Chapter Two – Mackenzie
MACKENZIE
The moment he left the barn, I let out the breath I hadn’t even noticed I was holding. Placing my hand over my chest, I whispered, “My goodness.”
Pickles and Mr. Whiskers were both currently snuggled up on my lap, each trying to push the other out of the way for more space.
I’d heard that Bradly Littlewood was handsome, but I wasn’t expecting him to be that good-looking. Dark brown hair, almost black looking, and eyes that were mysteriously black. And the way he had smiled at me with those dimples, something deep inside of me yearned to come out—but I refused to let it. A man like that clearly had a girlfriend, or most likely two, and probably in every city where he rode bulls.
I rolled my eyes at that thought. Then noticed the slight pang of jealousy.
Hmmm…interesting.
I frowned. Was that fair of me to think that? I didn’t know him, and everyone on the farm said he was a good guy, and his mother constantly talked about him in such a sweet, motherly way. She’d said he was on the shy side, actually, but he loved her and his father, and adored his sister Avery. As well as his extended family, the Shaws. I hadn’t yet met all of Bradly and Avery’s aunts, as they called themselves. Kaylee, Timberlynn, and Lincoln. The only one I’d met so far was Lincoln. She was sweet and she loved Merit like a sister, you could just tell.
My hands repeatedly ran over my two pets absentmindedly. Anytime I felt sad or scared, these two had a way of making me feel calm and at peace.
“Well, it’s late and I guess our Christmas celebration is over.” Pickles and Mr. Whiskers both glanced up at me with looks of disappointment. “I know, I know. But it’s warm and snuggly here in the barn, Pickles. You’ll be fine. As for you, Mr. Whiskers, you’re coming with me. I saw you staring at that calico earlier today. She is off limits, do you hear me?”
I swore my cat gave me a dirty look.
“Don’t look at me that way. I know you’re both fixed, but she’s too young for you.”
Mr. Whiskers stood, stretched, then slowly made his way to the steps that led up to the one-bedroom studio apartment above the garage, where I lived. As part of my salary, I lived in the apartment rent-free. It was nice not having to pay rent, because that meant I wouldn’t have to dip into my savings. I’d used a lot of my inheritance on the apartment I lived in after leaving my mother’s house. Plus, the cost of a lawyer to get the restraining order on George after he had attacked me at my own apartment. That was the other reason I ended up leaving Georgia.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” I said to Pickles as we walked over to his own private stall. Dirk and Merit were honestly too good to me. The fact that they let me have Mr. Whiskers, and then get Pickles and stable him here, without having to pay anything extra, was such a sweet gesture. These animals truly helped with my anxiety that I was still trying to learn how to control.
I shut and locked the stable door, then made my rounds. If anyone ever saw me saying good night to all the animals, they would think I was insane. But I loved them all. They were my friends, and I didn’t have to worry about them asking questions about my past, or wondering why I was feeling down. And they loved me back. It was the perfect friendship all around for each of us.
Once I’d made it up to my small apartment, I headed to the kitchen and made a hot chocolate. I loved this little apartment. It was completely different from the dark wood and black metal that made up the gorgeous barn below. I’d never been in such a beautiful barn before setting foot in this one. The apartment had hardwood floors that matched the dark wood used downstairs, but the walls and ceiling were all painted a crisp white. Once you walked in, a little kitchen was on the right, with a bar that had three stools. Just beyond was a small dining table. When you walked farther in there was a sofa, coffee table, and small entertainment area. The wood-burning stove separated the living space from the bedroom, which was closed off by a sliding barn door.
The bedroom contained a king-size bed, a dresser, and a nightstand. The bathroom was stunning and something I imagined you would see in a spa. There was a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and huge vanity with a copper sink that all just called to me. I’d taken advantage of the tub plenty of times.
I took my hot chocolate and headed to the sofa. Grabbing a blanket, I snuggled under it. Opening my Kindle, I attempted to read the book I’d started earlier that morning. It was my typical read—romance. I loved romance books and always dreamed of having a relationship like the ones I read about. The heroes were always such gentlemen, and the women they loved meant the world to them. I had so many book boyfriends, I could hardly keep count of them all.
The fact that I’d never had a real long-term boyfriend was disappointing, and something my therapist back in Atlanta had tried to help me overcome. I wasn’t afraid of intimacy, if it was with someone I wanted to be intimate with. Watching my mother slowly disappear because of my stepfather was something that I knew I would never do…and I would also never allow a man to hit me or verbally abuse me. Yet there was a wall I had up for some reason and I wasn’t sure why.
