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She shifted her face up to his, their mouths a scant few inches apart, her eyes shining, her breath a warm caress as she replied, “It was freaking awesome. Will Apollo be rested enough to run like that on the way back?”
“Oh, yeah, it doesn’t take him long before he’s ready to go again. He enjoys splashing in the lake, so we’ll hang around long enough for him to do that after the deer move on. Next time you come out, I’ll load our paddle boat or a canoe in the truck, and we’ll drive down here for lunch on the water.”
Lily laughed when Apollo snorted and stomped his hooves. “I don’t think your horse likes being left out.”
“I’ll give him an extra carrot.” Reed clicked, and they started toward the lake as the deer took off.
Facing forward again, she stated, “You already sound sure I’ll come here again. Just how far do you see this going between us?”
He didn’t have to think too long or hard on his answer. “I’m in this for the long haul, so how far is really up to you.”
Instead of answering, she squealed when Apollo kicked up his legs in the water with such vigor the spray reached their faces. It wasn’t until they returned to the stable and he lifted her down that she brought it up again.
Leaning against him, she left her hands on his shoulders and lifted her gaze to his face. “Right now, I can’t say for sure if I’m ready for another commitment, Reed, but I am open to the possibility.”
“That’s a hell of a lot more than you were when you left, so I’ll take it.” His phone beeped, and he pulled it from his pocket as she moved away. He spoke a minute with Brett then told Lily, “Time to test my acting skills. I’ll get him unsaddled and turned out then we’ll drive to Brett’s place.”
Reed figured he did a good job since his mother looked pleased with his feigned reaction when they entered Brett’s house. He should have realized she would be more focused on Lily than him though. Andrea’s desire for the last five years had been to see her sons settled down and working on giving her grandchildren. Once the surprise greeting dwindled and guests wandered out to the patio, she hooked her arm through Lily’s with a wide smile. “Come tell me about yourself, while we carry food outside.”
“I’ll be happy to help. This is a beautiful home,” Lily replied, sending Reed a bemused look as his mother drew her toward the kitchen.
“We’ll meet outside,” Reed told her. “Mother, behave.”
Andrea kept walking through the dining area off the den as she replied, “Why, whatever do you mean, Reed? Like you said, we’ll catch up with you outside.”
Brett’s heavy hand landed on his shoulder, preventing him from following them. “Give it up, Reed. It won’t do any good. Trust me, I know. Besides, Mom’s harmless and means well.”
“Yeah, I know, but Lily is still on the fence about committing to a relationship, and I’m ready to leap forward. I don’t want Mom to push her into backing away. Lily’s face is easy to read; what’s going on in that head of hers is harder.”
The bi-folding patio windows spanning one side of the den were open to the wide expanse of the stone-paver patio, giving Reed a clear view of his mother in an animated discussion with Lily at the buffet table. At least Lily was smiling instead of looking uncomfortable from whatever she was hearing as she placed the two pans she carried with the rest of the food.
“We had to push you toward her, and you’ve already decided on a future? What does that tell you?” Brett asked with a smirk.
“That you should have butted out,” he returned. “Now, as the birthday boy, I get certain privileges, one of which is keeping my girl with me.”
“Good luck with that. I’ll help Slade and Jordon on the grill.”
They strolled outside together, Reed grateful his family had kept the gathering small today. His mother likely believed he wouldn’t suspect a surprise party at thirty-nine, and, from William’s nod of approval when he’d glanced toward his stepfather and mother upon entering, he’d succeeded in allowing her to keep thinking that. Because he loved his mother and Lily was still smiling with interest in whatever Andrea was relaying, he took a few minutes to chat with two cousins and a few ranch hands before going over there.
Jeff and Keith walked over ten minutes later as his cousins joined the volleyball game on the lawn. Reed pushed aside his impatience with the delay in going to Lily and greeted them. “Hey, guys. Thanks for coming.”
Grinning, Jeff quipped, “Free food and lots of it. Oh, and happy birthday.”
“Thanks, and I hear you. There’s enough to feed a group twice this size.” His stomach rumbling, he eyed the food-laden table a few feet away under the covered patio, the casserole dishes still covered.
Keith cast a quick glance toward Slade at the grill. “Good. Allie will give us take-home boxes. Is it okay with you if we take plates to Evan and Riley?”
Evan’s glare when Reed and Lily returned from their ride had reminded him of the consequences for their smoking infraction. He couldn’t figure out what Evan’s problem was, glad the kid was Slade’s headache, but as the guest of honor, he took the liberty of answering for his brother.
“Sure. Enjoy yourselves first then go ahead. I’m guessing you know what they like.”
“Thank you. Like us, they aren’t picky. Come on, Jeff, I’m starving.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice. Later, Reed.”
Reed detoured to the grill to inform Slade about the food for Evan and Riley, his short reply of “That’s fine,” what Reed expected. His mother and Lily had taken seats on the outdoor swivel rockers, Andrea’s face reflecting happy approval at his approach.
“Lily is just lovely, dear,” she said, rising. “I’m going to join her at the shelter next weekend and lend a hand.”
