computer up than a quick knock pulled her attention toward the door and her brother-in-law standing in the entryway. “Nathan. Come on in.”
Although she and her new brother-in-law had settled into an easy camaraderie, he didn’t make a habit of visiting her at work, and she had a sneaking suspicion why he’d decided to change that now. “I guess this means you’ve spoken to Keira.”
“She told me your news.” He had already crossed the room and was behind her desk, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m thrilled for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Although I wasn’t aware my best friend was such a hound dog.”
“Nathan—” She broke off, not sure what to say, before she felt compelled to point out the obvious. “It does take two.”
He only nodded at that. “My lovely wife also told me marriage is on the table.”
“He thinks it’s a good idea.”
“Don’t you?”
“Marriage is for people who love each other.” The words were out before she could pull them back. “Not that I’m expecting that from him, but since I am expecting that from the person I marry, I’m still leaning toward no.”
“I know Holt. He wouldn’t have asked the question lightly.”
“And I’m not denying it lightly.”
“Of course.”
She didn’t miss the discomfort that radiated off his large frame in waves. A powerful man with a commanding presence, she wasn’t used to seeing him in any way other than supremely powerful. It was oddly humbling—and adorable—to see a more vulnerable side to him. “Is there anything you need?”
“I’m going to be fine.”
“I can beat him up if you need me to.”
She did smile at that, the novelty of now having a brother not lost on her. “I don’t think that’s necessary, but I’ll keep it in mind.”
He got up and gave her a quick kiss over the desk. “Holt’s a private man. Even as well as I know him, he doesn’t share much. If he’s asked you to marry him, he’s got a good reason.”
Something in her face must have telegraphed her impatience, because he held up a quick hand. “I know you’ve got good reasons as well, and I’m not questioning that, but I’d urge you to hear him out.”
“Do you trust him?”
“Implicitly. Even if I have every intention of beating the shit out of him next time I see him.”
“Why would you do that?”
“You’re my little sister now. I’d be a traitor to the brotherhood if I didn’t set him straight.”
…
She was no closer to an answer to Holt’s question, but she pushed all of it to the back of her mind as she led a chestnut mare out of the barn at Hands, Hearts and Hugs. Bright sunlight greeted her as she walked toward a mounting platform. She’d ridden this horse before, a gentle creature named Tabby, and was looking forward to spending the morning showing Holt the property on horseback.
Holt was already mounted and waiting for her across the small corral they kept to work the horses and teach the kids. “You ready?” He had an old baseball cap pulled low over his forehead and a black T-shirt covered his broad chest to perfection. Well-worn blue jeans hugged his powerful thighs, and she felt her horse move restlessly underneath her when she sat staring a bit too long.
“Yes! Yes, I’m ready.”
“Let’s go.” Holt waited for her to get out in front of him, moving single-file through the enclosed barn area until they got out to the broader property.
Quiet descended around them as they navigated a small trail. The children were still in the main house having their breakfast, and the grounds had an early morning calm that wouldn’t last long. As they cleared the close confines of the outbuildings, Holt moved his horse up next to hers. “I’ve missed seeing you this week.”
“I’ve missed seeing you, too.”
They rode in silence for a while, the quiet only punctuated by her comments as she showed him various parts of the grounds. Fifteen minutes later, she focused on the wood-rail fence that became visible in the distance and pointed toward it. “That’s the edge of the property. I thought we could follow it all the way around, give you a sense of the land.”
“It’s about five acres, right?”
“Yep. The houses and stables take up a good two acres, so they don’t have all that much room to expand.”
“Do they do that many outdoor activities with the kids?”
“A fair amount. I don’t know all the specifics, but I know a big part of the kids’ therapy is tied to some time