Page 72 of Unspoken Hearts
Peering across at me, he replies, “It’ll look even better when it’s painted.” His tone is deep and honeyed.
I can’t help the small flicker of warmth that floods my body like a rush of fire when I realise he might go with the ones I picked out.
I don’t know why that makes me fuzzy all over, but it does.
“I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished,” I add.
“You’ll be the first.”
Biting down harder on my lip, we slip inside the back door where Cole, Grayson and Sawyer are playing a video game on the TV, while Holden and Aspen are sitting in the corner playing with some toys. There’s clanging in the kitchen, and I spot Hazel making something on the bench, the entire house smelling of garlic, onion and tomato.
“I’m going to shower,” Reid mutters when we reach the bottom of the stairs.
Meeting his soft gaze, I nod. “I’ll be down here.”
Reid smiles before disappearing upstairs.
I let out a breath when Hazel turns around. “Macie, how was your day?”
Leaning against the bench, I watch her make her famous lamb lasagna, which incidentally is one of my favourite meals of hers. As I stare at the layers of meat and pastry, my mind wanders back to the phone call I had earlier on with Sandra, and then Axel.
“It could have been better,” is all I can mutter, my head starting to ache again.
Looking up, Hazel gives me a small, comforting smile, but it doesn’t help the flickers of worry flaring through me. Axel said he’d try and help, but I don’t want to ask for anything from anyone else.
I was reluctant to even ask my own brother, let alone the Lawsons or Laynie. This family is already letting me stay with them in the meantime, so I don’t want them to have to worry.
“But I am excited for this.” I change my attitude, so that Hazel won’t ask anymore questions.
Her face lights up as she slips on her oven mitts. “I know, dear. It’s one of your favourite meals,” she adds before sliding the tray into the oven and setting a timer.
“Did you cook it just for me?” I tease, a smirk growing in my lips.
“Of course. You’re my favourite, but don’t tell the boys.” She winks at me.
Snorting a laugh, I feel someone tugging on my shorts. I look down at Aspen holding the duckling in her little hand. “Macie, do you want to hold Dolly? She’s finally better.” Her voice is as excited as her rosy face.
“Of course,” I chime, trying to match her enthusiasm.
Aspen places the baby duck in my hands as Holden approaches, bending beside me. “Look, Dad, she’s growing,” she squeals, jumping up and down on the balls of her feet.
“Yeah, sweetie, I know,” he says just as happily. Seeing these two together makes my insides melt like chocolate.
I smile before looking up into Aspen’s brown eyes. “You’re doing a great job looking after her. Maybe she’ll be your pet.”
“Ugh, don’t remind her,” Holden groans.
Aspen gasps loudly. “Can we keep her, Dad?”
I bite my tongue as Holden glares sideways at me. “We already have Calico,” He reminds his daughter.
“And your cow is adorable. I wish I could have one,” I let out, sounding a little deflated because I’ve wanted a highland cows since the first time I saw them here at the ranch.
He sniffs a laugh beside me. “Reid’s already saved one for you. It’s one of the top things on his list of ranch duties for when he takes over...”
My eyes snap to Holden’s. They widen a little, realising what he’s just said when Aspen takes back Dolly.
“Dad, we need to feed her again.”
