by Vivian Arend
Mark held a hand out to Dana as if Laurel’s words had been proof of something.
Dana folded her arms over her chest. “It’s not that simple,” she insisted. “Laurel just said a couple of things, but she didn’t mention a word about what type of kitchen she wants, or how many bedrooms, because if you’re going to build an imaginary house, there’s no use in skimping on the bedrooms you’ll need down the road.”
Something tightened inside, but Laurel kept her smile firmly in place. “Imaginary houses can expand as necessary.”
She moved to start lunch prep, more as a way to keep her hands busy and her back toward her mother-in-law so that her expression wouldn’t give her away.
“It really is about the concepts of what you want,” Mark said. “Rooms can be rearranged, porches and balconies added. But the kind of ceiling and windows are little more set in stone.”
“Well, since my budget is also set in stone—as in, I don’t have one—I can take as long as I want to figure this out,” Dana said clearly. Papers rustled, and when Laurel turned, Dana had two floor plans pulled forward. “These are the prettiest. I don’t even know why I like them, though, so don’t ask,” she said with a laugh as Mark leaned forward.
“If you like them, you don’t need a reason why.” Mark nodded, though, as he peered at them more closely before tapping one. “This is a really good design for around here. I like the great room with the fireplace. It would be cozy on cold nights but open enough to have lots of family visit.”
Laurel was too curious to stay away. She moved in to look the design over. “Oh, that is pretty.” She laughed. “Want to know where I think you should build it?”
Dana glanced at her in surprise. “You’re going to offer advice on building sites?”
“Why not? If it’s all imaginary.” She smiled, attempting to make up for her earlier downhearted attitude. Not their fault that she was grumpy. “I’ll take you after lunch.”
Which is how she found herself a third wheel to her mother-in-law and Mark, guiding him up a narrow dirt road off the secondary road between Angel land and his own.
He paused the truck at a gate, and Laurel hurried to open it. “Not too much farther,” she assured him.
When they were through and she’d closed the gate behind them and rejoined them in the truck, Dana leaned over the seat to look into the back of the crew cab. “What on earth were you doing up here?”
Laurel hesitated. She and Rafe had discovered the spot two summers ago and had been using it ever since to enjoy privacy to fool around. Which meant there was no way she could answer without her cheeks going red, either from telling the truth or lying.
“Oh, look, that’s where I want to show you. Just to the left,” she ordered, ignoring the question.
Mark pulled to a stop and stared over the land in amazement. “I had forgotten there was a rise this high on the parcel.”
“Wow.” Dana was out the door, Laurel hard on her heels. Together they walked to the level place, a slight rise at their backs.
It really was an amazing spot. Laurel gestured to the west. “Can you imagine that view every morning while you’re drinking coffee?”
Dana slipped an arm around her waist. “It’s almost the same view as at home, but wow, elevation makes a huge difference.”
“The driveway would be a little bit of an adventure in the winter,” Mark said with a grin even as he joined them, shaking his head slightly. “But you’re right. This is an amazing location.”
Uncle Mark’s land spread before them all the way to the foothills. If Laurel twisted to the right, she could spot the Angel property, and just at the eastern edge, a thin trail of smoke rose from Gabe and Allison’s home. Farther to the right lay Whiskey Creek, with its rolling landscape, a herd of horses even now appearing over the top of one hill. Straight to the east was Moonshine land, mature trees visible along the meandering river, but the rest of it was pasture and crops.
“Well, this is pretty much perfect,” Mark said, sneaking a hand onto her shoulder to squeeze lightly. “Thank you.”
“It’s your land,” she said. “You would have found it eventually.”
Dana laughed, a hand extended farther to the south. “Look.”
They joined her, and Laurel suddenly realized that the entire side of the hill to the south of where they stood was covered in bushes, some of them big enough to be called trees. “Are those all wild roses?”
Her mother-in-law nodded happily. “I adore wild roses.”
Dana wandered along a deer trail, happiness written all over her face as she examined the bushes. Sunshine danced over her, the gentle wind lifting her hair and making golden highlights dance.
Laurel was close enough to Uncle Mark to hear his sudden intake of breath.
She turned to him and spoke softly. “You okay?”
He’d been staring at Dana. He turned slowly back toward Laurel, his eyes full of longing, but he twisted his lips into a smile and nodded briskly. When he spoke, it was a secret, shared just with Laurel. “I would do anything to make her happy.”
His heart in the words. Truth. Laurel felt it to the core of her being.
Dana laughed again, and this time as she turned, her eyes met Mark’s and something new was there. Laurel felt less in the way and more honoured at having witnessed something so pure and sweet and right.
But continuing to eavesdrop wasn’t on her agenda. No lingering, not now. Fortunately, the perfect distraction had been offered right at hand. “I think I solved a problem,” Laurel announced boldly.
“The issue of where to build the house?” Mark offered.
She shook her head. “The issue of what to call Mark’s land. It’s obvious.” She held out a hand and gestured, pointing to the mass of greenery that would eventually be covered with pale-pink, fragrant flowers.