I wanted love. I longed for love. But I also wanted a best friend, someone I could share everything with. Someone I would run to with both good and bad news. I thought for sure when I left home four years ago, I’d be able to find that relationship.
Sighing, I closed my eyes. Emily had found that kind of love when she went to college in New York and met her fiancé, Doug, who was currently doing his pediatric residency. I knew I could as well. If I could just let myself feel again.
Opening my eyes, I thought about Bradly Littlewood. A strange little flutter happened in my chest, and I pressed my open Kindle against it and smiled. I knew the decision to move to Montana had been the right one from the moment I spoke with Merit on the phone about the job. And now…maybe there was another reason to celebrate my new life. And that reason happened to have adorable dimples and the darkest eyes that any woman could get lost in.
When my eyes started to close, I knew it was time to call it a night. It might have been Christmas, but I had work tomorrow, and if I didn’t get enough sleep, I’d be dragging my feet.
My phone buzzed as I stood to head to the bathroom. Picking it up, I smiled.
Emily: I can never remember what time zone you’re in in Montana. But I know it’s still Christmas there. I’m sorry this is late, but MERRY CHRISTMAS! I miss you.
Me: Merry Christmas. What are you doing up so late?
Emily: Doug and I just got home. Besides, New York City never shuts down. Doug says hi and Merry Christmas too.
Me: Tell him Merry Christmas. Have you decided on when you can come visit?
Emily: YES! We were thinking of coming December 30th! Stay for New Year’s Eve and maybe a couple more days. Doug doesn’t have that much time off, but we REALLY want to see Montana. Did you have plans for New Year’s Eve?
I nearly let out a scream.
Me: Em, are you serious? I’m completely open!
Emily: Yes! Mom and Fuckhead wanted me to come to Atlanta, but I told them Doug and I were going to the beach to ring in the new year.
I chewed nervously on my lower lip. My mother and stepfather had no idea where I was currently living, and I wanted it to stay that way.
Me: I’m sorry you have to lie to them. But thank you. I know it’s hard to pretend you aren’t in contact with me.
Emily: We both know it’s for the best.
I stared at my phone and exhaled. After I’d left home, Mom hadn’t really tried to have a normal relationship with my sister. Emily was, of course, gone most of the time, staying with friends or coming to stay with me—just like I’d told her to do—so I’m sure that played a part. Honestly, it didn’t matter. Dickhead never once laid a finger on Emily, and for that I would be forever thankful. He did however start to verbally abuse her after I had moved out. Another reason Emily was gone as much as possible.
Me: Does she contact you a lot?
I saw the three dots appear, then disappear. Then start up again.
Emily: To be honest with you, Kenzie, I don’t talk to her much. The last time we spoke, she was talking nonsense about how you stole money from her, and that the money Daddy left us should have been hers. I told her I didn’t want to speak to her if she was going to say things like that. I think she’s drinking again.
Frowning, I exhaled.
Me: Stay vigilant when it comes to those two, Em.
Emily: I know, and Doug tells me all the time I need to break ties with her completely. I hate that she basically stopped caring about us after Dad died.
My heart broke in two. I hated that our mother had chosen that lunatic over her own kids. A part of me wondered if it was because we reminded her of our father. George—or Fuckhead, as Em called him—had tried to put poison in our heads about our dad, just like he did our mother. Even convincing her that Dad had cheated on her. He was literally the worst human being and had been gaslighting our mother for as long as I could remember.
Emily: Stop feeling guilty, Kenzie. I know you. It’s like you said, Mom chose to stay with him. Okay…I’m about to pass out, it’s way past my bedtime. I love you and I hope you weren’t too lonely today.
Me: Not at all. I love you. Kiss Doug for me, and send me all the details about when you’re coming in. Remember, you have to fly into Missoula. I can pick you up if you don’t want to rent a car.
Emily. Got it. Will do. I remember. Night! Love you too.
I plugged my phone in and set it on the nightstand and headed to the bathroom with a smile on my face. My sister was coming for a visit. Merry Christmas to me, after all.
After brushing my teeth and climbing into bed with Mr. Whiskers, I drifted off to sleep with that same smile plastered on my face. But I didn’t drift off to thoughts of my sister and Doug coming for a visit; instead, I dreamed of a cowboy with dark eyes, kissing me like I’d never been kissed before.
“Good morning, Mackenzie!”
I closed the door to the greenhouse and shook the snow off my boots. “Morning, Lou. How was your Christmas?”
