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“Good. I figured that’s what it was.” My father nods, shoveling another bite of my mom’s homemade dumplings into his mouth.
“Tomorrow I’ll take a look at the McCormick. Chris said it’s been starting rough.”
“Sounds good. Maybe Laken can help you. She’s pretty good with mechanics.” The instant my name is mentioned my stomach twists.
“So I’m learning.” Thad offers me a soft smile and I thank the moon and stars that I’m currently sitting down because I’m fairly certain if I were standing I’d be on the ground right about now.
“What do you say, honey?” My father sits back in his chair, his focus on me.
“I can do that,” I force out past the knot that has formed in my throat.
“Good, then it’s settled.” My father nods, taking a long drink of his iced tea.
“So, I was thinking I’d like to take Cocoa out for a ride after dinner if that’s okay,” I announce, not even thinking about doing anything of the sort until this very moment.
Truth be told, I feel like I need to get away for a few. Being back here – it’s overwhelming, and that feeling is intensified by the incredibly attractive man sitting across from me.
“I think that would be good for the both of you. Just make sure you stay on the trail and don’t take her out too far. I don’t want you out past the fences by yourself.”
“That’s the best place to ride,” I object, not surprised to see that even at twenty-two my father is still way too protective of me. I guess that comes with being the only girl.
“Then one of your brothers can go with you.”
“Not it,” the twins call in unison as if they were waiting for the moment when my father would try to volunteer one of them.
“Hey, don’t look at me.” Ben holds up his hands. “I’ve got a date tonight.”
“Sure you do.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “What about you, big brother?” I turn toward Chris.
“No can do, Lake. I promised Brad I’d head over to his place after dinner. I’m helping him build a new porch,” he says, eliminating him and my oldest brother in one fell swoop.
“Mom?” I turn to my mother who’s sitting at the opposite end of the table from my father.
“I wish I could, honey, but my back makes it hard for me to ride for long periods of time.” She gives me a sad smile. “I doubt I’d make it to the tractor barn before having to turn around.”
I had completely forgotten about her back issues. It’s not something she really talks about. She was thrown from her horse a few years ago and suffered a fractured vertebra as a result. I didn’t know she wasn’t able to ride anymore. I have to remind myself that while it feels like I’ve only been gone a few weeks, I’ve actually missed more than I think I even realize.
“I’ll go with you.” My entire body stiffens as my gaze darts to Thad.
“There you go,” my mother chimes in happily.
“That’s okay. You don’t have to,” I object, having a hard time picturing a man like Thad on a horse.
He’s all hard lines and rough edges, reminding me more of someone that would be seen cruising on a motorcycle rather than riding a thousand pound animal.
“I want to,” he insists. “It’s been a few days since I’ve taken Sheldon out.”
“Sheldon?” I question.
“He’s an Appaloosa we bought last fall,” my father interjects. “Thad’s been the one primarily caring for him.”
I don’t know why but this news surprises me. Riding a horse is one thing but caring for one is something else entirely. It’s a bond–a connection–something I can’t see a man like Thad being open to. Then again, I don’t really know anything about him so I guess it’s unfair of me to judge him so quickly.
“Okay then,” I agree, knowing there’s no way to refuse without drawing questions from my parents.
And even though the thought of getting to spend actual time with Thad sounds more than a little appealing, it also scares the shit out of me and I have no real clue why.
“I’m going to head up and change. I’ll meet you at the barn in twenty?” I question, scooting my chair backward.
