by Kim Turner
“You still working with the boys making the ramp?” Amos glanced between his sons.
“Got it, Pop. The best wood and a solid base. Steady.” Gabe stabbed a piece of bread with his fork, dropping it to his plate.
Aaron explained further. “Maxus is better when there’s a challenge anyway.”
While Aaron sounded confident, it was Sarah who dropped her gaze and went back to her food. Jenna hadn’t thought to be worried herself, but maybe it was something she needed to discuss with Aaron.
“Well, you trained him from a colt so he’s got your own determination.” Amos sat back in his chair looking at Lily. “And who made the brownies for our picnic?”
Lily continued eating, as she explained to Jenna. “Papa and me have a picnic every night on his bed and watch the moon and sky. If it rains we have flashlights. But, Papa, we are going to the cabin today.”
Amos said, “We can picnic tomorrow night.”
“Oh, well, that does sound like fun.” Jenna had to smile.
Aaron answered after a sip of water. “We’re gonna head to the cabin and get some fishing in.”
“Uh-huh.” Gabe smirked, and Jeremiah kicked him under the table.
Aaron glared at his brothers but said nothing, leaving Jenna to handle the bit of heat sweeping her cheeks. Well, these men were brothers and likely cut each other no slack.
“He’s been working on that cabin since Moses was a boy and that’s older than me.” Amos chuckled. “But he’s done it all by hand.”
“And where would I get making it to perfection from?” Aaron questioned his father with a grin.
“Well, I’ll have to go inspect and tell you what all you did wrong.” Amos pointed a fork at his son.
Aaron shook his head.
“Seriously, he has a great cabin. The best wood, solar panels for heat and a water pump,” Jeremiah added. “I’m gonna let him do all the hard work and then I’ll buy it from him.”
Aaron smiled. “It’s gonna cost ya.”
Jenna continued to feed Mason, who was taking in the home cooked meal as fast as she could feed him with bites for herself in between. Well, she didn’t have to worry about what Amos thought about the overnight trip, but she did wonder what Sarah might be thinking.
“He’s a good eater.” Aaron glanced at Mason, who opened his mouth again.
“He loves getting real food these days. I haven’t found much he doesn’t like.” Jenna glanced around the table and back to her son. “Oh, Aaron I meant to stop for milk for tonight.”
Mason picked up Lily’s Barbie doll, done with the food.
“That’s my doll. Her name is Barbie.” Lily ran a hand gently across his hair, making Jenna smile.
Sarah answered. “You can take what’s left of the milk in the fridge. I’m heading to the market later this afternoon anyway. You two go ahead, Aaron, so you can enjoy fishing while it’s warm. I’ll get the dishes.”
“Thank you,” Jenna said, enjoying Lily’s entertaining Mason with her Barbie doll voice.
“Thanks, Sarah.” Aaron got up. “Lily, go potty before we go.”
Lily protested but took off out of the kitchen and down the hallway, Mason leaning to watch her as she disappeared.
“I think you finally filled him up.” Aaron stood glancing at Mason and then her. “You ready?”
Jenna stood, lifting Mason to her hip with a nod. “It was a pleasure to meet you both, and I do thank you for the wonderful meal.”
“Oh, you’re so welcome.” Sarah stood and placed her hands on Amos’ shoulders.
“Make sure you come around more often, get that boy there used to horses and teach him to fish.” Amos sipped his coffee, smiling at her with a nod.
“I’m sure he’d enjoy that.” She glanced at Mason and back.
“He’s a fine boy. Samson will have him riding in no time,” Amos added. “Lily was riding a horse as soon as she could hold on.”
Jenna smiled. “I’ve seen her.”
“Lily, grab Mason’s bag from the back bedroom.” Aaron directed as she returned. She took off once more smiling and humming as she danced along.
“You two have a nice time.” Sarah went about her work. “Gabe, I think the sink outside by the garden is stopped up.”
“I’m on it, Ma.” Gabe jumped up, placing his plate in the sink.
