not to want to move forward.
Brady lifted his eyes to meet hers again, wondering what she was thinking. It would be ridiculous to hope she was considering the same kinds of things. He’d been around the block more than once. He could safely say he would be happy with a woman like Dakota by his side indefinitely.
Brady choked. That thought almost felt like it came out of nowhere. Coughing, he pounded his chest. But it was true. He could see a life with this woman. There was just so much he loved about her.
She tilted her head to the side and giggled. “You okay?”
He nodded and coughed again.
“Brady, you really ought to chew your food.” She laughed again.
“And keep my thoughts on a more realistic path,” he muttered.
“What was that?”
Brady smiled. “Nothing. Thanks for lunch. This is perfect.”
She beamed. “It’s just sandwiches.”
“But it’s not,” Brady insisted. “From the moment that barn lit on fire and I got hurt, you’ve been there for me even though you haven’t had to. It means more to me than you know.”
Dakota glanced away, twirling some of her hair around her finger. “You’re welcome. You ready to read some more?”
“Absolutely.”
Brady settled back, placing his good arm beneath his head. He closed his eyes as he listened to Dakota read the story. Before he knew it, he’d fallen asleep. The next thing he knew, Dakota was pushing his shoulder.
“You fell asleep,” she accused.
Brady smiled, his eyes still closed. “I can’t help it if your beautiful, calming voice helps me relax.”
“It’s been fun but I let you sleep long enough. I have to get the horses back in their stalls and start on dinner.”
Brady jolted up in his place. He’d slept away the day. The time he’d needed to win her over was lost. He frowned as Dakota gathered up their things and placed them in the bag.
“Let me make dinner tonight.” Brady got to his feet.
Dakota’s eyes danced as she took him in. “You? And what would you make us for dinner? Pop-Tarts?” she laughed.
“I love your laugh.” He shoved his hand in his pocket. “I’m serious, let me make dinner tonight. It’s the least I could do after everything.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Brady. You should probably rest. You’ve been pretty active today—and with everything you’ve been through, I’m surprised you’re not passed out and ready for bed already.”
He smirked. “I took two naps today. I think I can handle dinner.”
Dakota lifted a shoulder. “I’m not going to fight you on it. I just don’t want you to overdo it.”
Brady grinned. “Great. I’ll go get started. Give me thirty minutes.” Once he’d hopped down from the ladder, he hurried to the cafeteria and gathered the ingredients he’d need. Dakota would have to help with the chopping but maybe he could get everything else ready to go.
Dropping all the supplies on the counter, Brady hunted for his cell phone he thought he’d left in there around breakfast. He pulled up his sister’s number and pressed call. The ringing tone sounded a few times and he was sure she wouldn’t pick up. At just the last moment, Annie answered.
“Brady? What’s going on? Is everything alright? I hadn’t heard from you since before that big storm.”
Shoot, he’d neglected to check in with his brother and sister. To be fair, he’d been a little tied up, and he wouldn’t have admitted anything was wrong anyway because he wouldn’t want them to worry. “Everything’s fine here. I’ll have to replace a barn that burned down and I broke my arm but no one else was hurt.”
“What?” Her screech burst through the speaker and he held the phone away from his ear.
“Lightning struck it. It’s fine. I got the horses out but one got me good. Dakota was still here so she helped fix me up. Look, that’s not why I called. I can tell you about it when I have more time. Right now I need Dad’s recipe for spaghetti. I have everything but I couldn’t remember the spices I needed to add to the sauce.”
“Whoa, hold up. Lightning caused a fire? You broke your arm, and a girl’s there with you? What about everyone else?”
“They’re at some event at another ranch. They left before the storm. Come on, Annie. I need the recipe. I’m about to start dinner.” He paced the kitchen. Dakota would be coming back soon and he wouldn’t have anything ready to serve her.
“I’ll tell you if you tell me everything while you cook.”
“Fine!