Page 73 of Saddles

Char lifts the hesitant child onto her lap. “Paisley, this is April. Do you think she likes noodles?”

With a shy nod, Paisley shoves her fingers into her mouth and twists towards Dixon.

“Daddy, uppie?” Her arms reach towards the imposing man who’s in a quiet conversation with Mason.

But his features soften as he reaches for his daughter.

They’re all just adorable.

This is the kind of family I wish I grew up in.

“Where’s your brother going?” I guess I’ll try to participate. I’d feel guilty just sitting here eating this delicious meal without talking.

“Oh, he’s heading up to bring Ford back. Dad didn’t tell you?” Sophia makes a point to wrinkle her nose towards Mason. “Of course he didn’t. Yea, Sawyer and Scotty are heading up so he can come down here to help you.” Her lips twitch up in a smile. “Ford’s really the one that needs it, though. We’ve been trying to convince him to rejoin the human race for a long time.” Shewinks at me like we’re in a conspiracy together, then drags a bread roll over to my plate.

Like she didn’t just tell me something that makes my head spin.

“He’s coming here?” I squeak, then quickly take a drink of water before I choke.

“I can tell him to stay if it makes you more comfortable.” Mason’s voice carries over the table.

He must pay attention more than I realized.

“No, it’s great. I just, um, I didn’t think he could leave. He said he was there until March at least.” My pulse beats in my ears nearly loud enough to drown everyone out.

Mason waves his hand. “I’d never ask someone to put a damn cow over someone they care about.” He bounces his son on his knee while he takes a forkful of noodles. “It’ll take Sawyer a couple of days to get the snow machines ready.” His amber eyes roll as he shakes his head. “And they load all their fu—” He glances at Paisley. “—fudging game crap.”

Care.

That’s the word he chose.

I feel a surge of energy as the truth fills me.

Ford is on his way…soon.

To be withme.

Chapter 23

Ford

Pacing doesn’t help the phone ring.

Ever since Mason told me to stop being a fool, I’ve been anxious to talk to her again.

Maybe she was so upset she didn’t read the note?

I’m an idiot. I could have asked Mason two days ago to arrange for me to leave at the same time.

Instead I’m left wondering how badly she’s going to hate me by the time I make it out of here.

Drinking coffee isn’t helping to simmer my nerves. Taking a bath is a distraction, but it’s bittersweet knowing I’ve washed away the last lingering touch of her.

There’s a full charge on the cell, I’ve checked it a dozen times.

Fuck. Did I screw this up before it even started? I held her off too far and too long?

No, if I’m more than a passing fancy, she’ll call.

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