“We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.” Aaron nodded for Jenna to follow, and she smiled once more at his parents. While it had been nice meeting them, she took a deep breath once they were outside on the porch. The family was incredible, so normal, reminding her of how she wanted to make Mason’s life.
“You survived.” Aaron turned to her as Lily bounced ahead.
“Yep, they’re very nice,” she answered, juggling Mason to her other hip.
“Amos is a tough one but I think you handled him well enough.” He chuckled. “Actually, I think he likes you, and so do I.” His gaze held hers and once more while her heart raced she melted into the idea of Aaron and now his family, though there were times she was so uncertain she should entertain any ideas more than the here and now.
Chapter Twelve
Aaron grabbed Jenna’s bags from the SUV and turned. “This all you’ve got?”
“Yep, that and Mason’s bag. How are we getting to the cabin?” Her face held a puzzled expression. “You said it’s not far.”
His green eyes narrowed though he grinned. “That depends. By the way of the eagle not far at all, by way of motorbike the terrain’s too rough, but by way of horse, about twenty minutes if you hang on tightly.”
“I thought your horses were on the set?” she questioned, glancing toward the barn.
“I brought Scout home yesterday. I’ll take him back next week, but we have others. Gabe keeps a number of quarter horses, most good riders.” He placed his fingers at his mouth and whistled twice, making Mason jump in her arms. “Think you can ride Scout and hang onto him?”
Her eyes widened. “I…yes, if you get us started.”
Scout came from the other side of the pasture and stopped at the fencing along with several other horses. The large painted horse snorted about the time Mason squealed in Jenna’s arms, kicking his feet and pointing.
“Horsey.” Jenna spoke to him, smiling at his excitement.
“Wanna see the horses?” Aaron set the bags down and held his arms out.
Mason hesitated and when Jenna didn’t move him closer, reached out his arms and let Aaron take him. He was light as a feather as Aaron sat him in the crook of his elbow, reminded of when Lily had been the same size. He stepped up to Scout as Gabe’s horse Beau hung his head closer.
Mason shied, leaning into his chest, tucking his hands into his middle.
“It’s fine.” Jenna touched the horse to show him. “Horse, horsey.”
Aaron took Mason’s hand and tugged. “See.”
Mason shook his head, but when Aaron let go of his hand he reached on his own, not necessarily intending to touch Beau, but the horse moved to nuzzle his small hand. Mason gave a shrill laugh and tried again, this time touching the animal on purpose with a giggle.
“Well, that works.” Aaron tousled his dark hair, and Mason glanced up at him and then leaned for his mother.
“Want to ride the horse?” Aaron took a step away toward the barn with him, and Mason glanced over his shoulder content his mother was still close by. Well, that was a good sign he supposed. Both the horses followed waiting near the barn.
“I’ll get these guys saddled.” He handed Mason off to Jenna reluctantly. He was a cute kid with Jenna’s eyes and facial features. He’d long forgotten what it was like to hold a baby.
He grabbed the first saddle and got Scout all saddled up, followed by Beau, and led them both outside the fence and closed the gate. Mason squealed again making him chuckle and Jenna smile. Damn, she was beautiful holding her son, though he’d wondered of inviting her on an overnight. Ah, it wasn’t like much would happen with the children along, and that
was probably best, though the night he’d held her had left him heated for days now.
“You’re good then to ride?” he asked, making sure.
She hugged Mason to her. “It’ll be fun.”
“Lily, you and I’ll ride Beau, and it would be best if Jenna and Mason rode Scout.” Aaron figured Lily to balk at the idea.
“But Scout is my horse, and I want to ride with Jenna.” She climbed up on the fencing.
“Well, Mason is a little guy, and he’s never ridden a horse before. I think he’d want his mama, and Scout is our gentle horse. He won’t buck or let Mason get hurt, and he knows Jenna is your friend,” Aaron persuaded.
“You and your daddy can lead the way. And I know Scout will take good care of me and Mason.” Jenna gave the horse a good rubbing of admiration.
Lily gave a nod, changing the subject. “Can I sleep in the loft in my room?”
Aaron nodded. “Yep.”
“You’ve no bag?” Jenna asked him.