Lou Decker was an older woman, maybe in her earlier sixties. She knew everything and anything about gardening. Flowers, fruits, vegetables…if it grew in the dirt, she knew everything about it. She had been the manager of the farm for the last ten years, and was also in charge of the marketing for the pick-your-own side of the farm. Her daughter, Lori, was dating Michael Eden, the co-owner of the farm and Merit’s brother. From what I gathered from hearing Lou and Merit talk, Lori and Michael have dated for some time. They were both pretty sure he’d swept Lori away on a cruise to ask her to marry him.
“It was great. I sure wish you would have taken me up on my offer to come have dinner and spend Christmas with us. I hated the thought of you being all alone.”
Giving her my warmest smile, I replied, “I appreciate your offering, but I’m used to spending the holidays alone. Besides, I was able to catch up on some reading and me time.”
With a small smile of her own, she turned and got back to work pruning a plant. That’s what I loved about Lou. She never asked questions even though I knew she wanted to. The same with Merit and Michael. They respected my privacy and never asked too many questions.
It wasn’t like I had some terrible secret to hide. Well…I guess I did, but I moved to Montana to put my past behind me, and that was what I was going to do.
I picked up the long hose and started to water the plants. Merit and Michael had built the greenhouse a few years back so that they could grow fruits and veggies all year round. In the spring, summer, and fall, their farm was a huge attraction for people to be able to come and gather their own fruits and vegetables. Something that people in the area seemed to love to do, rather than going to a grocery store and getting it that way. I loved the idea of pick-your-own farms and loved working on this one. No stress, I got to play in the dirt, and I was passionate about other people learning how to garden.
I had even pitched an idea to Merit about me teaching a class to kids on how to start their own vegetable garden. She had loved the idea, and we were going to start it this spring.
As I moved around watering the plants, I couldn’t help but smile. I had really lucked out when a college friend of mine had told me that a farm in Montana was looking for an agricultural assistant. I knew I had to apply. It was far from Georgia, and it was a job my mother and stepfather would assume I’d never accept. Not with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in crop production.
I’d graduated with honors and was offered a job with the State of Georgia as an agricultural inspector. It paid very well, and with the rest of my inheritance, and the money I’d made working for the state for a short time, I packed up my things and made the cross-country move. I wanted to get as far from Atlanta as I could. The last place my mother or George would think to look for me would be on a farm in Montana.
Merit and Michael almost hadn’t hired me, in fact, saying I was overqualified. But after assuring them this was what I wanted and needed, they gave me a chance. I was more qualified to run the farm than Lou, truth be told, but I didn’t want a management role, and I honestly didn’t have the experience. I had a fancy degree, some experience working for Georgia, but really, I was just a twenty-three-year-old plant nerd. I simply wanted to do my job and stay under the radar.
“I heard you finally met Bradly last night.”
I spun around and stared at Lou. “How did you hear that?”
She grinned. “He was here earlier this morning looking for you.”
My heart did a little weird jump. Bradly was looking for me? “Why?” I asked, confused.
Lou laughed. “Well, if I had to hazard a guess, he wants to get to know you better. Can you blame him. You’re beautiful, Mackenzie.”
I stared down at the overalls I wore. The Mickey Mouse long-sleeve thermal shirt and the bright green garden boots that were not meant for cold weather didn’t put me on anyone’s beautiful radar, either. I looked at up her and frowned.
She tilted her head and regarded me for a moment. “You don’t realize how beautiful you are, do you?”
Opening my mouth to say something, I quickly shut it. What was I supposed to say? I had a mirror. I knew what I looked like. My curly light brown hair fell just below my shoulders, and I normally wore it up in a ponytail. I liked my eyes. My grandmother used to say they changed colors with my mood. Sometimes they were green, sometimes they looked grayish blue. That was really the only memory of her I had. She was my father’s mother, and Emily and I had loved her. She died when I was only eight years old. My mother’s parents had passed away when she was in her early twenties, and my sister and I hadn’t known them at all, and Mom never spoke about them.
Besides my nice eyes, I knew I had a decent body. I wasn’t thin, and I wasn’t overweight. I had an hourglass figure and liked to work out. It was one of the few outlets I had to blow off stress and anxiety. I ran, lifted weights, and did yoga classes at a little studio in downtown Hamilton. But beautiful? Pretty, maybe, not beautiful.
What I knew I was, for sure, was the walking definition of emotional baggage.
“Honey, has no man ever told you how beautiful you are?”
The few guys I’d dated never really commented on my looks. I swallowed hard and fought to hold back a particular memory of my stepfather when he was drunk one night. He’d grabbed me by the arms and held me close. I was sixteen at the time, and the way he’d looked at me made my skin crawl. He’d mumbled something about me being “smokin’” and how, if I was older, he’d “take me.” At the time, the idea made me sick. Much like it still did. Thankfully, he’d never touched me or Emily that way.
