Chapter 15
15
Caroline
The wooden entrance sign of Red Downs Ranch stood proud as Walker turned into the drive. I had only been on the ranch a handful of times, back when Sutton and I would play here sometimes as kids. It seemed different now that I was grown, but still familiar.
I could already see the porch light casting a golden glow into the dusky evening, and my heart did a little skip—not only from nerves, but from this newfound thrill that seemed to accompany me whenever Walker was around.
“You must be happy your plan worked.”
“Hmm?” He asked, pulling off to the right down a separate driveway that led right to the main ranch house I knew Gray and Eryn lived in.
“This whole fake dating plan. Gray must have caught wind of us from the diner date we had.”
“Oh, yeah.” He pulled into a parking area in front of the house and put the truck in park. “Said there were rumors. Seems like we got people talkin’.”
Somehow, despite knowing this was just an arrangement, I felt a pang of something unidentifiable. Longing? I couldn’t tell for sure.
“Ready for this?” Walker asked, his light blue eyes catching the last bit of sunlight as he turned to me with a crooked smile.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, smoothing down the fabric of my dress—a futile attempt to calm the butterflies in my stomach.
We stepped out of the truck, and before my I could set foot on the second step leading up to the porch, the front door swung open. Eryn, a bohemian dream filled with effervescent energy, stood in the doorway like a vision from one of those glossy lifestyle magazines.
“Caroline! Walker!” she exclaimed, wrapping us both in an embrace that felt like coming home. Her amber eyes sparkled with genuine pleasure, and I found myself relaxing into her warmth.
“Look at you two,” Eryn continued, stepping back to appraise us with a playful twinkle in her eye. “I swear, Walker, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were simply waiting for our town’s lovely new doctor this whole time.”
Walker laughed, the sound rich and easy, and draped an arm over my shoulder, pulling me close. “Well, who’s to say I wasn’t?” he teased, giving me a squeeze that sent a jolt straight through my core.
“Come on in, you two. We’ve been looking forward to this all day,” Eryn said, ushering us inside. The smell of something savory wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the scent of pine and leather that seemed so intrinsic to the Anderson household.
As I walked through their home, a sense of belonging began to weave its way around my heart—a feeling I hadn’t realized I’d been missing until now. It was as if these walls, these people, were quietly reminding me what it meant to be part of something greater than myself.
As the mainstay of Whittier Falls, the ranch connected us all, in one way or another. And coming back home to find friendship again—kinship—felt like the kind of legacy that was as enduring as the land itself.
Eryn led us to the backyard patio, where Gray had set up an array of outdoor heaters that cast a cozy glow over the space. A table, set with white linen and herringbone china, was adorned with tea lights floating on water in glass bowls. A fire pit in the corner of the patio was surrounded by Adirondack chairs, waiting for people to gather. The heated pool on the right side of the yard reflected the strings of lights hanging overhead, creating an ambiance that felt both luxurious and inviting.
“This is so lovely,” I said.
Eryn beamed, her dress flowing gracefully as she moved throughout the space. “Gray went all out. But then again, he always does when family’s involved.”
“He did a great job,” I agreed, stealing a glance at Walker, who stood beside me, his posture relaxed yet attentive.
“Caroline, you’ve got to see the view from over here,” Eryn beckoned, and I followed her gaze to where the land stretched into the horizon, the sunset casting a fiery orange glow on the pastures at the base of the mountains.
“Beautiful,” I murmured, meaning more than just the scenery. The ranch reminded me of legacy, kinship, and I felt my heart fill with gratitude for being invited here.
“Speaking of beautiful, I just love seeing you two together,” Eryn gushed, looping her arm through mine conspiratorially. “You make a striking pair.”
I felt my cheeks warm, unsure of how to respond. Walker cleared his throat, stepping closer to us, his nearness sending a jolt of awareness down my spine.
“Ah, well, we’re just?—”
“Great together,” Walker finished for me, his hand lightly touching the small of my back. His touch was casual, familiar, as if it belonged there. “Thanks, Eryn.”
“Of course! It’s just so nice to see Walk so happy,” she said, looking between us with an expression that held no trace of doubt.
The mention of his happiness reminded me the lines were blurring. He did look happy. And the way his gaze lingered on me longer than necessary, the gentle way he guided me towards our seats—it all felt dangerously close to real.
A chill had descended with the evening, and I instinctively snuggled deeper into my light jacket, grateful for the glow of the outdoor heaters that stood like sentinels around the patio. They cast a warm amber light against the darkening sky, turning the breaths escaping our lips into misty clouds.
