“Running the family horse ranch—and, of course, working at the Trailhead to support my horse habit.”
Avery’s eyes crinkled. “There are worse habits to have.”
There was something about Avery that put Charlotte at ease. “I’m currently expanding the ranch. I’d rather make the horses my full-time livelihood. Your brother and husband are actually helping turn that plan into a reality—they’re building my new stable.”
“Ah yes, Wes mentioned that. I didn’t put it together till now. Well, you couldn’t be in better hands. Gavin and Wes are very good at what they do.”
“You don’t look anything alike.” The words were out before Charlotte had a chance to filter them. “I mean, you and Gavin are siblings, right?”
Avery didn’t seem put off by the random comment. Shejust opened the folder and began skimming the contents. “Well, technically we’re not related by blood.”
Charlotte tried to keep the surprise from her expression. But her heart charged like a bronco from a starting gate. “Oh?”
“Gavin and Cooper’s mom married my dad when we were young, so we’re only family by marriage.”
Charlotte froze. How had she not known that? “I didn’t realize.” That meant Avery wasn’t her sister after all. And it also meant Jeff Robinson was not her biological father. Maybe the picture in the file should’ve been a clue. But it was blurry and taken from a distance. She’d just assumed...
But if Jeff wasn’t her father, then who was? Who was Gavin and Cooper’s biological father? She couldn’t remember ever hearing any of this. But it explained some things. Like why there’d been no information about Avery in the folder. Charlotte had assumed it had just been because the woman hadn’t made the news like her brothers, but she should’ve known better. Opening the town’s first clinic was definitely newsworthy.
Of course she’d wondered why there was nothing in the folder about her father, save the photo and medal. But she assumed the file was incomplete because it was unfinished. Had told herself her mom had probably intended to write her a letter later with all the answers to her questions. Like, did her father know about her? And why had Mom kept the information from Charlotte until her passing?
She blinked the thoughts away. She’d missed what Avery was saying.
“...so we’ve been together a long time, and they’re still family, genetics or no.” Avery glanced up with a warm smile that said everything about how she felt about her brothers.
“I get that. I have a sister I feel the same way about.”
“That’s right. I vaguely remember that. Also, I should say how sorry I was to hear about your mom. She popped into the clinic from time to time. I really liked her.”
“Thank you. It was quite sudden.” By the time medevac got her to Asheville, it was too late. “I was in a fog for months, but it’s getting better.”
“I understand. I lost my mom when I was very young. You never really get over that kind of loss, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be happy again.”
“Of course.” Charlotte was still reeling over Avery’s revelation. Well, she’d wanted information—she’d certainly gotten it.
Not related to Avery or Jeff. Copy that, God.
Now she just had to find out who Gavin and Cooper’s biological father was—because he was also hers.
“Now, how can I help you today?”
Five
Gunner led Dominic around the paddock, watching for signs of nerves. He was a seven-year-old chestnut warmblood with a white star on his forehead. He was shaking, his flesh twitching beneath his soft, shiny coat and his ears flicking back and forth.
“Easy there, buddy. I got you.”
Dominic snorted.
This was not a horse at ease. Gunner just had to figure out what was disturbing his peace. He continued to lead the gelding as they got better acquainted.
At least Gunner had slept well last night in the one-room cabin he’d rented. It was simple but clean, and the mattress was as soft as a warm embrace. It was convenient, only a stone’s throw from the ranch. He’d worked out a short-term lease with the owner, Mr.Dixon, who was a widower and seemed happy to have some company.
Construction noises carried across the valley. A crew of four had shown up at eight to frame the stable.
His first morning on the job was going pretty well. Charlottehad been feeding the horses when he’d arrived, and he jumped right in. She kept a detailed log on the wall of each horse’s feed, exercise, and medication schedules. He liked how meticulous she was when it came to the horses’ care. It said plenty about her.
Even if she did confuse him in other ways. First he’d caught her gawking at the construction guy, and yesterday she’d been gaping at the sheriff across the coffee shop. She didn’t strike him as the kind of woman who’d be desperate for male attention. Much less be attracted to married men. (Because yes, the sheriff also wore a wedding ring.)
