Page 82 of Saddles

He’s adorable. Is he even old enough to date?

“April? Perfect timing.” Lori leans over the counter and gestures to me to join her. “Pull up one of the chairs here so we can gameplan.”

An overwhelmingly delicious smell of sausage, eggs, and fresh biscuits hangs in the air as I get closer.

“Thank you again for inviting me to breakfast.” I didn’t realize how empty Ford’s kitchen would be.

She must have though, because last night she was sure to insist that I come over this morning.

“Sawyer? I think there’s two more small gas cans in the shed by the pole barn.” Mason moves behind Lori carrying their baby boy, then wraps his palm over her lower belly and kisses her under her ear. “I’m going to pass Jack off to Sophia, then help him get the generator loaded.”

Seeing his affection for his wife sends a flash of heat up my neck.

It’s so foreign to me to see people so in love, and sonormalabout it.

The baby fixes his big green eyes on me warily, then tucks his head against his dad’s shoulder with a toothless grin.

“He’s so adorable. How old is he?” I’m not used to being around babies, but as cute as he is, I can see the appeal.

Would I even want kids?

Easy girl, one step at a time.

“Six months.” Lori smiles, and drops her fingers over Mason’s knuckles. “There’s a pretty good chance he’s going to be an Irish twin.”

Mason chuckles as he walks away, his fist pumping the air. “Back to back champions, baby.”

That makes me giggle. “What does that even mean?”

“The next baby is due before Jack will be a year old.” Pink rushes over her cheeks.

My mouth drops open. “Oh.” Then the reality of the truth behind her statement hits. “You guys didn’t wait long.”

Her shoulders rise and fall in a small shrug. “He’s impossible to resist.” She gives me a wink, then giggles. “Any-who, we are running to the grocery store today to get some staples for Sawyer and Scotty to take out with them. I was going to ask if you wanted to go? We can pick up some stuff for Ford’s place so you guys don’t starve when he gets back.” Her emerald eyes narrow. “That is, if you’re still comfortable? I want you to know you have a safe place here. We have plenty of extra rooms if you need it until we can get you back home.”

Is she offering me an escape…from Ford?

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m fine. He’s had more than ample opportunities in the last week if he wanted to turn into a jerk.” I wave my hand idly, struggling not to let my thoughts turn to the conversation I had with him last night.

My rapid heart beat isn’t letting me forget.

“The grocery trip sounds amazing though.” I got to spend most of the day with Sophia, Dixon, and Char yesterday. It will be nice to have the chance to get to know Lori and Mason some more.

Ford speaks so highly of Mason, maybe I’ll learn more about Ford from him.

Lori slips me a sly grin. “Don’t get me wrong, Ford is a sweetheart. I just wasn’t sure if maybe you wanted someplace, well, quiet after everything.” She pushes a plate full of food across the counter to me, then carries her own around to sit at the big oak table that dominates the dining room.

“Sometimes I think he carries more trauma than I do.” I stir up the yolks and dip in a piece of hot bread dripping with butter.

Heaven.

“Did he ever tell you what happened to Sarah?” I want to see if she pities him.

But she shakes her head gently. “Mason just gave me the barest of details. Ford doesn’t talk about it.” Her fingers cover her mouth as she chews, and her eyes get a distant focus. “I can tell you one thing, Ford is the most fiercely loyal man I have ever met. He’d do anything for Mason, and hehas.” Her cheeks pale before she glances at me, then down to her plate. “All I know is, I’ve seen what he does for a man he respects, I can’t even imagine the lengths he’d go to for someone he loves.”

The pallor fades into bright pink. “I mean…um…not that, uh,” she stammers with her brows knotting in her forehead.

My laughter seems to ease her discomfort. “I totally get what you’re saying. I’m glad. I’d rather hear that then he’s a total playboy and has a different girl every week.”

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