He shook his head. “We go up nearly every weekend I’m home, so it’s fully stocked with food and clothes most of the time. I’ll help you up.”
Jenna gave Scout a pat to the side and touched his long mane, handing Mason back to Aaron once more. The little boy held out his hands whimpering for Jenna as she mounted up and sat in the saddle. She did well, as he’d taught her on the last ride and the quick glimpse of her backside as she did so made his breath catch.
“Stirrups good?” He pushed her knee down, and the fit was right, but Mason gave a shrill yodel, reaching for the horse. “Looks like he’s ready.”
“I’m surprised he’s taking to it.” Jenna’s voice held an edge of nerves. “We have a cat, Bodi, that he adores but he’s never seen a horse up close.”
Lily stood nearby, twisting her ringlets of brown hair. “We have Kittyboy. He is old but he sleeps on my bed.”
Aaron fidgeted with the stirrup again. “The main thing is not to get nervous. Put both your arms under Mason’s and hang onto the reins with both hands. Scout doesn’t startle easy at all and wait…” Aaron trotted back into the barn and returned with two helmets. He handed one off to Lily and the other smaller pink one to Jenna. “Think he’ll wear it or mind that it’s pink?”
Jenna spoke to Mason, who was tugging on Scout’s mane oblivious. “Horsey hat.” Mason sat still as she buckled the small helmet in place. “I don’t think pink bothers him at all. This used to be for Lily?”
He nodded as Lily buckled her purple helmet, then he lifted her behind the saddle onto Beau. Grabbing the bags, he tied one to each horse. Then with a bit of effort he climbed up into the saddle, avoiding Lily and settling. “Hang on Munchkin. You let go and what happens?”
“You fall to the ground in a heap.” Lily’s laughter filled the air, and Mason copied her, glancing up at his mother. He was a cute little thing, having Jenna’s dark hair and facial features.
Jenna laughed too and caught him watching, her cheeks glowing pink. What was it about her? The beauty was part of it, but she was a breath of fresh air like something new that held a comfort he wasn’t sure he’d ever known.
He whistled and took Beau ahead, Scout following. Mason sat still in Jenna’s arms, still playing with Scout’s mane. Once they were out onto the other side of the pasture he allowed Jenna to catch up on Scout. “So you survived your first encounter with Amos.”
She answered. “He was really kidding. I think.”
“He’s full of spitfire most of the time, but he’s a good man. I think he worries over us all, wanting what’s best.” Aaron headed them past the fencing and across the stream. It wouldn’t take long to get to the cabin and while it was cool, the sun was beginning to warm the afternoon a bit.
“I enjoyed meeting your parents, and the meal. The prayer was nice with holding hands. My family did that when I was growing up.” She glanced down at Mason who held a big toothy grin grabbing the reins to help her.
“We’ve always done it that way.” He shrugged and slowed Beau again to allow Scout to catch up. He nodded at Mason. “Seems he’s taking to riding pretty well.”
“I think so. He’s taken the reins.” She glanced down where Mason’s tiny hands held to the reins above her own. “I was surprised he let you hold him, but I believe the horses win.”
“Animals do it every time.” He thought it true as Lily had loved animals from the time she could crawl.
She glanced forward, leaving him with the picture of her beauty once more. Holding her son as she rode Scout was a picture he could keep in his mind. Her dark hair blowing in the light wind was enough to make him want to touch her. Damn but if making love to Jenna hadn’t stirred him somewhere deep inside. Holding her had been special but he hadn’t expected how much he would want her again, all of her. The sweet cries she’d made had echoed in his mind since and he wanted to hear them again.
“Jenna, we are almost there. Hi, Mason.” Lily glanced behind them as the edge of the cabin came into view across the rise.
Mason grinned at her but stayed more interested in holding onto the reins with one hand and the saddle horn with the other.
Aaron stopped Beau, waiting on Scout to catch up. “What ’ya think?”
Jenna scanned the cabin and all around. “It’s so beautiful, like you must have carved it all by hand.”
“I did.” He smiled.
“I helped,” Lily added as Aaron lifted her down off Beau and dismounted behind her.
