It’s a damn near perfect moment.
And I want every moment—perfect or imperfect—because I love this man.
It’s hard to admit to myself, even now, but I do.
I love him.
Did I ever stop loving him? Even when I was with Paul, I think there might have been some part of my heart that always belonged to him. It’s hard to fall in love at fourteen and not be irrevocably changed.
Kade peers back at me and I stare back at him.
“Sorry, did I miss something?”
“Poppy wants to know if Bordeaux wants a carrot when we stop for lunch.”
“I think Bordeaux would like that. Do you want to feed him?” I ask.
“Yes,” she calls back.
“You good back there?” he asks.
“I’m great.”
It’s not a lie. Even with my thoughts swirling around my mind, it’s hard not to enjoy this day with my favorite people.
Finding a small lake ahead, Kade leads us off the trail and hops off the horse. He ties Lollipop up before helping Poppy down.
I get down and tie Bordeaux up on the tree next to Lollipop. Poppy is already fishing out the carrots from the backpack Kade brought to give the horses a snack.
“She’s a natural with them,” Kade says.
He drapes an arm around my shoulders as we watch her feed each of them.
“We still need to figure out more permanent lessons for her, you know,” I say. “I don’t want to keep taking up all your time from the ranch.”
“We’ll figure it out,” he whispers, lips brushing my ear. “There’s plenty of time. Besides, she’s doing well on Lollipop as it is.”
A shudder racks my body. Even the simplest touch from Kade can light my body on fire.
“I should get lunch ready.”
There’s an immediate loss of Kade’s warmth as I dig everything out of the backpack. I spread the plaid blanket out and arrange the sandwiches and fruit for the three of us. Kade sits next to me before Poppy sits across from the two of us.
The sun glitters off the lake, looking like millions of sparkling diamonds. Who needs a diamond when I have Kade Miller looking at me like I am one? It’s all I want.
“Do you like my mom?” Poppy asks around a mouthful of banana.
Kade nearly chokes around his own sandwich.
“Poppy, what have I told you about talking with your mouth full?” I chide.
She swallows, wiping her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. But Kade looks like he likes you.”
“I do like your Mom,” he answers. “She’s nice.”
“I meanlikelike,” she clarifies. “Boone told Carly who told Kalen who told me that he likes Amelia. Wants to marry her at recess next week. Like that.”
“Wait, what?” Kade looks at me, confusion written all over his face.