Squeezing my eyes tightly shut, I shook away the memory. I drew in a few deep breaths to calm the panic building. I really needed to go back to therapy if these feelings were going to start happening again. After I moved out and got my own place, I’d started seeing a therapist. More so for the guilt I’d felt leaving Emily with my mother and that monster. But over time, I realized how much it helped me deal with years of abuse, and understanding how my mother had allowed this monster to treat me the way he did.
When I opened my eyes, I saw Lou staring at me.
“You know, if you ever want to talk, you can trust me. Or if you don’t want to talk to me, there’s an amazing place in Hamilton that Brock Shaw created. They have counselors and therapists there.”
I let out a soft laugh. “Am I that transparent?”
She shook her head. “No, but I see something on your face that I once saw on my own when I looked in the mirror.”
I bit my lower lip. I wanted to ask her what she meant. What had she gone through? But everyone wears their armor in different ways, so who was I to speculate.
“It’s called the Kaci Shaw Wellness Clinic. It’s part of the Kaci Shaw community center.”
“I’ve driven by there before.”
“I hope you’ll look into it, Mackenzie. There are some burdens in this life that we aren’t meant to carry alone.”
I nodded. “I will. Thank you, Lou.”
Lou smiled and the anxiety in my chest slowly ebbed. The last few months, I often found myself wishing that Lou or Merit were my mother. They were both so caring and loved everyone deeply.
My mother had been that way once. After my father died, she tried to be a good wife to George, but anyone who looked at her knew she was still grieving my father. And although he put on an understanding face for a few months, it didn’t take George long to turn into a monster. It started with verbal abuse, but quickly moved to him slapping my mother and shoving her around. Then, when I stepped in one night and yelled at him to leave her alone, that was when he took the abuse even further. And I stupidly kept interfering.
I exhaled and pushed the thoughts away. That part of my life was over and there was nothing left I could do for my mother. And I’ve made my peace with the life I currently have.
“What do you think about those orange trees?” Lou asked.
The change in subject caught me by surprise, but I was grateful for it.
“Um, I think they’re doing great. They’ll be ready to plant into pots this spring for sure.”
Lou nodded. “That’s a great idea; I’ll talk to the bosses about it. Oh, before I forget, Merit asked if we had any squash and zucchini ready. I told her we did. I need to run an errand later this morning, so would you mind picking some and bringing it up to the house for her?”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Wonderful. Four of each, and if you see any good cucumbers, she’ll take some of those as well,” Lou said as she made her way toward the back of the massive greenhouse, where the office was located.
When I finished watering, I grabbed a basket and made my way to the area of the greenhouse allocated for vine plants. I picked the vegetables Merit wanted, thrilled to see such wonderful produce in the dead of winter. The things we could grow in the perfectly climate-controlled environment was endless.
On a whim, I added some strawberries and a few ripe figs. If Merit couldn’t use what I harvested, I knew Stella Shaw would for sure take what was left and make something amazing. I’d only met Stella twice, and both times, she’d brought me and Lou heavenly tasting baked desserts.
Other than visits from Stella and Lincoln Shaw, this side of the farm was pretty quiet. During the winter, we were staffed with just Lou and myself, along with Michael, Merit, and a couple farmhands for general maintenance. The ranch side, however, had a lot more hands to help with the cattle and horses. Since moving here, I’d turned down at least five invites from the ranch hands who’d asked me out, when they came to the farm to help with one job or another. Not that they weren’t good-looking or nice enough. None of them caught my interest beyond friendship.
“I’m heading up to the house, Lou!” I called out.
She popped her head out of the office. “Don’t walk to the house. Too much snow, and you have those terrible boots on. Take the truck. Ronnie plowed the road up to the main house and to the main gate.”
“Will do,” I said as I put on my coat, hat, and gloves and stepped outside. The snow had finally stopped falling, leaving behind the most beautiful scene. Pure white covered everything, and when the sun hit, it sparkled like someone had tossed out a handful of crystals or diamonds. It was truly one of the most gorgeous things I’d ever seen.
I was so glad Ronnie had snow-blown walk paths as well, making it easy to navigate around the farm to the truck. I wasn’t that great of a driver in the snow, though. The fact that Lou let me take the truck showed how much faith she had in my driving, even though I’d only driven in snow two other times in my entire life.
Making my way slowly over to the main house where the Littlewoods lived, I parked and jumped out of the truck. I reached in and grabbed the large basketful of goodies and smiled as I thought about what Merit would make with the fresh veggies and fruits.
