“I’m working on something.” He stares at the horizon. “Can’t talk about it yet. But it might help.”
I look at my youngest brother. The one who’s always been a storm—restless, angry, searching for something none of us could name. The one who got left behind when I deployed and Dad retreated into grief.
“You okay?”
“Getting there. Maybe.”
It’s the most he’s said in months. I don’t push. Pushing Gabriel just makes him bolt.
“When you’re ready to talk, I’m here.”
He nods. Goes back inside.
Something is shifting in him. I don’t know if it’s good or bad yet.
But he’s still my brother. Whatever’s coming, we’ll face it together.
Chapter 18
Delaney
Pale winter light slants through the barn doors running a brush down Captain Winky’s neck. The one-eyed gelding leans into my touch, ears relaxed, trusting me completely.
Four months ago, I couldn’t get within ten feet of a horse without my pulse spiking. Now, I handle Captain Winky like I’ve been doing it my whole life.
A movement catches my eye, and I turn to see Daniel watching me from the doorway.
“You going to stand there all day, or are you going to saddle up?”
His mouth twitches. “Just enjoying the view.”
“My ass again?”
“Your everything.”
I roll my eyes, but my cheeks heat. “Flatterer.”
He crosses the barn. Comes up behind me and slides his arms around my waist, pulling me against his chest. I fit perfectly. Always have.
“Not flattery if it’s true.”
I turn in his arms and loop my hands behind his neck. “We’re supposed to be riding.”
He smirks. “We are riding. Later.”
I shake my head. “What am I going to do with you, husband?”
Saying that word—husband—still makes me a little breathless.
“I was hoping you’d figure it out,” he says, resting his forehead against mine. “So far, you seem to be handling me just fine.”
I smile, soft and sure, thumb brushing the back of his neck. “I like you like this,” I admit. “Unapologetic. Slightly distracting.”
“Careful,” he murmurs. “I might start thinking that’s encouragement.”
My laugh is quiet and warm because I’ve earned this peace.
Daniel kisses me. Slowly and thoroughly, the way I wanted him to this morning before the family descended. He tastes like coffee and maple syrup, and he makes that half-growl in the back of his throat that lands straight between my thighs.
