Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Emeline said he’s having the time of his life. He’s also been a huge help this past week. I think it’s made a difference that he knows you’re here most days.”
Smiling, I replied, “It’s been a lot of fun. It’s helped me just as much as it has Rhett.”
Caden nodded, looking around the landscape. “There’s something about this place that’s healing. For most people, anyway.”
“I’ve got to say this, Caden. I think you dodged a bullet with Rachel. I know you thought there was a future with her…but you’ve got to see that you deserved more, right?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t see who she truly was for all of those years, Levi. How in the hell can I trust anyone ever again?”
“You’ll be able to. Trust me.”
As we rode up to the large pasture where the cookout would be, excited laughter and conversations quickly filled the air. I hadn’t realized how far back we’d fallen as we talked.
“Oh great,” Caden mumbled as Lilibeth came riding up on her horse, her two braids flapping in the wind. I glanced over to see him watching her intently, and tried not to smile.
“Why don’t you like her?” I asked.
He frowned before looking at me. “She’s annoying. Way too bubbly and happy all the damn time. She just drives me insane.”
“Because she’s a happy person? Have you really turned into that much of a grump?”
Shooting me a deadly expression, he replied, “She’s happy all the time, Levi. Morning, noon, and night. Bouncy little bundle of pure exasperation.”
Lilibeth rode up to us and brought her horse to a stop. “Wasn’t the ride up here amazing?”
Caden rolled his eyes. “It was just a trail ride, Lilibeth.”
“It’s nature, Grump Boy. Everyone should be happy in nature.”
I drew back when I heard a growl coming from Caden. “Stop. Calling. Me. That. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not a boy.”
A wide smile broke out across Lilibeth’s face, and she pointed at him. “See, even you recognize that you’re a grump!” She ran her gaze over him and added, “And you’re clearly not a boy, but you act like one.”
Turning her horse, she trotted back over to the group, slid off, and did a little jump clap. I busted out laughing as Caden urged his horse over to where Marshall and a few of the other ranch hands were leading all the animals into a makeshift paddock.
Caden went straight to the fire and took control, while I helped the rest of the staff set everything up for the dinner. Rhett was hanging out with Jimmy, Theo, and Katie, and the smile on his face once again told me I’d done the right thing by moving back to River Falls.
“He looks happy.”
Emeline walked over and stood next to me. She looked adorable in her pink cowboy hat. She wore jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt with the ranch logo. Her hair was in a low ponytail, so her light pink cowboy hat would fit. And like always, she wore minimal makeup. Her beauty was all natural, and I was struck by how I hadn’t ever really let myself notice just how stunning she was.
I pulled my gaze away from her and looked back at Rhett. “I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. Before Brooke’s passing, for sure.”
“I’m glad the camp has helped take his mind off things.”
I nodded.
“Thank you for helping with all of this.”
Turning to face her, I smiled when her soft blue eyes twinkled up at me. “Has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful eyes, Em?”
Her cheeks flushed. “Yes.”
My fingers itched to touch her. I balled my hands into fists and let out a gruff laugh. “I should probably walk away from you before I scandalize everyone here.”
Her smile turned to a grin.
“The desire to pull you into my arms and kiss you is getting a bit harder to ignore.”
“Camp is almost over. This is the last night.”
Before I did something I’d regret, I took a step back. “I should go see if Caden needs any help.”
We both turned to look in that direction. “Oh dear, Lilibeth is over there.”
“What is it with those two?” I asked.
Emeline shrugged. “Lilibeth can’t understand why Caden is always in a bad mood, and he can’t understand why she’s always in a good mood.”
I laughed. “I’d better get over there before Caden does or says something he’s going to regret.”
“I’ll go, too, and see if Lilibeth can help me get all the kids rounded back up.”
As we set off, we both said, “Good luck!”
I set my plate down in front of me, then sat back in my chair. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Caden and Gatlin, that was the best steak I think I’ve ever had. I’m stuffed.”
Gatlin grinned, while Caden gave me a barely there smile.
“The kids all seem to enjoy this, as well,” I added.