Before I even got to the front door, it flew open and Avery appeared. “Mackenzie!”
Smiling, I lifted my gloved hand and waved. “Hey, Avery.” She opened the door wide, and I stomped my boots before making my way inside. “How’s your Christmas vacation been so far? Missing Paris yet?”
Avery shook her head. “Not missing it at all. Did I tell you I’m finished with school?”
“Congratulations,” I said as I handed her the basket and took off my coat. I’d met Avery when she was home for a few short days four months ago, and I’d instantly adored her. She reminded me of my sister Emily. When she exchanged the basket for my coat, scarf, and gloves, I asked, “Are you home for good then?”
“No, I wish. I have one more fashion show I need to do, then I’m all done. I’ll be heading back home for good after that, most likely the end of January or beginning of February.”
“Do you think you’ll miss it? Paris? The fashion shows?”
Avery thought for a moment. “Truthfully?”
“Always,” I said as we both started to walk through the house toward the kitchen. It was a beautiful ranch home with exposed wood logs, a stunning rock fireplace in the living room, and a gourmet kitchen I would die for. Although, I would hate to clean a house this big.
“No. I don’t think I will. I mean, when I first got to France, I was in love with fashion and soaking up the culture. I’ve missed so much while being away from home, though. It’s been a great experience, but now all my cousins are getting married and having babies. I’m missing out on all of it. I miss my parents too. I guess I’m just ready to be home.”
“Will you go to college here, then?”
“Most likely,” she said with a shrug. “I haven’t decided yet. I’d like to talk to Morgan and Georgiana about helping them with the boutique. Morgan mentioned something to me about coming on as a design assistant, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet.”
“You’ll figure it out,” I said with a soft smile.
Which faded as I walked into the kitchen, and I came to an abrupt halt when I saw Bradly leaning against the counter, looking even more handsome than he had last night in the barn. How could I have forgotten about him being home?
“Bradly.”
“Mackenzie,” he said with a wink that made my heart trip over itself and my insides melt.
“You’ve met?” Merit asked. At the same time Avery echoed, “You guys have met?”
Bradly stood there with his dimpled smile, saying nothing, as I looked between Merit and Avery before finding my eyes back on him. The light in the barn hadn’t nearly done the man justice. He was built, which surprised me—why, I wasn’t sure. It made sense, since he grew up on a ranch. The few times I’d watched bull riding on TV, the cowboys seemed…smaller. Those dark eyes sparkled like the snow outside in the sun, if that was even possible with how insanely black they looked.
Finally able to pull my eyes off the extremely handsome cowboy, I cleared my throat as I set the basket down on the kitchen island. “We met last night.”
“Last night?” Merit asked as she turned to look at her son.
“When I got back home from dropping off Lily and Maverick, I saw there were lights on in the barn, so I headed down and found Mackenzie in there.”
“You went to the barn on the farm side?” Avery asked with a laugh. “Wow. When was the last time you were there? Ten years old, maybe?”
Bradly shot his younger sister a look. “No comments from the peanut gallery, Avery.”
Folding her arms over her chest, she smirked. “No, really. When was the last time you were there? And don’t say last night. I mean before last night.”
Bradly looked irritated…and a bit embarrassed.
“Bradly was never fond of the farm,” Merit stated as she gave her son a loving look. “When he was little, though, he loved to help me plant things. He would bring his cars and trucks and play in the dirt with them. But his heart has always been on the cattle side of the ranch.”
Avery added, “Or on top of a bull at Uncle Ty’s place.”
I smiled and focused on the basket, deciding the last thing I wanted to do was be in the middle of this little argument. “Lou said you asked for some veggies, so I picked these for you. I also picked you some fruit as well. If you can’t use it all, I thought maybe Stella would like some.”
Merit started to take the food out of the basket. “Oh, everything looks amazing. Stella will love the figs.”
“I’m glad. Well, I’ll let you visit with your family.”
“No! You just got here, and I’ve hardly gotten to see you at all lately. What did you do yesterday for Christmas?” Merit asked breezily as she moved about in her kitchen. Avery took a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island, while Bradly continued to lean against the counter. The hairs on the back of my neck lifted as I felt his gaze on me while I looked everywhere but at him.
It should have made me uncomfortable, the way he stared at me, but it was the opposite. There was something about Bradly’s attention that was awakening a feeling deep inside of me.
“Um, I worked in the greenhouse for a bit.”
Merit stopped what she was doing and just stared at me for a long moment. “You worked on Christmas?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t mind. I took a few of the horses out to exercise them, pruned some of the plants, weeded, and cleaned up the barn some before the storm moved in.”
