Page 83 of Kian

“I am.”

“Good.” Kian let her legs down but held onto her, so she didn’t slip, then they bathed each other, dried off and stepped from the shower.

After dressing in comfortable clothes, they got some food in them, then headed to bed.

Kian wanted her with him always and he wanted to tell her that, but he could barely keep his eyes open. Before drifting off to sleep, he promised himself he’d tell her tomorrow.

The following morning, he stood in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when Gretchen entered the kitchen. She walked to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck.

“You smell so good. I wish you could stay home today.”

“I do too, but I have a new case to work on, but the good thing is, tomorrow is Saturday, and we’ll have the entire weekend together.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I need to go to my parents’ place and pick up my horses. I want you to come with me.”

“I’d love to. Where do they live?”

“In Clifton now. They were in Helena, but when they visited Killian and Celine one Thanksgiving, they loved it and decided to move here. Like I did.”

“I’m so glad you did.”

“Me too. I’ll let them know we’ll be there tomorrow. I’m sure they’re anxious to meet you.”

“I want to meet them too. Maybe Sunday we could go see my parents.”

“I’d love to meet them. I’m sorry, but I have to get going.” He kissed her forehead, then removed his hat from the hook, and walked out the door. Before closing it, he looked at her. “Make yourself at home. I’ll see you when I get home. I’ll call or text when I get a chance.”

“Okay. Have a good day.” She smiled at him.

“Yes, ma’am.” He placed his hat on his head and closed the door. Walking toward his truck, he grinned as he thought of coming back home to her.

****

Gretchen stood by the door, watching as Kian walked to his truck and drove away. She couldn’t help but smile, knowing how deeply in love they were with each other. He didn’t love Sheila; Gretchen was the one he loved. She called her mother to share the news about her and Kian’s relationship. They were going to meet his parents tomorrow when he picked up his horses.

“Can we stop by on Sunday? Will you be home?” Gretchen asked her mother.

“Yes, we’ll be here. We can’t wait to meet him,” her mother replied excitedly.

“He’s just as eager to meet you. I can’t wait to meet his parents too. I know how difficult it was for them when he was missing.”

“I can imagine. I’m so grateful that you saved him, Gretchen.”

“Me too, Mom. Okay, I’ll let you go for now.”

“Take care, honey. We’ll see you on Sunday. I’ll make dinner.”

“That sounds perfect. Love you. And tell Dad I love him too.”

“I will. We love you too.”

Gretchen gazed out the window and smiled at the sight of the swimming pool. She couldn’t wait to take a dip once summer arrived. As she walked through the house, she stopped by a window and looked out at the barn across the yard.

“Lobo, come on! Let’s go check out the barn,” she called to her dog, amused when he ran to the door and barked excitedly. “You’re such a smart boy.”

She opened the back door and stepped onto the porch before making her way across the yard toward the barn. Upon entering, she was greeted by the sweet smell of hay. As she walked downthe aisle, she peeked into each of the five stalls and thought about how this would be more than enough space for Kian’s horses. She chuckled as Lobo stood on his hind legs, peering into one of the stalls.

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