Page 109 of Ethan

"Planning on putting a few pounds on you by baking at home. I like a soft round belly."

Daniel laughed. "Not going to argue with that."

"Sounds like you're going to make it work," Delores said and smiled. "I was afraid Daniel was going to be sitting at home alone if he was in a relationship with you."

"Did I hear you correctly?" Michael, who'd been hovering, interrupted, sneaking into the conversation. "Did you say you give horseback riding lessons, Ethan?"

"Been riding since I could walk. I gave lessons for many years."

"Western?"

"Can do, but I prefer English. Show jumping. Dressage. Stuff like that."

Michael set our drinks down and clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Do you have room for two more students? The girls would love to learn to ride. They both love horses."

"I haven't worked out a schedule yet, but I'll put them down for once a week if you give me what evenings or weekend times you're free. You're the first, so I can work around you. We can increase the lessons to twice a week if they really take to it and want to start jumping."

Daniel rubbed my back, grinning at me as I took a sip of my beer.

"So proud of you."

I leaned against him, wanting to climb into his lap.

I could do that later. Climb into his embrace, tuck my face against his neck, inhale the essence of him, and practically purr as he held me, and I covered his throat in kisses.

"I've got you when we get home," Daniel whispered to me.

The man I loved could read me perfectly.

Delores left us and the girls tumbled out the door and across the patio, a young boy chasing after them. He must be Sarah's son, Damian. Maybe he'd like to take riding lessons too.

"Lucy, Cara … Damian," Daniel called toward them. "Come here for a second."

They were slow but they eventually arrived.

"I want you all to meet Ethan. He's my boyfriend."

The girls giggled and Damian's mouth dropped open.

"You can do that?" he said.

"What?"

"Be a boy and have a boyfriend."

Daniel looked at Sarah. She shrugged. "It hasn't come up yet."

The girls lost interest and took off. Daniel kept his attention on Damian. "Yes, you can love anyone you want. You just need to follow your heart."

Damian looked at me then back at his grandad. "You love him?"

"I do."

The precocious little man frowned. "I think I might love Brandon."

"And that would be a wonderful thing," Sarah interjected. "Brandon is a lovely boy."

Damian nodded his head and sighed, then took off running across the patio and into the backyard toward the girls in the playground area.

---