“Then she had a pajama party in the barn with her goat Pickles and her cat,” Bradly added with a grin.
Avery gasped. “How fun! I wish I would have known. I love Pickles and Mr. Whiskers! I would have joined you instead of playing dominoes.”
Merit rolled her eyes at her daughter, while Bradly laughed. I smiled but wasn’t sure if it was an inside joke I was missing.
“You didn’t have to play long. That storm came in and everyone left,” Merit stated with a huff.
“The fact that I had to play at all, Mom, is enough to wish I was at a PJ party with Mackenzie and her pets.”
“You played dominoes last night?” I asked. “On Christmas?”
Avery rolled her eyes, this time more dramatically. “Family game night.”
I smiled. “That sounds fun.”
Both Avery and Bradly stared at me like I’d just grown two heads.
“Oh, it can be, but not when we play an old person’s game,” Avery said, as she shot her mother a look that Merit ignored.
“How long have you worked here? On the farm?” Bradly asked, changing the subject abruptly.
My attention was drawn back to him. Goodness, his eyes were haunting, but in a good way. He surely left a trail of broken hearts when he was out on the road with the bull riding stuff; there could be little doubt about that.
It must have taken me too long to reply while I was openly gawking at him, because Merit answered for me.
“Mackenzie has been with us for…what has it been, five months?” Merit asked, giving me a warm smile.
“Yes, about that long. I started the beginning of August.”
“Are you from Hamilton?” Bradly asked.
Merit handed me a cup of tea and motioned for me to sit down. I hadn’t even seen her make it, but the second it was in my hands, the familiar scent of chai filled my nostrils. How Merit had figured out that was my favorite tea was a mystery to me.
“Oh, thank you, Merit.”
“Of course. Lou gave me a heads up you were on your way, and I know how much you love my chai tea.”
I wrapped my hands around the warm mug and brought it to my lips to take a sip. Before I had a chance to answer Bradly’s question, Merit did so for me once again.
“Mackenzie’s from Georgia, and she has a degree in agriculture specializing in crop production.”
Bradly raised his brows. “You’re a long way from home.”
All I could do was nod.
“She graduated with honors and worked for the State of Georgia as an agricultural inspector for a short time,” Merit added with a wide grin. “They hired her before she even graduated from school.”
For a moment, it seemed like she was proud of me. I internally sighed. Again, why couldn’t she have been my mother?
I felt my cheeks warm. I never was one to like attention. No, that wasn’t true. I used to love attention, especially from my mother and my father. I was also part of a choir as a young girl and used to sing in front of hundreds of people. I adored that attention. But once my father died, everything in my world did a one-eighty. George didn’t seem to like that I was good at something, hated when people praised me for my singing, so he forbade me from participating in the choir. And my mother did absolutely nothing to stop him from doing so.
“And you work here on a you-pick-it farm?” Bradly asked with a laugh, drawing me out of my memories. “Who are you hiding from?”
I felt my entire body tense, and Merit cleared her throat. “Bradly, that’s enough of the third degree, please.”
He clearly noticed my reaction to his words. A small crease appeared between his brows, and he studied me a bit before looking away and giving his mother a soft smile. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, it’s okay, really,” I said as I set the mug down. “I guess in a way, I am hiding.”
All three of them turned to look at me.
“I mean, not from the police or anything like that,” I said with a nervous chuckle. “I’m simply longing for a new start and a chance to put the past behind me.”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Merit said as she reached over and squeezed my hand. “We all have things we keep close to us that we don’t want to remember or share with others.”
“Yes, we do,” Avery agreed with a sweet smile directed my way. When I looked at Bradly, he was still watching me intently. It only took a moment for his face to relax though.
“I wasn’t trying to drag up any bad memories, Mackenzie. I’m sorry if I brought up something that made you uncomfortable, that wasn’t my intention at all. I simply want to know you better.”
It took everything I had not to squirm in my seat as three sets of eyes studied me. His words were so sweet and tender, I suddenly wanted to open up and tell him everything. Instead, I cleared my throat. “You’re fine, Bradly, no worries at all. Let’s just say…I wanted to be as far away from my family as I could get. Well, my mother and stepfather, that is.”
Merit placed a hand over her heart. “That makes me so sad. Family is so important.”
I gave a weak smile. “Not all families.” Glancing around, I prayed someone would change the subject.
“Bradly, how long will you be home?” Avery asked, thankfully answering my unspoken prayer.
“Until after the new year. I have to leave for New York City around the third of the month.”
