Chapter 19
Miranda
It’s finally warm enough to sit outside and enjoy my morning coffee. I hate winter. Hate it to my core. The only good thing about it is the clothes, because who doesn’t appreciate some cute boots? But I need the sunlight. Vitamin D. Warmth.
I sit on the outdoor loveseat and wrap a blanket around myself as I bask in the morning sun. It’s a rare day off, and I plan to enjoy it to the fullest. Turning on my e-reader, I get comfortable and dive into my book as I sip from my favorite mug.
“Hey, honey.”
I nearly dump my coffee. I was so invested in my book, I hadn’t even seen my mother walk up. Setting my tablet to the side, I move the blanket so she can sit beside me.
“Hey, Mom. What are you doing over here?”
She pats the mass of blanket covering my thigh. “Oh, I was doing some work in the barn and saw you out here.”
“It’s finally warm enough to use my patio, so I’m taking advantage. There’s more coffee inside, by the way.”
Her eyes light up, and she quickly disappears inside, only to emerge a couple of minutes later holding her own steaming mug. She claims the seat beside me, and we sit in comfortable silence as the sun provides the perfect amount of warmth in the late-morning sky.
“Hayden is coming for dinner tonight. I can’t wait to meet Sierra. You’re still coming for dinner, right?”
I struggle to school my expression. I did not know they were coming over tonight.
In fact, I haven’t seen them since the other day at the ranch when I was first introduced to Sierra.
Knowing my mother, I shouldn’t be surprised.
She loves to help people, and she’s always loved kids.
I consider telling her I’m busy, but then I remember the sadness in her eyes when she told me her dream had once been to have a house filled with kids and family.
We’ve always been close, but I know she wishes I had siblings.
“Of course,” I answer as if it’s nothing. “Chicken alfredo?”
She smiles, causing crinkles to form at the corners of her eyes, and smooths her bun. “No, didn’t we just have that? I’m making pot roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Oh, and apple pie for dessert.”
I heave a dramatic sigh before playfully bumping her shoulder. “Fine. I guess I’ll come over for that.”
“Yeah, what a hardship. Your pots and pans are probably collecting dust in there.”
“You realize dinner isn’t the only meal of the day, right? I do make myself breakfast and lunch. And I made spaghetti for dinner just the other night.”
“Good job, honey.” She pats my leg. “Well, I’d better get back to it. Thanks for the coffee! And I’ll see you at dinner.”
After fixing my blanket, I try to get back into my book, but it no longer holds my attention. I’ve read the same paragraph six times before I finally put my e-reader on the loveseat beside me and pull out my phone, staring at it for a very long moment before finally pulling up Hayden’s contact.
You could give me a heads-up next time you plan on crashing dinner.
I watch as dots appear and then disappear.
I’ve never just sent him a random text before, even though we exchanged phone numbers ages ago.
And now my stomach is in knots as I wait for him to reply.
I shouldn’t have texted him. No idea what I was thinking.
My screen lights up with a text before I can fully spiral.
Hayden: Sounds to me like you already got one. How much notice do you need, exactly? 3-5 business days?
Smartass.
Yes, actually. Thanks.
My grin spreads as I wait for him to respond. Yes, I know this certainly isn’t keeping my distance, but if we can’t be friendly, there’s no way I’ll survive being around him. Not without practically wearing a sign that says “we had sex” in bold, flashing lights.
Hayden: I’ll see what I can do. Any particular reason? Do you make it a habit of going over there naked or something? If so, I will not be giving any notice in the future.
I’m surprised by the loud laugh that escapes me. Is Hayden openly flirting with me? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him flirt before, aside from the occasional double entendre… Which is crazy considering we’ve slept together.
Meh. You’ve seen that already.
I find myself grinning at my phone like a crazy person, even as the regret hits.
I should not be flirting back. We agreed it was a one-time thing.
And the fact that he’s coming over for dinner is exactly why it should stay that way.
Once again, the dots appear and disappear several times before his response comes through.
Hayden: Trust me, I’m well aware. See you tonight.
“Hey, honey,” my mother greets when I enter the kitchen through the mudroom. “You look cute.”
The slight lilt of her voice hints at a deeper meaning, but I ignore it. “Did you expect me to still be wearing the PJs from this morning? It’s just leggings and a shirt.”
My mother simply smiles at me before returning her attention to the stove. My stomach growls as I take in the enticing scent of food. Her pot roast is nearly as good as her chicken alfredo, and my mouth waters in anticipation. It almost makes me forget about the dinner guests. Almost.
“So, have you met Sierra yet?” she asks after removing the roast from the oven and placing it on the stove.
I sigh. “Yes, Mom. You know I have. She seems sweet. He brought her with him the other day, and she helped out in the stables.”
“Shame on you putting that girl to work.”
I gather plates so I can set the table. “No one put her to work. She wanted to come to the ranch, and she wanted to help. It was probably good for her to get out of the house and spend time with the animals.”
Mom makes a sound behind me, but I head over to set the table.
The kitchen is open, with an island large enough to seat six, but I already know she’ll want to sit at the table at the far end by the windows since it isn’t just Hayden coming over.
After setting the stack of plates on the table, I return for the napkins and the silverware and get started.
“Need any help?” I look back and find Sierra standing behind me.
I must have been lost in my head somewhere because I didn’t even hear them come in. I wasn’t expecting to hear the doorbell or anything, but I somehow missed the commotion of my parents greeting them.
“Hi, Sierra. I just finished setting the table, but I’m not sure where my mom is at with the food.”
“I offered to help her as soon as we got here, and she told me no. So, I figured I’d ask you. Everyone else is still in the other room.”
I give her a warm smile. “Well then, I guess we’re all set. Can I get you anything?”
She shakes her head, her curls swaying gently back and forth. She really is a sweet kid. Helpful. Respectful. Even after all she’s been through. I offer her a quick tour of the property since we have some time before dinner, and her face lights up like I offered her the greatest gift on the planet.
We start at the pasture where the horses currently are. Snickerdoodle walks right over to the fence to see us.
“How cute!” Sierra squeals. “Is she friendly?”
“She sure is. This is Snickerdoodle. Hayden and I picked her up a few weeks ago.” I point at the other chestnut mare. “Along with Ginger over there.”
Snickerdoodle presses her nose to Sierra’s hand, and I watch as her smile grows even wider. “I love her.”
“She’s a sweetheart. Do you ride?” I ask as we turn to head back to the house.
“A little. But we didn’t have horses of our own, so I didn’t get much of a chance.”
“I know Hayden has horses, but you’re welcome here any time.
I’m sure my mom would love to give you some lessons if you want.
If it’s alright with Hayden, of course. She used to offer classes before she retired.
” I end with air quotes because the woman is not retired.
I swear she does more now than ever before.
As we head back to the house, I point out my barndominium, the main barn where my parents host parties, and the chicken coop.
Sierra takes it all in, and I nearly forget how nervous I was.
There are far more important things to worry about than wanting a man I can’t have.
Even if my skin prickles when we approach the house to find Hayden watching us from outside the mudroom door.