“Caroline, you cold?” Walker asked, his eyes crinkling with concern as he noted my shiver.
“Just a bit,” I confessed, watching as Gray approached us, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. His expression was softer than usual when he caught sight of Walker, but the lines etched around his eyes spoke of a lifetime spent squinting against the sun and wind, guarding against the challenges of ranch life.
“Hope you brought your appetite,” Gray said, giving Walker a firm pat on the back that seemed to straddle the line between affection and assertion. “Got some prime steak grilling that’ll warm you right up.”
Walker grinned, the corners of his mouth stretching wide under the shadow of his hat. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, brother. ”
In that exchange, I saw a glimpse of their dynamic—Gray, the ever-watchful guardian, and Walker, still the playful rebel seeking his place.
“Let’s not keep you cold. Go on warm up by the heaters, food’ll be ready in a minute,” Gray announced, leading the way to the rustic wooden table set under more string lights that crisscrossed overhead. The atmosphere was cozy, intimate almost, despite the open space. The heaters hummed quietly, an unobtrusive symphony to the night’s gentle chorus.
I felt a tug at my heart, a yearning for something I couldn’t quite name. Was it the desire to belong to this world, so different from the sterile halls of hospitals and my office? Or was it something deeper, a connection to Walker that went beyond our pretend romance?
“Nice night, isn’t it?” Walker’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to find him standing beside me, his gaze following mine to the pool, with its steam rising from the water to create a hazy backdrop.
“Yeah,” I replied, my voice soft. “It’s beautiful.”
“Gray spent weeks getting that pool just right,” he said, pride lacing his words. “Said he wanted a place where we could all relax after a hard day’s work.”
I smiled, sensing the unspoken bond between the brothers, the shared pride in what they had built. It was a testament to their dedication, a reflection of their character, much like the sturdy fence that stood protective around the yard. I knew they had their disagreements and Walker felt like Gray gave him a hard time. But I also knew they loved each other. Respected each other.
As an only child, I always wondered what that kind of love would feel like .
“Looks like he succeeded,” I commented, my eyes meeting Walker’s.
He only stared right back at me, stared right into my soul. “Andersons always get what they want.”
“Hey everyone!” The sound of Sutton’s cheerful voice broke through our intimate moment, and I turned to see her walk through the glass doors and onto the patio. Her brother Damon followed behind her, his usual sullen expression affixed to his face. Mason Bridges followed behind him.
“Hey,” I said, giving Sutton a hug.
“Shrimpy. Looking like you grew up finally,” Damon said, calling me by the embarrassing nickname he’d given me when I was seven. Damon was a big brute, but had a soft streak on the inside. He just never let people see it.
“Finally, right?” I laughed.
He wrapped his enormous arms around me in a hug. I still only came up to his chest, and I marveled at how defined that chest was nowadays. I knew he was a former Marine, but damn. The man had muscles.
“Damon,” Walker said in greeting to his cousin, while pulling me back to his side. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders again, but this time his touch felt possessive. It shouldn’t have excited me, but it did anyway.
Damon nodded his head. “Walk.”
“Caroline, you remember Mason Bridges? He’s the Red Downs Ranch Manager now.” Sutton said, ignoring the testosterone in the air.
“Sure, hi, Mason.”
His smile was welcoming and sincere. “Nice to see you, Caroline.”
“You too. You’ve all got a lovely operation here.”
“Don’t I know it. You’ll have to come by for a tour. I’m sure Walk won’t mind giving you a nice extended ride up the mountain either.”
“That’s what charmed me,” Eryn added with a laugh as she returned to the group.
“We’ll get her on a horse sooner than later,” Walker said, holding me tighter against his side.
“Steak’s up!” Gray called.
“Oh perfect. Everyone, have a seat,” Eryn said, leading the way.
As we settled around the table, I couldn’t help but feel cocooned in this pocket of warmth amidst the cool expanse of the ranch. It was a testament to the Andersons’ ability to create comfort and connection no matter the circumstances—a skill as natural to them as riding a horse or roping cattle.
Their family had always been one of the most prominent in town, not just because they had money or influence, but because they always did their best to take care of the people of Whittier.
“Everything looks amazing, Gray,” I complimented, taking in the spread of food that could easily rival any high-end restaurant in the city.
“Thanks, Caroline.” He nodded, briefly meeting my gaze before turning his attention back to the grill. “Eryn did most of the sides. Family dinners are a tradition here. We always aim to make ‘em count.”