“So you’ll be here for Lily and Maverick’s wedding on New Year’s Eve!”
Bradly nodded.
“Your father and I talked about going to New York to watch you ride. It’s been forever since I’ve been to New York City.”
Avery gasped. “I want to go too!”
Confused, I looked at Bradly. “Wait, you ride bulls in New York City?”
He laughed, and it sent a warm sensation through my entire body. It was a deep laugh that made you want to smile in return.
“Madison Square Garden is transformed for the event.”
“Really?” I asked. “How do they get the horses and bulls there? Or the dirt?”
“Same way they do at each of the arenas. Bring in heavy equipment for the dirt. The horses and bulls travel trailers. It’s a pretty well thought-out and planned event.”
“I’d say so. How many days is it?”
Bradly grinned. “Three days of bull riding in the Big Apple.”
“I love New York in the winter,” Merit said. “Your father was going to talk to you about us joining you.”
“If you want to go, let me know. I’m sure I can get you a hotel room in the event hotel.”
“What about me?” Avery asked.
“I thought you were flying back to France right after the new year?” Bradly asked.
Avery shrugged. “I am, but if I can get a free trip to New York City, I’m totally there! I can spend a few days in New York City and head back to Paris from there. Then I won’t have that long layover and my flight will be shorter.”
Merit slowly nodded her head and turned to me. “Mackenzie, what are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”
“My sister and her fiancé are coming to visit. We’ll probably watch a movie, eat a bowl of popcorn, and watch the ball fall in New York.”
“No!” Avery said. “You need to join us on New Year’s Eve. Lily and Maverick are getting married, then Brock and Lincoln are hosting a huge reception-slash-New Year’s Eve party at their house. I know they would love for you to come.”
Before I could reply, Merit added, “You really should. I hate to think of you three all alone on New Year’s Eve.”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’ll be mostly family, I’m sure, at the wedding and reception, and with my sister and her fiancé in town I wouldn’t want to leave them alone. They’re only going to be here a few short days.”
Everyone went silent. Not two minutes ago, I’d told them I was hiding from my family, and now I was declaring my sister was coming. To answer their unspoken question, I clarified, “I only talk to my sister. She actually lives in New York City.”
“Really? Does she like it there?” Avery asked.
“She does,” I replied as I took another sip of tea. “At least, I think she does. She never complains about it. Doug, her fiancé, is from there. They met when Emily was in college up in New York.”
“Bring your sister and her fiancé on New Year’s Eve,” Merit insisted. “The more the merrier, and I know Lily and Maverick would love to have you all.”
“Lou and her husband will be there,” Avery added. “And you’ll get to meet everyone else! I know they’re going to love you.”
I opened my mouth to thank Avery and politely decline, but Merit jumped in again. “Stella would be so happy to see you, Mackenzie. And Avery is right, it’s well past time you met the rest of the family.”
My eyes bounced from mother to daughter, then finally stopped at Bradly. He remained silent—but something in his eyes suggested he wanted me to say yes. “I’ll talk to Emily about it, but only if you’re sure Brock and Lincoln wouldn’t mind, and most importantly, Lily and Maverick won’t mind three strangers at their wedding.”
Merit grinned, and Avery clapped in delight. “They won’t mind at all. I’ll introduce you to them. To everyone!”
Deciding to leave before I agreed to anything else, I slid off the stool. “I’d better get going. Thank you for the tea, Merit, and for the invite on New Year’s Eve.”
“You’re not working today, are you?” she asked.
“Not all day. I’m just making sure everything is good in the greenhouse. I have a few seedlings I’d like to plant.”
Avery reached for my hand. “Tomorrow, my cousins and I are doing some after-the-holiday shopping. I’d love for you to come. It’ll be the perfect way to start introducing you to some of them.”
Biting on my lip, I was unsure if I wanted to say yes or drum up other plans. I missed hanging out with friends and had to admit, at times, it was lonely with just me and the animals. “Um…”
“Oh, please come, Mackenzie. I know you’ll love everyone.”
Before I could change my mind, I smiled and nodded. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Avery bounced on her toes. “I’ll get your number from my mom and text you all the details!”
Her energy was infectious, and I found myself laughing. “Sounds good. Thank you for the invite.”
“One thing,” Avery stated as she pointed to my shirt. “You cannot wear any Mickey Mouse thermal shirts tomorrow.”
I glanced down and felt my cheeks heat. I’d forgotten I had the shirt on. Looking at Avery, I started to tell her that wouldn’t be a problem—when Bradly spoke.
“I think the shirt looks cute on her.”
All eyes went to Bradly.
