The main house sat back from the road, sprawling and inviting with a wide front porch that wrapped around at least two sides. An enormous oak tree dominated the front yard, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. Beyond the house, a red barn rose against the late afternoon sky, and further back, several smaller buildings formed a tidy row.
“Wow,” slipped out before she could stop it.
Aunt Eileen chuckled. “It grows on you.”
If it grew any more it would need its own zip code.
“Been in the family for generations.” Aunt Eileen’s gaze landed lovingly on the massive home. “Sean’s great-great-grandfather built the original house, though it’s been added onto more times than I can count.”
Nicole counted at least four vehicles already parked out front. Her stomach did a little flip. Had Mike ever mentioned how many Farradays were there? Undoing her seatbelt, she eased out the door and slamming it behind her, stood in awe ather surroundings. The front door opened and a striking redhead waved at them.
“That’s Adam’s wife, Meg. Well, her name is Margaret but nobody ever calls her that.” The family matriarch took a step forward. Before she could say a word, a blur of gray darted out from behind Meg and galloped toward them.
Halfway to the truck, the dog seemed to take note of her and shifted his trajectory from Aunt Eileen to… Nicole glanced over her shoulder, hoping someone familiar to the animal was standing behind her, no such luck. Debating how stupid would she look if she turned and jumped back into the truck, the dog leapt forward and she would have sworn flew across the last few feet to land in front of her. Oh, how she hoped she didn’t look like his favorite chew toy.
“Good heavens, Gray.” Aunt Eileen shook her head. “What’s gotten into you?”
The dog’s tail wagged so hard his entire back end swayed. Tension rolled off her shoulders now that she was sure the dog’s trajectory was motivated by excitement and not considering her an afternoon snack. “Well, hello there.” Slowly she extended her hand for Gray to sniff. Instead, he pressed his head against her hip, then did an excited circle before attempting what could only be described as a full-body greeting maneuver. She stumbled backward, lost her footing on the gravel, and landed flat on her backside in a cloud of dust. For half a second she stared up at the wide Texas sky.
Still dancing around her, Gray eased his steps, nudged her shoulder, then licked her cheek. Momentarily having the wind knocked out of her was quickly replaced with laughter. Not a polite giggle, but a full blown, belly deep laugh. Her arms came up to rub the scruff of his neck. A beautiful German Shepherd mix with intelligent eyes stared down at her, his tail wagging faster than a feather duster on steroids.
“Well, I’ll be.” Aunt Eileen came to stand over them. “He acts like he knows you.”
“I’ve never seen him before in my life.” Nicole crouched down, and Gray licked her again, making her giggle. “You’re a friendly one, aren’t you?”
“That’s an understatement.” Ryan’s voice came from behind her.
Nicole looked up as he closed the truck door and strode toward them, another two vehicles pulling up behind his.
“Gray,” he called evenly. “You’re supposed to welcome guests, not tackle them.”
The dog barked once, clearly unconcerned.
“Sorry.” Ryan offered her a hand, one corner of his mouth lifted.
She took it. Strong grip. Warm palm. One smooth pull and she was back on her feet. Brushing dust from her jeans, she raised her gaze to meet his. “That’s the best welcome I’ve had all year.”
“Gray.” A new voice, deeper and carrying natural authority, came from the porch.
Still vibrating with excitement, the dog immediately plopped his back end down on the dirt, though his tail kept wagging.
A man with the same blue eyes and chiseled features as Ryan and his brothers descended the porch steps. “Sorry about that. Gray’s usually better behaved.”
“It’s fine.” Nicole reached over to scratch behind Gray’s ears. “I like dogs once I’m sure they like me.”
“Sean Farraday.” His handshake was firm, his smile genuine. “You must be Mike’s sister.”
“Nicole. Nice to meet you, Mr. Farraday.”
“Sean. Nobody stands on ceremony around here.” He glanced at the dog, who had positioned himself at Nicole’s sidelike he’d appointed himself her personal guardian. “Looks like you’ve made a friend.”
“The dog has good taste.” Aunt Eileen leaned against the man whose arm immediately looped around her waist.
“But no manners,” Ryan teased.
Inside, the house was cooler, bright, alive. The scent of roasted meat and something sweet hung in the air. Comfortable furniture arranged in clusters, family photos smothered the mantel of a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Everything spoke of family, history, roots. Voices and laughter drifted from what Nicole assumed was the kitchen.
“Ladies,” Aunt Eileen called out, “we’ve got company.”