She scampered off to the cabin porch.
Aaron tossed Beau’s reins over the hitching post at the porch. He walked over to Scout and held out his hands to Mason.
The little boy leaned back against Jenna, reluctant to leave the horse.
“Come on Mason. Want to see the house?” Jenna pointed toward the cabin but Mason shook his head, not having any part of leaving the horse.
She lifted him from her anyway and Aaron took him as he burst into tears.
“It’s all right, Mama’s coming.” Aaron tried as Jenna dismounted and took Mason back in her arms though he still cried, reaching for Scout as she walked away with him.
“We can ride again later,” she coaxed.
“I’ll get these guys out to pasture, you go on in with Lily.” He looked on as she made her way to the porch where Lily waited. Turning he led both horses toward the fencing, turning them out inside the small pasture and stored the saddles in the tiny shed, grabbing the bags.
Glancing into the early afternoon sky, he made his way to the cabin and stepped inside. Lily sat on the floor with her basket of toys with Mason right beside her helping her empty the basket.
“Did you look around?” he asked.
Jenna watched the children play as she leaned against the counter that separated the kitchen and living area. She nodded. “It’s really beautiful, every detail. In my writing, I often describe cabins in the woods like this, maybe not in Montana, but…I feel as if I have been here before. I know it’s weird.”
He set her bags aside. “Might be a bit modern compared to what you write. We have running water and plumbing.”
She smiled, “well, the best of two worlds then. You don’t have a barn here; will the horses be all right out there? I mean what with bears and mountain lions and…Bigfoot.”
Aaron gave a hearty laugh. “They’ll be fine; they’ll warn me if they don’t like what’s hanging around. Not sure they know much about Bigfoot.”
She laughed.
“Come on.” He took her hand. “I’ve got more to do around here. Once I’m done I’ll start on the furniture a piece at a time, all hand-made. For now, the old couch and chair have to do.” He pointed to the loft above. “Lily has a small bedroom loft. She calls it her tree house and I have the room here, but I’ve got the plans to add on more as I have the time and funds. There’s a stream down the way, thought we might try a bit of fishing.”
“I haven’t fished in years, but Mason will like the water I’m sure.” She tucked a length of her dark hair behi
nd her ear. Always a bit of blush when he looked at her too intently, yet he didn’t drop his gaze. He liked that part.
“It’s quiet here at night. I’ve got solar lighting, heating and air but most often use the fire pit.” He hit the panel in the bedroom and the warmth of light filtered through the room. “Tucker, the guy that runs the business with Gabe, did the lighting and helped with the panels. The guy’s a genius with electronics.”
“It’s perfect, really nice.” She walked into the bedroom and glanced into the bathroom, turning back to him.
“I suppose I should have brought Mason a pack and play to sleep in.” She glanced around the bedroom again.
“Uh…not to make things uncomfortable, but with the kids…you can sleep in here with Mason, the couch makes a bed and I can take that. Of course, Lily does sleep like a log once she’s out.”
Her smile spread as did her rosy cheeks. “I suppose we can play that part by ear, Stuntman.”
That was a hint wasn’t it? His groin tightened at the prospect, but he hadn’t banked on much, given the children were along. Even if things did heat up, he’d still find his way to the couch due to all the little eyes.
“Oh, the milk Sarah gave us.” She stepped out of the bedroom and headed for the bags. “I’ll put it in the fridge.”
Aaron followed and glanced at the children still playing. “Lily, don’t let him have small things to put in his mouth.”
“Okay, Daddy, he’s got a ball right now.” Lily didn’t even look up but continued dressing her small doll with Mason watching, pacifier in his mouth.
Jenna returned from the kitchen. “Very attentive.”
He grinned at her and stepped to the hearth adding wood to the fire pit. “Fatherhood changes a man.”
“And you did most of this on your own?” she asked, walking around and looking again at all she had already seen.
“Ah, my brothers and Tuck helped.” He stood upright again. “Oh, and for those of you who write and research, we have Wi-Fi.”
“Out here?” she asked, surprised. “Well, I happen to have my laptop should a thought come along.”