Elise looked around, her eyes wide as she took in the country kitchen, the pine table in the bay windows, and MJ’s gleaming workspace.
Nicole’s mother appeared, peeking into the kitchen. “I thought I heard voices.”
“Mom!” Nicole said, hurrying to her side. “This is Elise—Cameron’s sister. Elise, this is Cindy Kessler, my awesome mom.”
Cindy’s expression softened with a warm smile. “Oh, honey, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Elise reached up a hand. “Nicole’s told me all about you, too. Thank you for letting me crash your beautiful lodge.”
“You are welcome anytime,” Cindy said, shaking her hand and adding a light hug. “How was the ride?”
“Life-changing,” she quipped, looking up at Nicole. “I love your daughter.”
Mom laughed. “That makes two of us.”
“Three, if you count my smitten brother.”
Nicole flicked at Elise’s fingers. “Oh, hush, you.”
Mom lifted a brow. “I just met him outside,” she said. “Handsome and kind, and apparently had a toolbox in his truck that impressed Jack. So, thumbs-up.”
“He’s a good guy,” Elise said. “A little overprotective, but good.”
MJ swooped in from the dining area. “Oh! Company! This must be the horsewoman everyone is talking about!”
Elise laughed at the gushing, easily chatting with them as MJ made warm drinks and set out snacks.
Nicole guided Elise into the living room and parked her chair near the sofa. She sat cross-legged on a chair beside her, feeling suddenly grateful for her own easy mobility. Elise handled the transition like a pro, and never complained.
“You have the best attitude,” Nicole said, sensing she didn’t have to edit her thoughts. “I mean, I know it can’t be easy, but you’re just…so positive.”
Elise shrugged, the color in her cheeks deepening at the compliment. “Well, I figure I can either be bitter about the chair or just…live my life, you know? Doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated, but I don’t want to waste time being angry. I’d rather master skills and grow myself.”
Nicole’s heart ached with admiration. “That’s incredible perspective. Honestly, I think you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.”
Elise laughed softly. “Oh, you barely know me.”
“I know enough,” Nicole insisted, certain her assessment was right.
Once they were settled with some cookies, Cindy and MJ drifted back to their respective tasks, leaving Nicole and Elise alone to wait for Cameron to join them.
Elise took a sip of tea, then sighed dramatically. “I’m not kidding when I say today was the best day I can remember in years. Thank you, Nicole. Really.”
“You’re obviously a natural with horses.”
“All animals, if I’m being honest. I adore all living things equally.”
“I’m surprised you don’t have a dog,” Nicole said.
Elise made a face. “I did, but Freddie died a year ago and I haven’t had the nerve to fall in love again. Anyway, I…”
Nicole looked over at her, waiting for the rest.
But Elise just shook her head. “Cameron’s just too protective. He’s like a third parent—on steroids.”
Nicole frowned, not sure she saw the connection between that and not having a dog.
“I mean, I get it, I do,” Elise continued. “But I’m capable, Nicole. I can get around, assuming there are no stairs. I’m smart, I’m independent, and I’m twenty-four years old. I want a life. But my family—especially my brother—treats me like I’m so fragile.”
