Dad added, “I’ll let Derek know we’ll be riding in the morning so he can get a few horses ready.”
“Thanks, Dad. See you guys in the morning.”
Vivianne and I headed upstairs, and I walked her to her room. She stopped and turned to lean against the door.
“I guess this is good night.”
Smiling, I kissed her softly on the lips. “Good night.”
When I drew away, she had a dreamy look on her face, then her eyes went wide. “What should I wear riding?”
“Jeans and something warm, like a sweater. Did you bring your lightweight down?”
“I did.”
“I’d wear that. It’ll be more comfortable riding. Also, do you have any boots?”
“I have my ankle boots, the ones I love so much?”
Laughing, I ran a finger down the side of her beautiful face. “Those will be perfect. My mom should have an extra pair of riding gloves for you. They’ll keep your hands warm, but they’re made for riding.”
She nodded. “I’m excited!”
“I am as well.”
Letting out a long sigh, I pushed away and took a few steps back. “I should let you go in before I drag you to my room.”
She giggled. “As fun as that would be, except for the dragging part, I want to respect your parents’ rules.”
“So do I, that’s why I’m slowly backing away.”
She grinned. “Good night, Ladd.”
“’Night, Viv. I love you.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I love you too.”
The next day, I woke up to the sun shining and blue skies. It was the perfect day to go riding. The smell of coffee and bacon wafted up the steps from the kitchen.
“Home,” I whispered as I sat up and swung my legs over the bed. There was nothing better than waking up and knowingyou were home. And that your mother had made breakfast, which likely would include all the favorites.
After getting dressed, I headed downstairs and could hear the mumbled voices of whoever was in the kitchen with Mom. As I drew closer, I heard Vivianne chuckle at something my mother must have said.
“Good morning,” I greeted, as I entered the kitchen to see Mom and Vivianne drinking coffee. Mom was standing over the stove, stirring potatoes, while Vivianne leaned against the counter on the opposite side of the kitchen.
“Morning!” Vivianne said, setting her coffee down to walk over. She reached up and brushed a kiss to my lips before asking, “Coffee?”
“Yes, please.” Turning to my mother, I asked, “Can I help?”
“Will you please slice up some bread for toast?” she asked, and motioned with her head toward the freshly made bread.
“I can do that,” I confirmed as I took my coffee from Vivianne. After a sip, I set it down and got to work on the bread.
“Your mother said she’d teach me how to make bread,” Vivianne stated with a huge smile on her face.
“We’re also going to make my famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies,” Mom said with a wink in my direction.
I moaned. “Mom, you know I’m a sucker for those.”