“That’s important.”
He looked at me for a moment and I tried to not feel like I was being put under a microscope. But then he nodded once more. “Sure is.”
Throughout dinner, Eryn’s excitement bubbled over in anecdotes and questions about how Walker and I reconnected, about our ‘relationship’. Each tale we spun tangled us further in a web of half-truths and genuine connection. And with each shared smile, each knowing look, I found the boundaries of our pretend connection fading into something far more authentic.
“Can you pass the salt, darlin’?” Walker asked, his use of the endearment rolling off his tongue with ease.
“Sure thing, cowboy,” I quipped back, the nickname slipping out before I could stop it. But instead of teasing me, he grinned, approval lighting up those light blue eyes that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken promises.
As we ate, talked, and laughed under the stars, I caught glimpses of the future Walker envisioned—his own mark on the ranch. A future he wanted to share with me, or so our story went. But sitting there beside him, feeling the heat from his body despite the chilly night, I couldn’t help but wonder why I was letting myself imagine being a part of it.
“Gray’s the real family chef,” Walker said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Mama always said if the ranching didn’t work out, he could start his own burger joint.”
“Or maybe a steakhouse,” I said, eyeing the meat he’d just brought over on a platter.
“Hey, don’t give him ideas,” Walker shot back playfully. “I’ll never see my bed again if he starts another project.”
“Speaking of projects, I’ve heard Walker’s got some great ideas for ranch,” I ventured, watching as Gray’s gaze shifted to his younger brother, a mix of pride and caution in those blue eyes so similar to Walker’s. I don’t know what made me do it. Sure, I could sit here and play my part in Walker’s plan, but it wasn’t my place to interfere.
Still . . . I wanted good things for him. And I wanted his brother to know that people believed in him.
“Ah, yes, Walker’s grand plans,” Gray said, his tone taking on a teasing edge, but not unkind. “He’s full of ‘em.”
“Good ones, though.” Walker’s voice carried a newfound assertiveness I hadn’t heard before. “The equine therapy idea has potential. And it’s something I’m passionate about.”
“Passion is key,” Gray conceded, nodding, the big brother facade slipping to reveal genuine respect. “But it’s a lot of responsibility. You sure you’re up for it?”
Walker met his brother’s challenge with a steady gaze. “I am. It’s time I . . . we take this place to the next level.”
In the softening light, I saw that side of Walker that went beyond the charming cowboy facade—there was ambition, a desire to create something meaningful. My chest tightened with an unexpected swell of admiration.
“Sounds like a solid plan,” I chimed in, our eyes locking. “And Walker’s got the drive to make it happen.”
“Thanks, Caroline.” He smiled at me, the warmth in his eyes sending a flutter through my stomach.
“Caroline believes in me, Gray. Maybe you should too,” Walker added, half-joking, half-serious.
“Always have, little brother,” Gray replied, and despite the gruffness of his voice, affection underpinned every word. “Just making sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Walker assured him, and I believed him. This man was more than ready to step up—to prove himself not just to his brother, but to himself, and maybe, just maybe, to me.
As the night deepened, the air grew cooler, but the conversation around the table stayed warm. The banter between the brothers, the shared laughter—it wove a spell, drawing me closer to this world, to Walker.
And as I watched him there, animated and so alive against the backdrop of the family he loved, I knew. I knew that whatever this was between us, pretend or not, I was falling for the man who wanted to leave a legacy as enduring as the land beneath our feet.
“Shall we head over to the fire pit?” Eryn suggested, her voice cutting through my reverie.
“Sounds perfect,” I found myself saying, the anticipation of spending more time beside Walker making my heart race in a way that was anything but pretend.
As we ambled over to the fire pit, the glow of the flames cast a dance of shadows across Walker’s face, giving him an even more rugged look—if that was possible. The chuckle that escaped him as he caught me staring was low and knowing, like he understood every unspoken word between us.
“Like what you see, Doc?” he teased, a lopsided grin spreading across his features.
“Can’t help but admire the view,” I shot back, my voice light despite the warmth flooding my cheeks. “The firelight is a good look for you.”
“Is that so?” Walker said, winking at me before turning his attention to Gray, who was already stoking the flames. “Hey, Gray, did you hear that? Our Caroline here thinks I’m looking particularly handsome tonight.”
“Must be the low light; it’s a miracle worker,” Gray quipped without missing a beat, earning a hearty laugh from Eryn. The familiarity of their banter made me feel like I was suddenly part of an inside joke I’d been missing out on all these years.
