Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 69468 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69468 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“So are you.” Jude’s eyes darted around like he was having trouble figuring out how to greet me.
I decided for him, giving him a fast kiss as I led Linus out of the arena. Affection felt like a new pair of boots—nice but a bit of an awkward break-in period. Worth it though for Jude’s startled noise and pleased smile.
“School kids coming Tuesday,” I shared as I got Linus situated back in his stall.
Adler had arranged for the first of several elementary school visits. I wasn’t sure I shared his and Maverick’s enthusiasm.
“Are you nervous?” Jude handed me Linus’s favorite brush.
“Nah.” I was a better liar than Jude, but he arched his eyebrows at me until I finally gave in. “Hope kids can understand me.”
“They will.” Jude was a lot more certain than I was. My speech was so much better these days, but I still struggled when tired or with longer sentences. Jude was having none of my doubts, though, and clapped me on the shoulder. “They’ll see how much work you and Linus have done. “
“He’s a good horse.” It was my stock answer anytime anyone wanted to compliment my progress with Linus. He was the one doing all the work, not me.
“And you’re a good trainer.” Jude set his jaw, determined to make me take the praise.
“Eh. I try.” Brushing done, I moved on to settling Linus in for the night, adjusting his fan and checking his feed and water. “Colt wasn’t happy I paid.”
“For the MRI? You did what you thought best.” Jude chose a diplomatic reply when I knew full well he also thought I should have waited for the ranch to make a decision on the bill. “What did Maverick say?”
“Hasn’t mentioned it.” That was the part that was weighing on me. Two weeks since I’d fessed up to Colt, and not a word from the big boss. No way had Colt kept that information to himself, but I wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up first.
“Should be an interesting dinner.” Jude’s laugh had a forced quality to it.
“Look less excited.” I bumped his shoulder before stepping past him so I could close the stall door.
“Sorry.” Jude pulled me close. “I’m ready. I am.”
“Good.” I gazed up at him. “And happy?”
“Very.” He gave me a quick kiss, but I didn’t let him escape, looping my arms around his neck and stealing a second. Then a third.
“Oops.” Adler made a world of clatter as he exited Cupid’s stall farther down the row. Adler waved an apologetic hand our direction. “Don’t stop on my account. I was just stopping by to check on Cupid before dinner.”
“We’re done.” My cheeks felt as seared as a ribeye at a steakhouse.
“You’re coming to the dinner?” Jude asked as I groaned.
Lord, this dinner of Maverick’s kept growing and growing. All week, I’d had to hear the reports. The event had gone from Maverick, Colt, the girls, and Maverick’s sister Faith to include Mom and Aunt Georgia, and the list kept on lengthening.
“I think Maverick wants a sort of welcome to the gay-borhood for you two.” Adler offered a light laugh. “Also, Grayson can stare down anyone with opinions. Including your brother.”
Jude looked a little green at the mention of Colt.
“I told you.” I elbowed him before giving Adler a friendly glare. “Colt’s not mad.”
“Yeah, but that man has the sheriff glower down to a science.” Adler waved a hand, like there might be something attractive about Colt’s ability to intimidate with a single look. “Older brothers are both blessings and curses.”
“True that.” I chuckled because Colt was definitely some of each.
“Shall we head over?” Adler asked.
“Yep.” As we walked from the barn toward the ranch house, I grabbed Jude’s hand. Felt good, so I gave him a little squeeze.
“What’s this?” Jude glanced down at our linked hands.
“Reinforcements.” I winked at him. “Got you now.”
“You do.” His expression turned more tender and serious. “I’m not going anywhere.”
That much I believed. Jude might be working past some doubts, but he was in this thing as much as I was. We’d get there, and one dinner wasn’t going to derail us. I did, however, stiffen my shoulders as Maverick threw open the front door to the ranch house. Incoming.
“Welcome!” Maverick ushered us into the house.
“I brought cookies by earlier.” Adler was his usual chatty self as Maverick led us toward the rear of the house, past the formal living and dining rooms. “Spice with cream cheese frosting. Seemed seasonally appropriate.”
“I brought Jude.” I held up his hand. It hadn’t occurred to me to bring a dish, but the kitchen island was already piled high with options.
“That counts.” Maverick chuckled, clearly enjoying his role as host. “We have more than enough food. Colt’s trying his hand at brisket.”
“The sheriff does know his meat.” Adler gave Maverick a pointed look.