memories of coming to the ranch. She took an appreciative bite of the country fried steak, which she’d dipped in a generous amount of creamy white gravy. The mashed potatoes were fluffy and light, the green beans crisp, the creamed corn smooth with the perfect amount of sweetness. Her favorite were the flaky biscuits with savory butter soaked into them.
Conversation drifted easily around the table. Knox spoke of his residential development and how three of the houses were almost finished. Jaxson and Briggs swapped stories about the ranch, which led to the equestrian program.
“Thanks so much for making space for Aiden,” Noelle said.
“You bet,” Lemon smiled.
Aiden had been chowing down. Hearing his name, he paused mid-bite, looking up.
“This spring, when the weather warms up, you’re going to learn how to ride a horse,” Birdie explained with a large, enthusiastic smile.
Aiden’s eyes bubbled with anticipation. He turned to Madison. “Will you ride with me?” Hope rang in his voice.
“Yep,” she answered. Madison was clearly flattered by Aiden’s infatuation.
A coy smile tugged at Jaxson’s lips. “It looks like Mads has a new admirer.”
Blushing furiously, Madison looked down at her plate.
Lemon tapped his arm. “Don’t tease her.”
Jaxson just laughed.
“He’s just bemoaning the fact that he doesn’t have a long string of admirers anymore,” Zoe taunted.
Jaxson didn’t miss a beat. He turned to Lemon, gracing her with an adoring look. “I’ve got the only admirer I’ll ever want or need right here beside me.”
It was cute how color seeped into Lemon’s light complexion.
The doorbell rang. Knox scooted back his chair and stood, placing his napkin on the table. “Excuse me, folks,” he said ceremoniously as he went to get the door.
“Are we expecting another guest?” Zoe looked around the table for an answer, her eyes settling on Birdie.
Birdie’s expression was enigmatic as she shrugged. “Could be.” A warm chuckle sounded in her throat. “You know your daddy. He loves having people over for dinner.”
Zoe crinkled her brows. “Who did he invite this time?” She rolled her eyes. “Not that I mind having the neighbors over, mind you. But sometimes, it’s nice to just have family.”
Knox’s deep-throated, unencumbered laughter sounded in the hall before he returned to the kitchen. “Look who I found lurking around outside,” he joked. “I figured we’d take pity on the poor scoundrel and give ‘em a few scraps of food.”
Noelle had just taken a bite of steak. She looked up, startled, as she met eyes with Holden. Her food went down the wrong way, getting caught in her throat. She coughed to clear it, but the food wouldn’t budge. Panic shot through her as she gurgled, her eyes bulging.
“She’s choking!” Birdie’s voice filled with alarm.
“Mommy!” Aiden cried.
5
Noelle’s body heaved as she tried to expel the food. A hot suffusing wave of terror engulfed her. Time seemed to stand still as her life flashed before her eyes. She didn’t want to leave Aiden without a mother! How horrendous it would be to die in such a senseless manner. Holden and Jaxson raced toward her, coming from different directions. Jaxson was the first to reach her. He gave her a hard slap in the center of her back, using the brunt of his palm. It jarred her body, dislodging the piece of steak, sending it flying out of her mouth. She breathed in a ragged breath before a fit of coughing overtook her. Her hand went up around her neck as she tried to regulate her breathing, gulping in scoops of blessed air.
Holden rubbed her arm. “Are you okay?” His voice was coated with concern.
She nodded, a heady relief splashing over her. Her mind reeled, grateful for the blessing of being alive. Next, came the hot sting of embarrassment.
“M—mommy!” Aiden cried, his lower lip trembling. He sprang up from his seat, ran around the table, and flung his arms around her.
“I’m okay,” Noelle assured him, rubbing his back. She could feel that her cheeks were burning hotter than asphalt in July.
Zoe got up from her chair. She went to the kitchen island and grabbed a napkin. Noelle realized with a jolt of mortification that Zoe used the napkin to pick up the piece of steak and place it into the garbage.
Hot tears stung Noelle’s eyes. She blinked to stay them. “I’m so sorry.” She realized that her hands were trembling. Tremors were running through her entire body. She felt like a complete moron.
“We’re just glad you’re okay,” Knox said, a note of solemn concern in his tone. An awkward silence passed over