“Very funny,” I said, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
We settled into the Adirondack chairs surrounding the pit, the warmth seeping into our bones. I watched as Walker’s hand found its way to mine, clasping onto it with practiced ease. It was a simple gesture, one that should have felt like another act in our charade, yet it sent my heart skittering in a very real way .
“Tell me, Caroline,” Gray began, the serious undertone in his voice a stark contrast to the laughter from moments ago, “how do you plan on juggling the practice and . . . whatever this is with Walker?”
His gaze was sharp, protective even, and I sensed the weight his question carried. It wasn’t just about my time management skills; it was about loyalty, about whether I was truly in this—whatever ‘this’ was—for the long haul.
“Well, I—” I started, but Walker cut me off.
“Let’s not talk shop right now, alright? We’re here to relax.” There was a firmness to Walker’s words that told me this was an old dance between them, a push and pull that spoke volumes of their relationship.
“Of course,” Gray conceded, though the look he shot me promised this conversation wasn’t over.
The rest of the evening passed in a comfortable rhythm of laughter and soft glances, but Gray’s question lingered in my mind, mingling with the crackle of the fire. It was a reminder that, despite the connection I felt with Walker, none of this was real, and one day, it would have to all end. It wasn’t just us who would be affected. Our friends and family would be too, to a degree.
A lead weight settled in my stomach at the thought of disappointing everyone. Or worse, if they all found out none of it was real and we’d simply lied the whole time.
Sutton caught my eye from across the fire, her grin mischievous in the flickering light. Talking to her would be a good distraction. I excused myself and meandered toward her, feeling like a covert agent as I approached.
“Caroline,” she whispered when I was close enough, her gray eyes dancing with secrets. “You two are getting good at this. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were truly smitten. ”
“I know,” I murmured, tucking a stray lock behind my ear. “It feels like walking a tightrope sometimes.”
“Ah, but that’s where the thrill is, isn’t it?” She winked, then leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean, there’s obviously chemistry there, so even if it’s not a love match, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while you have him.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of our deception more than ever. The intimacy of this shared secret with Sutton added layers to our friendship, but also a twinge of guilt. All around us, the night hummed with an innocent ignorance, and I couldn’t help but feel like an imposter.
Not just to everyone else, but to Walker too. If I was really developing feelings for him, then I wasn’t being fair. He never wanted to get tangled up in someone’s heart.
“Speaking of acts,” Sutton continued, her gaze flicking to where Walker stood laughing with Gray, “you guys do the deed yet?”
My cheeks warmed under her scrutiny, and I looked away, pretending to be captivated by the heated pool’s shimmering surface. “I don’t kiss and tell,” I said smoothly—or at least, I hoped it was smooth.
“Sure you don’t.” Her knowing smile told me she wasn’t fooled. “That’s fine. Just keep your heart in check if and when it happens.”
Before I could respond, Walker was beside us, his presence like a magnet drawing every ounce of my attention. “Ladies,” he said, tipping his hat playfully, “hope I’m not interrupting anything classified.”
“Never,” Sutton replied with a glint in her eye. “Just giving our dear doctor here some sage advice.”
“About?” Walker’s light blue eyes searched mine, curious.
“Life, love, and the pursuit of happiness,” Sutton said before I could formulate a response. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got pastries to plot out for tomorrow.” With a final smirk, she left us enveloped in a silence that was too sizzling for comfort.
“Shall we?” Walker gestured toward the gate that led to the front of the house, where his truck was parked.
“Sure,” I breathed, wondering if my heart was beating as loudly as it seemed.
We said our goodbyes, me with a promise to Eryn to go see Sunshine Acres soon. As we walked side by side, our footsteps synched together, punctuating the tension that sizzled in the cool night air.
“Tonight was nice,” he said, breaking the silence as we reached his truck. “Thanks for being here.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” The words were simple, but they felt heavy, loaded with unspoken thoughts and what-ifs.
He opened the passenger door for me, but I hesitated. “Walker . . . ”
“Hmm?”
I couldn’t tell him any of my thoughts. They were all too jumbled in my head.
“Nothing.”
“Come on,” he said softly, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Let’s get you home.”
“Actually,” I started, surprising myself with the boldness of my own words, “how about we go to your place instead?”
The question hung in the air, charged with implications and possibilities. For a moment, he just looked at me, and I held my breath, waiting for his answer.
“Alright,” Walker finally said, a spark igniting in his eyes. He looked my body up and down and bit his lip. “My place it is.”