gruffly and snaps it shut. He rises from his seat and walks to the kitchen.
A stab of unease washes over me. Will he ever move on from the past? I don’t know what I can do to try to make things right.
“Come on, everyone. Dinner’s ready,” Tally calls. It’s then I hear Olive squeal, and my unease washes away but only briefly.
I scan the room as I enter and spot my little ray of sunshine fitting right in with the family. Harley’s making stupid faces and causing her to giggle, and then everyone in the room laughs. Tally pops a plate of chopped-up food in front of her. She reaches for it, her little hand filled in seconds, and shoves it in her open mouth. Anyone would think she hadn’t eaten today.
“Hello, baby girl.” I rush to her and smother her in kisses. She beams up at me. Her blue eyes shine with happiness. I hope she lets me sleep through the night tonight. “How was she today, Mabel?”
“She was an angel. She and Sebastian’s girls got along great and kept each other entertained. She only got upset when he came and got the girls. So I closed up and came back here where she got entertained by the family clown here.” She jerks a thumb at Harley, sitting beside Olive in her highchair.
I can’t help but laugh. He really is the family clown and can be sensitive when the occasion calls for it. “Of course. He told me he was her favorite.” This causes an uproar between Hudson and Harley.
