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“You’re not intruding. I’m inviting you.”
She glanced at him. “Thank you. It’s very kind of you.”
“Do you bake?”
“No.”
He smiled. “That was a pretty definitive no. Well, think of something to bring. That way, you won’t feel like such a freeloader.” Ember stopped walking, and he grinned at her. “I’m kidding. You don’t need to bring anything. But you can come early and help in the kitchen. Genny will be here barking out orders. And Dad will try to help. If you’re here, they might behave themselves a little.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to Genny and ask her when Ishould come and if I can bring anything. I don’t want to feel like a freeloader.”
They reached the barn and went inside. They passed by the horses and as they got near the weight room, they could hear the grunting of someone hard at work.
Sawyer was on the pull up bar with his back to the door. He had a tank top on, with his muscles on full display. They both watched the impressive sight as he pulled his chin up past the bar, then lowered himself down in complete control, only to repeat the motion. After five repetitions, the last of probably a lot more, he let go of the bar and dropped to the floor.
Jake cleared his throat and said, “Sawyer.”
Sawyer turned. “Oh. Hey.” He nodded at Ember. “Did you come to work out?”
“No. We just thought getting your grandfather in here would be a good idea.”
“Yeah. That should get his strength back in no time.”
Ember looked around the room. “This is amazing.”
Sawyer nodded. “It’s been a work in progress. But it’s pretty complete now.”
“I talked to him about yoga. But he wasn’t too excited to try it. So maybe we’ll try another approach. Something more…”
“Manly?” Sawyer and Jake said in unison.
“I suppose so. At least in his mind.” She looked at Jake. “Have you ever done yoga?” Shethought about the afternoon at the cabin when she’d forced him to do it with her.
“No. I believe Sage does it, though. Along with meditation and such.”
“Meditation can be very helpful.”
Jake shook his head. “She already talked me into trying it.”
Ember smiled at him. “Not manly enough for you?”
Sawyer laughed and Jake’s phone rang before he had a chance to respond.
He held up his phone. “I need to take this.” He stepped out of the room to take the call.
Sawyer smiled at Ember. “If you need help in here with Granddad, just let me know. I’d be glad to give you a hand.”
“Thank you. It’d be very helpful to have some support. And you’re much more knowledgeable about all of this than I am.”
“Anytime.”
Jake came back into the room. “I need to get to town. My meeting got moved up and J.T.is on his way in.” He looked at Sawyer. “Can you introduce Ember to the horses? I think Button or Mitch will work for her.”
“Sure.”
Jake smiled at Ember. “I’ll see you around, Ember.”
“Bye, Jake.” She held back a sigh as she watched him go, then glanced at Sawyer, hoping he wasn’t watching her. He wasn’t. But had hebeen, surely he would’ve seen the utter despair she was feeling.
