LITMIR.BIZ

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loved it so much, how about a private lesson here at the ranch? I’m thinking this coming Tuesday night if you’re available, Aria. On Wednesday the students will arrive, so it’s now or never.”

      Aria nodded, happy that her cooking skills were valued. “I could absolutely do that.”

      “Great! Just figure out what you need to charge us and we’ll divide up the—”

      “Hey, I wouldn’t dream of charging you guys. If you decide to take my regular lessons on Monday nights, I’ll accept payment for that. But this is special. You were all here for Linus. Let me give something back.”

      “That’s very generous of you,” Herb said. “After all Rosie and I have been through lately, I’m getting much better at accepting the generosity of others. Thank you.”

      She smiled at him. “Then it’s settled. Tuesday night it is.”

      “I look forward to it. And on that note, I’ll bid you all good-night.” Herb set off toward the house, his pace brisk.

      Lexi sighed as the four of them continued on toward the barn. “They’re still in love after all these years. That’s inspiring.”

      “Yeah.” Cade wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

      “Apparently the coq au vin was inspiring, too.” Brant fell into step beside Aria. “Good job.”

      “Just a lucky coincidence. When I suggested fixing it tonight I had no idea I’d stir up honeymoon memories. But that’s the thing about food. There’s often an emotional connection to it.”

      “You’re right,” Lexi said. “Assuming I learn how to make it, I’ll always think of Linus being born and all of us enjoying a great meal together afterward.”

      “Me, too.” Cade gestured toward Brant’s truck. “And I’ll remember our epic Battle of the Sacred Flame. Too bad you didn’t win, though, Ellison. That sucker needs a wash bad.”

      “You know what? I like it that way. The mud covers up the dents and scratches. Besides, I’d rather wash a pretty red van named Matilda any day.”

      Cade laughed. “I figured.”

      Aria tingled with awareness. Brant was flirting and Cade had just acknowledged it. She liked feeling sexy and carefree for a change. Ever since Josh’s accident she’d focused most of her attention on his recovery, and the process hadn’t been a lot of laughs. But guilt followed soon after with thoughts about Josh. How could she enjoy herself when he was stuck in that wheelchair?

      “Since my truck’s parked at the cabin,” Cade said, “I planned to hitch a ride over there with Brant and then drive back and pick up Lex.” He looked at her. “Unless you want to come along?”

      “I’d rather stay with Aria and check out the baby.”

      “I thought as much. I’ll take a quick look when I get back.”

      Aria turned to Brant. “I should say good-night. You’ll probably want to turn in.”

      “Not yet. After I dump my stuff in the cabin, I need to see how mama and baby are doing. I’ll ride back with Cade.”

      “Then we shall return, ladies.” Cade gave Lexi a quick kiss before climbing into Brant’s truck.

      “Cade’s a great guy,” Aria said as she and Lexi started toward the barn.

      “He is a great guy and I love him to death, but I want to make absolutely sure we’re ready before we take the big step. It’s a huge commitment.”

      “Definitely.”

      “I didn’t realize that at twenty, but I do now.” She slid aside the bar holding the doors closed and swung open the right-hand side. Ringo dashed through it. “Plus Damon and Philomena are getting married at the end of this month. That’s enough wedding hoopla for the time being.”

      “Their relationship seems solid.” Aria followed Lexi into the dimly lit barn. Damon and Phil had fallen in love last summer while working together to build a fourth cabin for the students. They were bank customers, and every time she saw them together they looked very happy.

      “They’re perfect for each other,” Lexi said. “Cade and I are, too, but our relationship still needs some seasoning.”

      “I can’t even think in terms of marriage right now.” Aria lowered her voice as they drew closer to the back of the barn so she wouldn’t disturb the mare and foal. “There’s Josh to think about in the immediate future, and once he’s better, I’ll concentrate on getting my cooking school up and running. That’ll take years.”

      “I understand.” Lexi kept her voice down, too. “I built my riding clinic business myself, and you get really protective after putting in all that time and effort. Any guy you’re involved with has to realize that you won’t be the little wifey who caters to his every whim.”

      “Does Cade expect that?”

      “Not really. Once in a while he’ll say something that comes from outdated thinking. But I’m tough to please. I’ve been making my own decisions for quite a few years.”

      Aria nodded. “I’m pretty much the same. I know what I want and I’m not looking for some guy to provide it. On the other hand...”

      “Brant Ellison is pretty to look at?”

      “Yeah.” Aria glanced over at Lexi and smiled. “Yeah, he is.”

      They both stopped talking as they reached the birthing stall. Standing side-by-side, they gazed silently at the newborn curled up beside his mother. Aria felt a tug of love so strong it was almost painful. Surely, Josh would soften once he met this little guy.

      Lucy’s head was up but her eyes were closed. When Aria turned sixteen and was allowed to have her own horse, she’d chosen the mare for her golden coat. Dramatic color had been important to her at that age, but Lucy was a great deal more than a beautiful horse. Gentle and sweet, she’d become a cherished companion.

      Three years ago Aria’s mom and dad had sold their small ranch and moved to Texas, which had meant boarding Lucy. Aria had vowed that someday she’d buy horse property and have both Lucy and her cooking school on site. Maybe Linus, too.

      “I hear Cade’s truck,” Lexi murmured.

      Male laughter drifted in through the open barn door, but once inside, the guys toned it down. They even managed to walk quietly on the wooden floor, which had to take skill since they were wearing boots.

      As they drew closer, Aria and Lexi moved away from the stall door and motioned them forward. Aria was blessed with a tantalizing view of Brant’s wide shoulders and tight buns. He had the slight bow-legged stance of most cowboys who spent time on horseback, and Aria found that endearing.

      Lexi was right—he was pretty to look at. Feelings she hadn’t entertained for quite a while warmed her. Even if nothing could come of those feelings, she was glad to know they weren’t hopelessly buried.

      The men stepped back from the stall door and gestured for Aria and Lexi to walk out ahead of them. Aria held up her hand so she could go over for one last look.

      “Lexi and I will just head out, then,” Cade murmured.

      She wondered if Brant would go with them, but instead he joined her at the stall door. They stood very still, not quite touching, but she inhaled his earthy, masculine scent with pleasure. No designer fragrance for this guy.

      Desire uncurled and stretched within her, creating a sweet ache that made her shift her position. She accidentally brushed against him. “Sorry.”

      “No worries.” His low voice worked as effectively as a caress.

      As heat shot through her body, she shivered.

      “Cold?”

      “A little,” she lied.

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