“Do you?” Merit asked with a smile.
Bradly winked at me, and I felt a flutter in my stomach as he practically purred, “I do.”
Avery gave her brother a speculative look, then turned back to me. “You’re going to love everyone, I promise. You won’t regret this!”
“Famous last words,” Bradly mumbled as he pushed off the counter.
“Thank you again, Merit, for the tea.”
“You’re very welcome. Don’t spend too much time working today. You have this week off, dear.”
“I promise I won’t work for long.”
As I headed through the house toward the front entrance, Bradly followed closely behind me. The way my heart hammered in my chest and ears, I couldn’t help but wonder if he could hear it as well.
Bradly handed me my coat, hat, and gloves. When I saw him put his own coat on, I tilted my head and stared at him.
“I thought I’d walk you out.”
“You don’t have to,” I replied as my chest squeezed with an anticipation I’d never experienced before. Goodness, what was it about this man that made me react to him like this?
“I know. I want to.”
All I could do was nod before I turned and started out of the house, Bradly not far behind.
Right before we got to the truck, Bradly spoke. “I stopped by earlier this morning at the greenhouse, hoping to see you.”
Turning, I nodded. “Lou said you stopped by. Was there anything you needed?”
There went that brilliant smile once again. “I just wanted to see if you might like to go for something to eat.”
I frowned. “To eat?”
He laughed. “Yes, like, as in a date.”
“A date?”
“Looks like it’s your turn to repeat everything I’m saying.”
My cheeks burned hot, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry about that. Um, I mean, won’t you be leaving to go back out on the road with your show?”
Bradly laughed. “My show?”
Another nervous chuckle slipped free. “Wrong choice of words. I mean, I know you ride bulls for a living, but I guess I don’t know much about it. I’ve never seen it. I mean, bull riding. Well, on TV, I guess.”
He placed his hand over his heart and pretended to be wounded by my words. “Please tell me you’ve been to a rodeo before.”
I shook my head, and when a wicked smile appeared on his handsome face, I felt a bubble of excitement build.
“Do you have plans for today, other than working for a bit more in the greenhouse?”
Say you’re busy, Mackenzie. Say you’re busy.
But I don’t want to say I’m busy.
I glanced back toward the house before my gaze collided with his. Something about him made me feel…safe. Was that strange? What was it about him that was causing a crack in my well-built walls?
“I, um, I don’t have any plans.”
“May I see your phone?”
I fumbled around trying to get my phone out of my back pocket, since my coat covered it. When I handed it to him, my hand shook slightly. Bradly stared at it. Taking my phone, he slipped it into his coat pocket, then brought my hand up to his mouth. Cupping his hands around mine, he blew warm air on them—and my entire body flamed with a heat that could’ve melted every inch of snow in the yard. In that moment, I was so glad I hadn’t put my gloves on. I could feel my breathing pick up.
‘’Your hands are shaking. Are you cold?”
My eyes fell to his mouth, which was inches away from my hand. I slowly shook my head. “I’m nervous.”
“Because of me?”
Jerking my eyes up to meet his intense gaze, I replied, “Yes. No. I don’t really know.”
Bradly frowned. “I don’t want you to be nervous around me, Kenzie.”
A rush of electricity raced through my body, and I found myself smiling. “No one but my sister calls me that.”
He smiled once again. “Hmmm…I think I need my own nickname for you. How about Kenz?”
Laughing, I pulled my hand from his. “She calls me that sometimes too.”
Bradly’s smile turned into a full-on grin, and I ignored the way that made me want to giggle like a damn schoolgirl. He took my phone out of his pocket and typed in what I assumed was his cell phone number.
“Text me when you’ve finished up working, okay?”
Before I could think any more about my actions, I answered, “I will.”
He took a step back, then opened the truck door for me. “See you soon then.”
I went to step into the truck—and slipped. Bradly reached for me to keep me from falling on the snow-covered ground. “Whoa, be careful.”
His gentle touch felt nice. “Sorry. I’m still trying to get used to the whole snow thing. Being from Georgia, we don’t get a whole lot of it. I’ve certainly never seen the volume that Montana gets.”
“I imagine not,” he stated as he held my elbow while I climbed up into the truck. “Just don’t offer to drive and you’ll be good. Oh, and invest in a good pair of boots, will you?”
Laughing nervously, I replied, “Yes to the boots, and trust me, I won’t be driving long distances anytime soon. I’ll, um, see you later.”
He gave me a quick nod, then shut the truck door.
My hand shook as I turned the ignition on and started the short drive back to the barn.
“Oh, dear, Mackenzie. What have you done?”