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Wade’s skin flushed but only just. He groaned but didn’t add further comment. He paced a few steps, then stopped and pointed an accusatory finger at Tad. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this. You’re not equipped to do half of the stuff Zeke will need you to. This is just a big mistake.”
“Well, you better get used to it because I’m not going anywhere.” He winked at her again. “I’m here to stay as long as Bri wants me to.”
Brielle thought it strange hearing him use her name shortened like that—foreign—like it didn’t roll off the tongue as easily. It was far more acceptable to hear him use her full name or even his pet name for her. She couldn’t place why it felt… wrong.
Brielle forced a smile. “Wade is right. The landscape around here can get treacherous if you don’t know where you’re going. There are animals in the woods. Some trails are really old and on the edges of ravines. You don’t want to bring a tour group out that way and then get stuck.” She allowed herself one more look in Wade’s direction, but he was more focused on the horse she’d set him up with. “Anyway, let’s saddle up and get out there. I’ve packed us some lunch in case we don’t get back in time—”
“A picnic? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have whipped up some lamingtons.”
Wade wrinkled his nose but thankfully didn’t say anything that might sound harsh.
She assumed that, due to her blank expression, Tad felt the need to clarify. “It’s a cake covered with chocolate and coconut.”
“You cook?”
“Nah.” Tad chuckled. “I just know how to make a few sweets.”
Wade snorted, earning a sharp look from Brielle. He sobered up quickly. “We’re wasting daylight. Let’s get going so we can cover more ground before it gets too hot.”
Brielle nodded. “He’s right. We’ve got a lot to go over.” She turned toward her horse only to find Tad right beside her. She let out a yelp, staring at him with confusion. “This is my horse. Yours is over there.”
“I know.” He held out his hand. “Can’t I help a lady?”
Wade’s exaggerated growl made it hard to bite back the amused grin that fought to make an appearance.
“I’m fine, Tad. Really. I’ve grown up around here. I can handle myself.”
“I don’t doubtthat. But just because you can handle it doesn’t negate the fact that I can still be a gentleman.”
His logic took her off guard. Without realizing it, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to steady her as she climbed into the saddle.
Then they were off. She took the lead, making sure to point out the different trailheads and how they were marked. She gave them bits of information, such as which ones had water sources and which ones would be good to take if they were to stop for a snack break or a picnic. There were a few she told them to avoid altogether, but for the most part, the entire tour was conducted while she was on autopilot.
Her thoughts were a jumbled mess. Tad was a romantic through and through. He was the kind of old-fashioned gentleman she’d seen in the movies. From his longer hair to his accent, he was the kind of guy cast in the best romcoms.
Then there was Wade.
He was solid like an oak tree. She didn’t have any doubt he’d figure out how to take care of his wife and his family. She’d seen as much when she’d been at his family’s ranch. There was something comforting about knowing just what kind of father Wade would be.
Thoughts of him tugged at her and she shifted her gaze toward him, only to find Wade staring at her. Brielle’s head snapped back around so she could focus on the ride they were taking. Heat seared her cheeks, and no matter how refreshing the breeze was, it couldn’t ease her blush.
The leaves danced in the branches overhead as they moved farther into the wooded area. Birds chirped and critters scuttled under the brush. More and more signs of wildlife made themselves known. The temperature dropped slightly, causing goosebumps to cover her arms and legs. “Occasionally, you might bring a group who want to go hunting. If you do, you’ll need to make sure you get off this trail and head even farther into the woods.” She glanced at Tad this time, less unnerved by his stare. “The last thing we need is for someone to mistake your group as potential targets. Come on, there’s a picnic table out this way.”
She arced her arm around and then turned the reins of her horse to head through a thicket of trees. Both men had been unusually quiet throughout their ride. No questions from Wade, which was to be expected. He knew the basic terrain of Colorado.
Then again, he might just be quiet because Tad was present.
They arrived in the clearing where a lone, run-down, wooden picnic table sat beneath a canopy of branches. The picnic table was speckled with bark and dirt. She’d have to tell her father it could use a little more sprucing up out here if they wanted it to look nice for the tours they were planning on doing.
The sound of a trickling brook not far off could be heard but the water source wasn’t in the immediate vicinity.
Brielle climbed down from her perch, much to the disappointment of Tad, who’d made an attempt to get down from his ride first—something that wouldn’t have been thwarted if he wasn’t currently bow-legged.
She retrieved her pack and deposited it on the table. “Dig in.”
Tad obliged right away, but Wade didn’t move a muscle. He glanced at Tad and then Brielle. His brows lowered. “I’m going to get the horses taken care of.” Without another word, he gathered the reins of all three animals and headed into the trees.
Tad’s eyes followed him until he disappeared, then he grinned at Brielle. “I think he’s far too serious for you.”
