Katie swatted her husband. “Honey. You made her cry?”
He winced. “Whoops.”
“It wasn’t his fault. I was just having a terrible day. Vince, my boyfriend of two years, decided to move out of state with no warning whatsoever. Then lucky me, I got pulled over on the way home and spilled my guts to the poor guy in uniform.”
“Yeesh,” Cooper said. “It’s all coming back now. Sorry to have added to your bad day.”
“To be fair, I was going fourteen miles over. I deserved a ticket and you were very kind about my blubbering.”
“You poor thing,” Lisa said. “What an awful thing for your boyfriend to do.”
Charlotte had wanted to kill him. No, that was too harsh. Maybe just an itchy rash. With pus and scabbing.
“If a guy can’t see what he’s got in you,” Avery said, “and Riverbend for that matter, he doesn’t deserve either of you.”
“Hear, hear.” Wes slipped an arm around Avery. “I tried leaving but I just couldn’t do it. I know a good thing when I see it.”
“Aw... thanks, honey.” Avery gave him a peck on the lips.
All of them seemed to have such great relationships. It made her long for that kind of connection with someone.
She glanced at Gunner and found him staring back. Their gazes caught and clung. Tension vibrated between them like a live wire. She was so attracted to him. Because, well, he was attractive. But she also admired his gentle way with the horses. His patience with their guests. He had a quiet confidence that appealed to her. So different from Vince.
She recalled the way he’d come to her rescue this week and his protective stance upon finding that man who’d stopped to “help.” There was much to admire in him.
But even as she had the thought, she remembered the man she’d been discussing less than a minute ago. She’d thought Vince was great too. And he’d left her high and dry for an opportunity elsewhere. Gunner would do the same. He’d been perfectly clear about his temporary presence.
“I rode a horsey, Uncle Cooper. Didn’t I, Mom?”
“You sure did.” Laurel addressed the family at large. “Charlotte was kind enough to let Emma take one of her horses for a spin around the pen.”
“Hossey!” Quinn said.
Cooper ruffled his son’s brown hair. “I think we’re gonna wait awhile on that, buddy.”
“He’s welcome to come over sometime. Our ponies are really good with the little ones.”
“Oh, we don’t want to impose,” Katie said. “You’re a busy woman.”
“It wouldn’t be any trouble at all. He could even come with Emma if he wanted to. I’m pretty sure she won’t be able to stay away.”
Gavin chuckled. “I’m afraid you might be right about that. It’s all she can talk about.”
“Or at the very least you should bring Quinn for our grand opening. We’ll have pony rides in the afternoon. But even if you don’t want him to ride, I’m sure he’d love seeing them.”
“We’ll definitely come out for that,” Katie said. “He would love seeing the horses, and we want to support your business.”
Charlotte’s heart melted. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”
“The mayor’s even coming out for a ribbon cutting,” Gunner said.
“How exciting.” Jeff beamed. “Sounds like you’re gonna have a good crowd. Lisa and I will definitely be there.”
“Us too, of course,” Gavin added.
Laurel nudged his side. “He wants to take credit for your beautiful barn.”
“As well he should.” Charlotte tried to keep her voice level, though her emotions nearly choked off her words. Was this what it was like to have a big, loving family? The whole clan was coming to support her and they barely knew her.
