Page 146 of Unspoken Hearts
My pulse can’t keep up as I gasp out, “I submitted it.”
My brother is the first one who comes up and hugs me tightly. I miss having him around all the time. He was there when I started writing thisbook, and now he’s here for the weekend to see it completed and ready for publishing.
“I’m so proud of you, sis. I better get a copy before Reid does,” he utters into my ear.
Snorting a laugh, I push him away. Reid grabs a hold of me.
“You better promise,” Axel adds, and I poke my tongue out at him.
Grayson frowns at him. “Promise what?”
“That I get the first copy.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Reid grumbles, his voice rumbling in his chest, making me giggle.
“Hey, I was there when it all began, so I think I should have that privilege," Axel counters loudly.
I don’t need to look up to feel Reid’s glare.
Axel just rolls his eyes. “Fine. I’ll get the second, then.”
“That’s reserved for me, buddy,” Grayson chimes in with a grin, patting his shoulder.
Axel pushes him off as I let go of Reid. “Are you three actually fighting over book copies?”
“Yeah,” they answer at once.
I shake my head, my smile wider than normal as I walk towards the front door of Reid and I’s house. “Come on. I’m starving.”
Reid snickers as they all follow me. “I’m not surprised, you’ve been up there for days finishing that final edit.” I can hear the pride in his tone.
Meeting his eyes, I’m unable to wipe the smile off my cheeks. “I’m sorry I locked you out, but the deadline was today.” I squeeze his hand. “Also, what’s for lunch?”
Grayson shrugs. “Mum probably has something good.”
“She always does.”
Walking out into the fresh autumn air, Reid’s hand slides into mine as he slows down my steps. “Actually, I have something planned for us for lunch.” He looks at my brother and best friend. “Foronlyus two.”
“Fine.” Grayson rolls his eyes before smirking, making the hairs on my neck tingle. “Have fun you two.”
Axel winks at me, and I feel my face pinching with confusion. Reid leads me over to the paddock that’s devoid of horses.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask curiously.
I don’t normally like surprises, but I’ve grown to appreciate Reid’s. They’re always well planned and thoughtful, just like the rest of him.
“It’s a surprise,” is all he says, making me even more interested in his plan.
My eyes narrow onto his as we bypass the paddock and go right into the barn where the Whiskey and Cinnamon are saddled up and ready to go.
“You’re lucky I like your surprises,” I mumble as he helps me up onto Cinnamon’s back.
Reid chuckles, getting onto Whiskey before looking at me over his shoulder. “I think you’re going to like this one the most.” I don’t miss the twinkle in his eye.
We take off, heading towards the side of the Blue Mountains along a narrow dirt path. I’m not sure if we’re still on Honey Haven property, or on public land, but it’s peaceful and warm. Dew hangs in the air from this morning, glistening on leaves and grass as we continue on ourway. The sun is coming out, peeking out from behind the fluffy clouds warming up my exposed arms.
I’m dressed in a simple white dress, boots, and of course, one of Reid’s brown hats. I eye him in front of me. His classic white T-shirt hugs him, jeans, boots, and matching hat covering more of his dark hair, broad and tanned. I already miss having him right beside me, and my hand in his.
