Sure did shine a different light on his own situation, though. He’d left his old life behind, determined to create a more meaningful existence. Mila was a step in that direction.
But his feelings were all over the place — awe, gratitude, anxiety… love? They hadn’t touched on that one yet.
He’d never been here before, poised on the brink of committing to a woman. But that wasn’t the whole picture, was it?
Mila wanted kids. He didn’t even have to ask. Her reaction to this announcement told him all he needed to know. And suddenly he was staring down a concept that scared the hell out of him.
Judging from the way his little sis basked in the warmth of the Bridger Bunch, she’d banished the crippling memories of their childhood. He envied that.
Eventually everyone meandered back to their respective tables and food began to arrive.
Not surprisingly, Mila was more focused on the baby than her meal. “I can’t wait for July. Wouldn’t it be something if he or she showed up on the Fourth?”
“We’re counting on it,” Luis said. “She’ll arrive on the Fourth and we’ll name her Liberty.”
“Smart move, choosing a gender-neutral name. You could have a boy, you know.”
“Possible but unlikely. We both think we’ll have a girl.”
“Alrighty, then. I’ll look forward to meeting my niece on the Fourth of July. Will that be before the parade or after?”
Jordie grinned. “Or during. Luis already assigned me to the wagon with Grandma and the Aunties.”
“Sounds like my first parade’s gonna be a doozy.” Cole picked up a piece of the cornbread that had come with his chili. “Will you be taking this munchkin on the road?”
She nodded. “Not right away, though. It’ll probably be the following spring, when we return to our regular clinic schedule. But thanks to our lovely arena here, we’ll still be in business in the meantime.”
“We can also concentrate more on the rehabilitation side, bring in more candidates.” Luis took a sip of his Modelo. “That’s more flexible.”
“And it turns out I love that process.” Jordie tipped her bowl to spoon up the last of her stew. “Gaining a wild animal’s trust is such a thrill.” She glanced at Cole. “You’d like it, too. Since we’ll be hanging around more, maybe you could go out with us sometimes.”
“I would like that. Here we are living so close, but we’re like ships passing in the night.”
She sent him a teasing glance. “Especially since you started your secret project.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“In fact, we haven’t even danced together since you moved here.” She put down her bowl. “Come on. Let’s show Luis and Mila our fancy footwork.”
He abandoned the rest of his chili and pushed back his chair. “Great idea.”
“Get him to tell you about the project,” Luis called out as they left the table.
“Not my plan!” She led the way to the dance floor.
Cole chuckled. “You sure?”
“Yep. I wanted to check on you.” She moved into his arms as they executed a brisk two-step.
“Why?”
She lowered her voice. “You’re freaking out about this baby.”
“Does it show?”
“Not to anyone else. But I can tell.”
“Keep it to yourself.” The lively dance only allowed for short sentences.
