what Christian’s presence might mean.
“He’s been told you're not dealing. Don’t worry.”
Christian held up his hands. “Lachlan threatened me. No worries. I’m just here to meet the man who’s convinced my brother to run away from home.”
Easton chuckled and tugged me closer. “I’m nothin’ special, so I’m just as surprised as you. How ’bout we head inside and eat. Otherwise, the kid will be back out ’ere, raidin’ your car for pizza.”
We collected the few boxes from the backseat and headed inside.
I knew what Christian was thinking as he looked around the old farmhouse. He couldn’t figure out how I’d been drawn into such a different lifestyle. There was nothing shiny and new about this place. The floorboards creaked and were uneven, the paint was peeling, the furniture was old, and the appliances were near antiques. It was rustic but homey, and I didn’t think I could explain how this setting made me feel more alive than the crisp sterile penthouse I’d called home for years.
“Dad, this ’ere’s Christian, Lachlan’s brother from Edmonton. Christian, my dad, Erwin.”
While Easton made introductions, I made myself at home, collecting dinner plates and encouraging Percy to help me set the table.
As we sat and ate, I noted how my brother was the one who looked out of place at the beat-up wooden table. It used to be me in the fashionable slacks and silk shirts trying not to stand out in a small town. The effect made me smile and duck my head. It hadn’t taken long to shed some of the starchy look I’d brought with me to Jasper, and I attributed it to the man beside me.
After dinner, Percy and Logan ran outside while Easton offered us beers, even though he couldn’t partake. We chatted about random things while the sun slowly sank and night crept across the land.
As dusk fell, Christian slapped my shoulder. “Should I assume you’re staying here tonight?”
“Yeah, probably. I’ll take you back to the lodge though.”
“Okay. I’m heading home tomorrow. I told Dad I wouldn’t be here long. I have the answers I need, and I’m swamped with work, so I can’t stay.”
Easton wandered to where Percy played, sensing we needed a private moment.
“I’ll come home in a few weeks and face him. I just want to make sure things are set in motion here.”
Christian nodded. “If you need to bounce more thoughts around, call me.”
“I will. Thanks for helping me today.”
“No problem.” Christian peered over at Easton and Percy. “He seems like a nice guy. The kid’s cute.”
“They’re both pretty amazing.”
“Come on. I need to sleep if I’m driving home tomorrow.”
I took my brother back to the lodge before heading to the farm again. Easton was getting Percy settled in bed when Erwin welcomed me in.
Easton came from down the hall, questions dancing in his eyes when he found me in the living room.
“Take a walk with me, cowboy?”
He nodded, and I found his hand as we headed outside. We wandered the long dirt road toward the storage barn, the stars winking on above us as the moon climbed the sky. It was a beautiful night. Not hot but not cold either.
Before we got as far as the barn, I stopped and climbed the fence surrounding a pasture so I could sit on the top. I encouraged Easton to stand between my legs. I removed his hat and threaded my fingers through his messy waves.
“You need a haircut. This shaggy mess is getting worse.”
He grinned. “Why bother? I wear a hat most of the time anyway.” Then the smile fell, and he adopted that notorious look of concern. “I feel like you have somethin’ to tell me that I ain’t gonna like.”
“There’s no reason to panic. But yes, I do have something to talk about.”
“Okay. I’m listenin’.”
I leaned forward and kissed him softly. “In a week or two, I have to go back to Edmonton. I’ll be gone for a few weeks. Two or three, but I will be back. I swear it.”
Easton went silent as he rolled that around his head. “Okay.”
“Do you believe me?”
“I guess I have to. If you decide not to come back—”
“I’m coming back.”
“No, listen.” He took my hands. “If, for whatever reason, you get back to the city and find that your life is there, all I ask is that you have the courtesy to call and let me know. Don’t leave me hangin’. Okay?”
“I promise. But that won’t happen.”
“I hope not.” His voice was small.
We continued walking along the