Page 87 of Heart Set on You

I can’t fucking wait.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Rylee

My niece Belle is perched on a pony at my grandparents’ farm. She’s wearing faded jean overalls and cowboy boots, her long, wavy ponytail floating behind her. It’s possibly the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. I get a little closer to snap a photo with my iPhone and then send it to Miles. He’s always the first person I think of when I want to share moments like these.

Rylee: Belle on a horse. I dare you to find something cuter.

Miles: She wins. Not even a baby duck in a bowtie could beat that.

Rylee: I’ve never seen a baby duck in a bowtie, but you’re right; definitely not even close.

I return my gaze to Belle and my brother Cole, who is leading the pony in a circle. Cara will be here soon with Lainey and Noah, who were napping when my brother left the house. Seeing my niece learning to ride brings back old memories of me and my daddy. I remember being her age and begging him to take me riding. He rarely said no.

Miles: She looks like a pro up there on that horse. Now I need a picture of you <3

Flipping my screen to selfie mode, I snap a photo. My hair is pulled back into a messy bun and the only bit of makeup I’m wearing is clear lip gloss. It won’t matter to Miles. I already know what he’ll say. You look beautiful.

He texts back right away, and it’s exactly the response I predicted. I laugh.

Rylee: Are you just saying that because I’m seeing you soon and you want me to give you multiple, brain-numbing orgasms? I’m a sure bet, Miles. No sweet talking necessary.

Miles: I never lie. But YES, that’s exactly what I want you to do!!! I added the exclamation points to show you how much.

I laugh again, about to ask him what he’s up to, when Cara appears beside me. “What’s so funny over here?”

I turn, happy to see her. She has a sleepy-looking Noah in her arms, and Lainey is following close behind holding Gran’s hand. My sister-in-law catches Cole’s eye and his face lights up. They’ve been giving each other these looks since they were teenagers. I can’t help but feel envious at how easy their relationship has been.

“Hello my sweet Lainey-girl. How was your nap?” I ask her, tickling her side. She squirms against my hand and giggles.

“This girl loves her sleep. She takes after her momma,” Cara says, ruffling her hair.

“We’re all so happy you’re here, Riley,” Cara says. “I know Cole likes having you closer and the kids think their auntie Ry is the coolest. Not to mention what a help you are to Gran and Gramps.” She slowly rocks back and forth on her heels with Noah still in her arms. “I know your brother isn’t always the best at expressing his thoughts, but he really appreciates you being there for them. He sleeps better at night knowing you’re there. We just really appreciate everything you do for them. I hope you know that.”

“I do. Thanks, Cara. I really like being back home too.”

“But-“

“No buts,” I interrupt her, shaking my head. “I was gone a long time and it feels good to be back. I like being able to see the kids whenever I want. I like spending time with you and my brother. The movies were wearing on me. It was time to come home.”

“Right,” she says, but something in her voice makes me think she doesn’t believe me. “Do you think you’ll stay permanently?”

“I have no plans to leave.” I pause, clearing my throat. What I told Cara is the truth. I am happy to be back in Deer Lake, and it feels good to be near my family again. What I didn’t tell her is that I miss Miles every single day, and that part of me worries that by being here I am missing out on a real shot with him.

“You miss him like crazy, Rylee,” she says, reading my mind. “It’s okay to admit.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. All I want is for him to be here with me. “I’ve been missing him a little harder lately.”

“I know. I can tell. Was it him you were texting when I got here earlier?” She asks, shifting Noah onto her opposite hip.

“That obvious?”

“Well, it was hard to miss that love-struck look on your face,” she says, making me blush. “He’s a great guy. Your brother even thinks so and that’s saying something. He’s damn easy on the eyes too.”

She gives me a wink, and I laugh, thankful to her for lightening the mood a little. “I guess I haven’t told you yet. Miles is coming for a visit next week. He’s only here for 24 hours but it’s better than nothing. I need it. We both do.”

She smiles, grasping my wrist in her hand. “I’m so happy for you. I’m guessing we won’t be seeing him? I’m assuming you’re going to want him all to yourself.”

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