“Oh, yes. That’s perfect,” Dana said. She turned to Mark and grabbed his hands, eager and giddy and not even aware of how broad his smile went because she’d touched him. “Welcome to the Wild Rose ranch.”
If she hadn’t been there, Laurel bet that Uncle Mark would’ve kissed—
Well, that was a problem easily solved. Laurel deliberately turned her back and walked down the rise, as if eager to explore.
More eager to leave the two of them alone, at least briefly, because if she couldn’t see them, they couldn’t see her, and she was one hundred percent sure that Mark was capable of taking advantage of the presented opportunity.
In the quiet of their room that night, Laurel told Rafe about having given up their tryst spot.
His expression turned thoughtful as she shared witnessing the kiss—or at least the aftereffects of it, because Dana’s cheeks had glowed the entire trip back to the Angel homestead.
Rafe nodded slowly. “I need to adjust my brain. Mark seems to be a good man, and if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s Mom.”
Laurel agreed. She’d come to that conclusion a while ago. Now she cuddled in against his side. “I was feeling sad today,” she confessed.
Rafe curled his arm around her and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Anything I can do?”
She shook her head. “Thinking about kids. With all the cousins constantly popping out babies, the question keeps getting brought up. When do we plan to have some? Today Mom was asking how many rooms we’d want in a new house. You know, planning for the hoard of children we’ll raise.”
He hummed softly, rolling toward her until he’d pinned her in place with his strong body. “You still want to wait a little longer before we start trying, or have you changed your mind?”
“I’m not ready for kids, but part of me worries,” she admitted. “What if we can’t? What if things don’t work for us that way?”
Rafe stroked his cheek against hers, kissing her softly. “Then we’ll find a different way to build a family. I like kids, but I figure the raising of them is more important than the birthing. I’m a guy, though, so I could be missing the point.”
> “I agree with you in principle.” She curled her arms around his neck and tugged until he came over her, a warm, secure weight guarding and keeping her safe. “Like I said, I was just feeling sad and wanted you to know why. You don’t need to try and fix it. Just love me.”
“Always.” His tone dropped a notch as he made a dirty offer. “Can I try and distract you?”
“I’m pretty focused right now,” Laurel teased. “You’ll have to try really hard.”
Which he did, thoroughly but quietly.
21
Kissing Dana had become an addiction.
Mark had known quick enough that every privilege she offered would mean no turning back. And while they’d only had a couple of official dates, he’d taken to stopping at the house in his free time and between work shifts with the Coleman clan.
Laurel’s suggested nickname for his parcel had caught on instantly with the rest of the family. Now to make sure that Wild Rose ranch was a new start in all the ways that Mark needed.
Although, getting to begin by kissing Dana while laughter shone in her eyes, the sunlight dancing around them on the spot where Mark intended to build their home—
Okay, that was jumping the gun a little, but he couldn’t help himself. Spending time with her had made it clear all his memories weren’t built up or unrealistic. Dana was sweet and gentle and giving, and he couldn’t wait to be able to give to her in return.
The warning that Laurel had issued, though, echoed loudly in Mark’s mind. That Ben had been changed so hard—
Mark couldn’t imagine what it did to a woman to have her trust in a man completely broken.
So he needed to be cautious, but at the same time, he kept being distracted by the kisses and the urge in his gut that told him to press forward faster than his head thought wise.
Yup. That kiss up on the ridge a week ago had been a whole lot of perfect.
Blake had given him the go-ahead, so when Mark heard from his building contact, the news was too exciting to wait to share.
He hurried to the Angel ranch, pausing on the main road before entering the driveway. Rafe was running the harrows over the gravel to remove the ruts caused by winter freeze and snow removal.
Rafe gave him a wave but kept on with his task as Mark parked then strode rapidly toward the ranch house.
Dana bolted upright in surprise when he marched through the door and into the living room. She had a load of laundry in a basket on the chair, neatly folded piles organized on the couch.
“Mark. Gabe said you were working with him this morning.”
“I am,” Mark said, sliding in close and breathing in her sweet scent. A familiar floral aroma wrapped around him and mixed with the comforting smells of food and fresh laundry that were the epitome of home. “Coffee break. Thought I’d come to see how you’re doing.”
She flushed. “That’s sweet.”
“Sweet enough to give me a kiss?” he teased.
When she instantly tipped her face toward him, his heart leapt. He cupped her chin, leaning in to enjoy the innocent brush of their lips together.
Then her tongue snuck out and stroked against his.
Sweetness vanished as heat rose between them. His body hardened, and for a brief moment, they clung to each other, the kiss growing deeper. Dirtier. Somehow, he kept a handle on it, breaking contact and stepping back far enough to give her space.
Dana lifted a hand to her kiss-swollen lips. “You are far too tempting,” she said softly.
“That’s my line.” Mark took a deep breath then changed the topic before he suggested they go test her mattress springs. “I have some good news.”
She tilted her head toward the kitchen. “Coffee? Since you’re on a coffee break?”
“Sure.”
He made it to the kettle before she did, filling it at the tap and letting her take care of the other details. It was good, working together in the small space. Not only because this wasn’t the first time they’d done it and they were already finding a joint rhythm in the routine—which made Mark smile.
