Jensen rolls his eyes. “Give me a break. I’ve been running circles around the whole crew since I got here.”
“Uh-huh. We all know city life went to your head, but I’m just glad you’re finally cured.” Walker winks.
Jensen used to live in New York and was CEO of DataLock Systems, a major cybersecurity firm. When he discovered Caleb was his son and had lost his mom to cancer, they moved to Bluebell, where Jensen grew up, to have the support of the Halsteads. He and Heath have been best friends their whole lives and Jensen spent most of his childhood at their place. Not long after moving back, he fell madly in love with Briar, and the rest is history.
“I’m going inside to find Briar and Caleb,” Jensen says, heading for the house.
Heath rolls down the window, lips pressed into a thin line, and hands wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. “I’m going to the ranch house,” he grunts. “You two coming?”
Someone’s extra grumpy after a rough day in the fields, not that I’m about to call him out on it.
Walker shakes his head. “Nah. We’ve got to decide what we’re doing first. If we go there, I’ll borrow Briar’s Jeep.”
“Okay, I’m headed back then,” Heath says, rolling up the window and driving away.
I beam at Walker when he turns his attention to me. “You must be exhausted.”
“Between hauling posts into holes and standing in the heat, I think I’ve aged ten years.”
“Oh, you poor thing.” I pat his chest with exaggerated sympathy, my lips curling into a playful grin.
“I definitely could use some comforting.” He draws me into his arms, nuzzling my neck, and I giggle when his scruff tickles my skin. “I’m really glad you came by the field earlier,” he murmurs, his tone softening.
“Me too.”
I nearly let it slip that I miss him when we’re not together, but I bite my tongue—deciding some thoughts are better kept to myself.
I’m saved from saying something I might regret when Walker’s phone buzzes in his pocket. He takes it out, raising a brow as he scans the screen.
“Dammit,” he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.
I frown. “What’s wrong?”
“Ma found out you’re here and wants to have you over for family dinner.” He sighs, dragging a hand along his jawline. “Nothing slips past that woman.”
My guess is that Ethel told her I was around. She’s the housekeeper for the Silver Saddle Ranch cabins and runs the general store in the afternoons after she’s finished cleaning. She was on the porch sweeping when Briar and I passed by on our way to the fields earlier.
“And what’s so bad about her asking me to join?”
Walker dips his head, nipping my earlobe. “Because I wanted you all to myself tonight.”
I let out a giggle. “Is that so? Weren’t you the one who suggested we wait until tomorrow to see each other? Surely you can survive a few more hours to have me alone.”
I pull back to meet his gaze, his eyes dancing with mischief.
“Better idea. Let’s sneak into my loft. Ma will be too distracted preparing dinner to notice.”
I roll my eyes, chuckling. “Your mom’s sixth sense is legendary. She always knew when Briar was running late for her curfew and would be waiting with the porch light on every time.I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s waiting outside now in case you try any funny business.”
Walker exhales with a resigned sigh. “You’re probably right. But if we do this, it means you’re coming to my place after.” He cups my chin, kissing me. “I’ll need extra alone time to recover from having to share you.”
How could I possibly say no to an offer like that?
Walker and I rode over to the Halsteads’ with Briar’s family. The second we arrived, Caleb disappeared to the craft room, clearly uninterested in hanging out with the adults.
“You came,” Julie exclaims, glancing up from the counter where she’s cutting watermelon into thick wedges.
The kitchen has wide-plank wood floors, a vaulted ceiling accented by exposed beams, and a butcher block island at its center. A picture window above the farmhouse sink looks over the garden and the orchard beyond. The space is stunning, but it’s the Halsteads’ generosity and kindness that makes their home feel so welcoming.
