I could’ve stepped back once it was clear she could handle it, but I remained in place, my arms around her, telling myself she needed the support.
The barn door creaked open behind us.
“Well, this looks cozy.”
I sprang away from Carla, flinging my arms upward. My face overheated despite the cold morning air.
Ruugar stood in the doorway, his expression far too amused. “Don’t let me interrupt whatever you’re doing.”
“She’s never fed a baby sorhox before,” I growled, the excuse sounding pathetic.
Carla maintained her composure, continuing to feed Azool. “Good morning. You must be another Bronish brother.”
“Ruugar.” He came closer, deliberately ignoring my glare. “I run the trail rides. And you’re Carla, our rodeo consultant. Word travels fast in Lonesome Creek.”
“So I’ve noticed.” She passed the now-empty bottle to me.
“How’s Beth feeling this morning?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
A genuine smile spread across Ruugar’s face. “Amazing. Aunt Inla thinks she’ll deliver in the next few weeks.”
Carla’s head snapped up. “You and Beth are going to have a baby? Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” My cousin’s eyes softened the way they always did when discussing his mate. “We’re hoping for a girl, but I’ll be happy with any healthy youngling.”
I nudged his shoulder, an orc gesture, genuinely pleased for my cousin. “First orc youngling to be born in Lonesome Creek. A wonderful mix of both our worlds.”
“We’re holding a…youngling bath.” Ruugar frowned. “Not bath. Shower. I always get that mixed up. And why all the water for something that involves no water at all?” He shook his head. “Anyway. We’re holding a youngling shower at the saloon on Thursday evening, after the restaurant closes. You’re invited.” Ruugar’s gaze shifted between us. “You too, Carla. Lavon’s going to prepare a feast with both human and orc specialties.”
“Oh, oh… Me?” Carla said before I could respond.
“Why not you?” Ruugar asked. “You’re part of the family now.”
Her face brightened. “I guess I sorta am. I’ll be happy to come. I can…” Her grin rose. “I could get something online or maybe at the general store for her.”
“No gifts are necessary.”
“I wouldn’t come without one. I’ll be there. Can’t wait.”
My cousin’s grin widened. “Perfect. We thought eight in the evening. Then most of the tourists will have gone to their rooms.” He glanced toward the door. “I should go. My morning trail ride leaves in half an hour.”
After he left, an awkward silence fell between us. Carla busied herself straightening her coat while I cleaned Azool’s bottle.
“Your cousin is nice,” she finally said.
“He’s less annoying than most of the others.” I secured Azool’s stall, avoiding her eyes. “We should head to my office. Talk more about the program.”
We walked side by side toward the main building, close enough that our arms occasionally brushed despite my attempts to maintain distance. The cold air crystallized something between us, making each small contact feel significant.
“Beth was supposed to marry someone else,” I said, not sure why I was sharing this. “Her father arranged it. She ran away, disguised herself as a boy, and joined one of Ruugar’s trail rides.”
“That’s quite a story.”
“Ruugar recognized her as his mate right away, but she had no idea what was happening. Most humans don’t understand orc mating.”
“You mean like soulmates.” Her voice held genuine curiosity.
“Similar but more certain. Orcs know their mates instantly.”