He had to admit the small size of the kitchen also allowed for ample opportunities to bump into her, which didn’t suck.
Dana laughed after he had once again accidentally brushed past, grabbing her hips to stabilize himself. “Sit down,” she ordered, an amused smile on her lips. “You’re as handsy as a teenager.”
Not much to do in response to that except grin and enjoy watching her.
The rumble of the tractor in the background cut off, and the room grew quieter. Mark waited until she had the cups on the table, and slices of banana bread as well. “I heard from my building contact. He’s got a package for me.”
Dana’s eyes lit up. “For your house? Already?”
He wasn’t about to mention that he hadn’t bothered to wait for a sale package to appear. He had no problem footing the bill for a custom build which would be exactly what they wanted down the road. “He’s given me a delivery date of August first, which means I’ve got until then to get the site prepped. Which, with all of June and July ahead of us, is doable.”
“And you’re definitely building up on the ridge? That’s going to be a pretty spot,” Dana said with approval.
“Won’t even have to take out the trees,” he told her. “The place will be surrounded with wild roses.”
“Even better, considering that’s what your ranch is now called.” Dana took a sip of her coffee, a smile of approval warming her expression. “I’m happy for you. I’m glad you’re getting the chance to set down roots here, close to your brothers.”
“It’s been good to reconnect with them,” Mark admitted. “Living with George is an adventure, though. He’s been the only guy in the house for a long time. I think every time he sees me, he’s a bit surprised.”
“If you put up the frame in August, that means you can get to lock up before the snow flies.” Dana made a face. “You’ll still be bunking with George for the winter.”
“I think I can fast-track the interior. Maybe not by Thanksgiving, but by Christmas. Or at least that’s what I hope.”
“That is exciting.” Dana caught his fingers and gave them a squeeze. “That would be a lovely Christmas present.”
He sure thought so. Being there with Dana would make for an extraordinary holiday season.
Mark flipped his hand over and trapped her fingers in his. “That means next year we can put some money into fixing up this place. Build that wall of bookshelves that Laurel wants and fix the porch. Exterior stuff is easy to do.”
Confusion slid into her eyes. “I suppose it is, but we don’t really need any improvements right now. I still need to figure out whether I should get a little place to myself or help build the kids a new home—”
“Dana. That problem is already solved,” he said earnestly. “Really, the bones of this place are good. If we fix it up for the kids, the place will work out fine.”
She went still.
“Wait.” Her frown grew deeper. “Mark, before I jump to any conclusions, let me ask a question. While we’re fixing up this place for the kids, exactly where do you think I’m going to live?”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly. “With me. In the home I’m building for you.”
If he’d expected her to smile sweetly or throw her arms around him gratefully—
Dana jerked her fingers from his and rose to her feet, fury sweeping in. “Why, you arrogant asshole.”
Not the response he had expected.
You jumped the gun, his brain warned even as the door from the porch swung open. Rafe stood in the doorway, eyes wide with shock.
Dana was just getting warmed up. Fists planted against her hips, she shook her head in disbelief. “I told you I was willing to date you. That didn’t mean I agreed to move in with you, that didn’t mean I agreed you could make decisions about what my children or I do. That didn’t mean you get to assume anything about me or what I want or need.”
; “I know it’s not a given,” he began before she cut him off.
“Shut up.” She looked slightly shocked at her own words then took a deep breath and lifted her chin resolutely. “I am so disappointed in you right now. I think you should leave.”
“Dana, sweetheart—”
“No,” she snapped. “I am not your sweetheart. Not yet. And if you don’t talk to me and ask my opinions before making decisions for both of us, I will never be your sweetheart.” She snapped up a finger toward the door. “Now get out.”
Slipping out of the house, Mark felt a little as if he were a dog skulking away with his tail between his legs.
That had gone well. Not.
His pride thoroughly chastised, Mark glanced over to discover Rafe pacing beside him. “Really? You plan to escort me to my truck or follow me all the way until I’m off Angel land?”
“Mom asked you to leave, so I making sure you do.”
Holding back a growl of frustration was tough, but somehow Mark managed. The last thing he needed was to get into another fight today, although—dammit—he’d meant well in the first place.
Stupid misunderstanding. Stupid moving too fast.
But then again, he’d been upfront about his intentions since the start.
They walked in silence for a moment, then Rafe cleared his throat. “You’ve got the day off tomorrow, don’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Me too.” The young man tilted his head toward the old barn. “Got any plans? Bunch of stuff in there that I could use some help sorting through.”
The question was unexpected enough to make Mark stumble to a stop. He stared at his nephew for a moment, but even after repeating the comment a few times in his head, it didn’t make sense. “What are you doing?”
Rafe looked at him seriously then offered a light lift of his shoulders. “You pissed Mom off but good, which takes a hell of a lot of energy. Or something else.” His lips twitched. “I’ve heard her swear maybe twice in my entire life. It’s that rare, and she’s had a lot more reason to curse than most. Which means something about you hit hard. But since she’s willing to speak her mind about you riling her up, and she didn’t close the door on a relationship with you completely, I’m going to assume this is a good thing.”