Aria turned away from Prisha’s undisguised jubilation over the frog in Reece’s hand. “Me?” She wondered who knew of her arrival back home and followed Betsy to the lounge. “Uncle Buck?” She stopped short in surprise. Joy, at seeing the old man flooded her with instant affection. “H-how...what are you doing here?” Aria stepped inside and into his embrace.
When he finally stood back, he smiled. “I’m so glad you’re all right, sweetheart. Cody filled me in on all the gory details. How are you?” Despite the crop of gray hair, fashionably cut to suit his good looks, the man didn’t look a day over fifty. Tall and muscular at sixty-seven years of age, his sparkling blue eyes gave Aria a clear insight into the Bentley clan’s attractiveness.
Delighted with his appearance, Aria smiled. “God, you’re a sight for sore eyes. I’m fine. Recovering, but I think healed would describe me best right now.” She glanced outside at the two people she loved. Indescribable emotion filled her insides.
“Didn’t think that boy had in him.” Aria turned to find Buck watching Reece and Prisha as well. “I’m glad you finally found happiness again, sweetheart. Broke my heart when I called Cody, and he told me about the kidnapping.”
“It’s over now,” she consoled and gestured to the sofa. “You shouldn’t have to come all this way, you know.”
“What? And miss an opportunity to see my two favorite gals happy.” He dropped into a seat and inhaled deeply.
“Are you okay?”
“Dandy as ever. Sit.” He chuckled and patted the sofa. When she took a seat, he turned. “Sweetheart, I’m getting old, and I made a lot of money in my time. Now, I think I’m ready to hang up the gloves. I need to take a break, a permanent one.”
Aria’s mouth dropped open. “What about the mill?”
“It’s yours.”
“Huh?”
“I want you to have the mill. You’ve managed the place well in my absence. Granted, Reece helped, however Cody and I brought him as a distraction.” The old man chuckled. “While I think he served his purpose well, you’re the reason the mill’s still—”
“Grandpa Buck,” Prisha’s loud screech filled the air as she raced inside. She threw herself into the old man’s arms.
“Hello, Pixie.” Buck smothered her daughter with the affection of a real grandparent.
“C’ mon, I want to show you the frog I found.” The little girl tugged at Buck’s hand.
He laughed as Reece stepped inside. “Later, Pixie. I need to talk to your mom now, okay? Reece, good to see you, son.”
“Okay,” Prisha mumbled.
“Uncle Buck. Nice to see you.” Reece shook Buck’s hand then plunked his large frame in the seat opposite Aria. Bored, Prisha left with Betsy who’d come back and set a tray of drinks on the coffee table.
“Aria, I never had the opportunity to have children. If I had, I would’ve wanted them to be just like you.” The old man reached for her hand. He caressed her palm affectionately.
Aria’s lids pricked with tears. For all the sadness she’d had in her life, God blessed her with not one but two great men in Reece and Uncle Buck. “Thank you.”
Buck chuckled like a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “That said, I want you to have the mill. I don’t know what your plans are for the future, but run it the way you see fit.”
Aria glanced over at Reece. He smiled. She took a deep breath. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Say, yes. Everything else will fall into place.” The old man reached for a drink. He took a long sip then set his glass back on the tray. “What are your plans, Reece?”
Reece shrugged. “It’s simple. Whatever decision Aria makes, I’ll be right there at her side.”
Aria gasped. “But what about the ranch?”
“What about the ranch?”
“Don’t you need to get back home?”
He shook his head. “My home, babe, is where you are. I’m not leaving you alone again, ever.” His soft words choked Aria. She swallowed hard.
“Now, that there is the best damn answer I expected to hear from my stupid wife.” Buck laughed his heart out. Aria grinned. “The way I see it. You have the mill in Wyoming, a home in South Africa, and another home in Arizona. Make a yearly commitment to each place or keep one as a holiday home. The other a permanent residence. You have the freedom to choose now.”
“I’m sure she’ll make the right decision when the time comes, Uncle Buck.” Reece winked.
