Page 88 of Kian

“Okay,” Gretchen replied, stepping to a safe distance.

Kian climbed back into the truck and carefully backed the trailer out of the barn through the back doors. He parked it outside, then drove the truck back inside and signaled for Gretchen to hop in. They drove around to the back of the house and parked.

As they both got out of the truck, they heard Lobo barking excitedly.

“He’s a good watchdog,” Kian commented.

“Yes, he is,” Gretchen agreed.

“That dog saved my life by leading you to me,” Kian said gratefully.

“I knew he wanted me to see something. I told your mom that I thought it better not be a dead animal.”

“It was almost a dead man,” Kian admitted.

“Don’t say that. We got to you just in time,” Gretchen reminded him.

“And I will be forever grateful for that,” Kian said sincerely.

“Me too. Now let’s go inside and relax for the evening.”

“Relax? Darlin’, I had something else in mind,” Kian teased.

“Of course, you did. Come on, cowboy.” She grinned cheekily at him. “I keep forgetting to mention how hot I think you look in your…Stetson.”

“Smartass,” he said, then she squealed with delight as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the house.

The next day, Kian drove them over to Gretchen’s parents’ house. He couldn’t help but feel a little nervous, but he hoped everything would go smoothly.

After parking, they walked into Gretchen’s childhood home. Kian couldn’t help but smile when he met her mother, who was a beautiful older version of Gretchen.

“Kian, these are my parents, Clara and Hugh Casteel.” Gretchen introduced them. “Mom, Dad, this is Kian Doyle.”

Her father was a robust man and shook Kian’s hand with such force that he thought his arm might come out of its socket.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Casteel,” Kian said politely.

“Please, call us Clara and Hugh, Kian. It’s wonderful to finally meet you. You’ve made our little girl so happy,” Hugh said, smiling.

“I’m hardly a girl, Dad.”

“You’ll always be our little girl,” he said.

“Why don’t you take Kian to the living room while Gretchen and I prepare dinner?” Clara suggested.

“Sure thing, hon. Come on, Kian,” Hugh said eagerly, motioning for him to follow.

“Yes, sir,” Kian replied respectfully, glancing at Gretchen before joining her father.

“Have a seat, son,” Hugh said once they were in the living room.

“Yes, sir,” Kian repeated out of habit.

“You don’t have to call me sir. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other,” Hugh teased with a raised eyebrow.

Kian couldn’t help but grin. “I hope so.”

“Me too.” Hugh chuckled.

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