Page 31 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
The expression on his friend’s face was priceless, and Finn twisted away slightly to hide his smile. Karen was beside him, and the two of them ended up grinning at each other.
“Pass over your clues,” Julia mock whispered.
“Eager to make your next kill?” Zach dug into the threadbare pocket of his jeans, Julia watching intently.
She accepted the strips of paper, a brilliant smile crossing her face. “It’s safe to play with your balls if you want.”
Finn had always been proud of his ability to keep a straight face, but that line was too much for him to bear. He twisted even farther away. Karen leaned her forehead against his chest, and the two of them shook as they attempted to contain their laughter.
Behind them, Zach groaned dramatically. “Yeah, yeah, I fell into that one. I’m drowning my sorrows. Either of you want anything? Karen? Finn?”
Karen snickered helplessly, so Finn answered for both of them. “We’re good.”
He wrapped his arms around her, gently guiding her toward the railing. They both rested their elbows on the sturdy wood beam and concentrated on their breathing. The view was beautiful, and the woman beside him was as full of life and energy as he remembered. And even though there was a hell of a challenge ahead of him, Finn was completely content.
They stared over the spring green landscape, enjoying a quiet moment of companionship.
When she did speak, it was in her usual tone of voice. Back in control and sweetly intense. “Well, that was fun.”
“Zach will complain about this for the rest of the summer.” Finn twisted position and placed his elbows on the railing as he gazed at her face. “It’s good to see you with your sisters. Julia fits in so damn well it’s like watching a case study for nature versus nurture.”
“It has been interesting to see what character traits might be genetic and what sprang up from the way we were raised. I think we’ve still got a lot to learn about each other, though.” She looked thoughtful at that. She shook it off and met his gaze. “Hey, I wanted to ask. When did you get so comfortable around babies?”
Finn had known at some point he would have to share some sensitive information. He’d been racking his brain for the best way to do it. Everything that had shaken down over the past five years wasn’t the stuff to shove at a person all at once.
Thank goodness fate had been on his side because this was about the most perfect opening he could’ve asked for.
“Remember Levi?”
“Your youngest brother and Lisa’s cohort for raising hell that summer you all invaded? It would’ve taken therapy to forget,” Karen offered dryly.
Finn stifled his amusement. “He had such a crush on you. Hero worship, really.”
“And that was the other part I’ve been working hard on forgetting.” But she said it with a smile. “Don’t tell me that boy’s got babies in his life.”
“Three of them.” His announcement received a satisfyingly enthusiastic gasp. “The first one was a bit of a surprise—we got home at the end of that summer, and the girl he’d been seeing before we left had a profound announcement to share.”
Karen whistled softly. “Is it terrible to say I’m glad he and Lisa never hooked up?”
“Levi was completely gone on Chelsea. Still is. We got home, they got married. Baby number one, Andrew, arrived before Christmas. My nieces showed up over the next two years.” They were amazing kids. His brother and sister-in-law were absolutely content with their family and their home situation. Even though it had taken shaking the Marlette family apart at the roots to make sure the right parts would survive.
“Good for them.” Karen examined him closer. “Why do you tell me this as if there’s something wrong with the news?”
“Because I figured you’d think it a little strange.” He shrugged. “They’re running the ranch instead of me. They’re doing the job I left you to go home to.”
“Ahhh.” She dipped her head slowly, still watching him carefully. “There’s more to the story, isn’t there?”
Should’ve known he couldn’t pull a fast one on her. “There is, but it’s not something to share in the middle of a party. And it’s settled. I’m happy for Levi and Chelsea, and they’re in the right place. It’s exactly what I want for them, and really, the ranch can only support one family. I’m glad it’s them.”
She looked as if she would ask something else, but then the damn dinner bell went off again, and Josiah was calling them all down the stairway to where a series of kiddie pools were connected by what looked like miniature creeks.
It was enough. Finn had broken the ice on one secret in his world. It would have to do for now.
He held out a hand. “Come on. It looks as if the reason you needed pretty pink toenails has arrived.”
She went with him willingly enough, and they made their way down the stairs hand in hand.
Zach stood amongst those gathered below, his gaze making note of the connection between them. His friend tilted his head slightly and gave Finn an approving wink.
