Page 20 of A Cowboy's Bride
Aiden insisted on helping with cleanup and dishes after the meal. His arms loaded with plates, he winked at Julia. “We’ll let your husband get in some time with his sister so she can work a little harder to convince him I’m not worth shooting.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “He’s not the one to worry about if you need shooting.”
He blinked then flashed his sweet grin at Petra. “I like her.”
“That’s good. She’s a dead shot at fifty paces,” Petra warned.
“She’s also a medic. If she shoots you, she’ll patch you up after,” Zach offered.
“Now this sounds intriguing. Tell me more.” Aiden carried the plates to the counter as Julia responded.
Zach held out his hand to Petra. “Come sit on the deck and tell me everything is okay.”
She tucked her fingers into his elbow and tugged him down the stairs toward the arena instead. “Walk. I need to gather my things and toss them into the truck. I guess I’m moving tonight.”
Zach strolled beside her quietly for a moment. “You sure you’re good with this, sis?”
“More than good. I think I need this.” Petra rested her head on his shoulder briefly then straightened and sped up their pace.
“To lie to the entire community?”
“To make a difference.” Petra glanced around at the gorgeous mountains. Heart Falls was a place to make a new start, but just having pretty things around her wasn’t going to be enough. “Curtis did a number on my confidence,” she admitted.
Zach cursed softly then offered her a very fake smile. “Please tell me when you decide he’d look better without his arms.”
“You know that’s never going to happen, so let the idea of vengeance go.” Petra stopped them beside the arena, stooping to pet the soft nose of the colt that came to greet them.
Zach leaned on the railing, disgruntled expression turning to acceptance. “So living at High Water will let you make a difference?”
“To one woman who needs a safe place to land—yes. More than that, I don’t know. And in a way, I don’t care. If I can helponeperson, I want to do it.” Damn it. Tears were rising, unbidden and unwanted. Petra brushed them away with her fingers, turning her head to the side.
“Hey, kiddo. None of that, now.” Zach tugged her in close and pressed her face to his chest. A big brother hug that was perfect and exactly what was needed. “You always did find the best ways to experience new things. Okay, fine. I’ll back you in this. We’ll make the engagement fly and keep it quiet from the rest of the family. You’ll have to post pictures carefully. Stick to the usualoohandaahover the nieces and nephews as expected.”
He squeezed her one more time then let her go.
Petra took a deep breath. “Good. I’ll still get the work done for Red Boot that I promised, but can you give me a couple days before I start? Just until I get my feet under me at High Water.”
“Not a problem. Take the time you need.”
They wandered toward the house, chatting quietly. By the time they made it back, Julia and Aiden were waiting on the front porch. Julia held a cup of tea in her hands, and the two of them were laughing.
Zach grumbled. “Yourfiancéis far too charming.”
“Same could be said of you.” Petra ducked from Zach’s mock swing. “How often did you actually get in trouble, big bro? And how often did you sweet-talk your way out of punishment?”
“I’m a saint,” Zach started, only to set Julia off into laughter.
He moved in on her, finger pressed to his lips.
Aiden slipped down to Petra’s side. “You have things to move?” he asked.
She nodded. “Not tons, but you can help me load up.” Petra glanced up at the house and shook her head. “You two are too adorable for words. Thanks for dinner.”
“Thanks for trusting me,” Aiden added.
“Make sure you keep that trust.” Julia said quietly.
Zach eyed Aiden for a moment longer then nodded once. “Good luck. I hope your new ranch hand settles in quickly.”
