“Of course, of course.” Otto waved them off.
Gage left his hand on Emma’s shoulder until they’d moved a distance away. “Sooo, that’s Otto. He’s kind of—”
“Old school. I know. Love his accent. But we need to watch Josh. He’s liable to drop that apple or pitch it somewhere.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him.”
As it turned out, he didn’t have to worry about the apple ending up on the floor or landing in someone else’s cart. Josh kept firm possession of it, turning it this way and that, gnawing on the stem and pressing his mouth to the smooth surface.
As Gage tucked him into his car seat after loading the purchases into Emma’s SUV, Josh insisted on keeping the apple with him.
Emma shook her head. “An apple. Who knew?”
“Otto.”
“Yeah.” She laughed. “So this is where we part ways, right? I’ll meet you at Wild Creek Ranch around six.”
“Do you know how to get there?”
“Not yet, but once I put Wild Creek Ranch, Eagles Nest, Montana, into my phone, I’ll know exactly how to get there.”
“So true.” Seemed like he should kiss her goodbye, especially after listening to Otto rave on. “See you then.” Stop thinking and just do it, idiot! Sliding an arm around her waist, he pulled her toward him and kissed her. He didn’t linger too long, didn’t use any tongue.
But her lips felt welcoming, even for that brief time. Their mouths fit together without a lot of shifting and adjusting. That wasn’t true of everyone he’d kissed. The rest of them fit together nicely, too, but he’d best not dwell on that.
He let go and gazed at her. “Is that okay?”
“Guess so.” But the warmth in her eyes told him it was very okay. That she might even want him to try it again sometime.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t speak for you, but I haven’t felt this awkward around a girl since I was in middle school.”
“Not me. I’ve never felt awkward around girls.”
He grinned. “Smart aleck.”
“See you at six.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He wouldn’t mind kissing her again, but Josh was in the car staring at the upholstery, although at least now he had an apple to hold. “See you at the ranch.”
“We’ll be there.”
He backed away, holding her gaze. Yep, just like middle school. Heaving a sigh, he turned and headed for his truck.
* * *
Gage and his dad drove over to Kendra’s together, which put them there early because his dad wanted to help with dinner. Gage was perfectly happy to do that, too. While lasagna baked in the oven, he shucked corn, his dad made the salad and Kendra set the table.
She came back into the kitchen. “Is Emma still nursing? Or can I offer her a glass of wine?”
“She’s not and she might like some wine. She is a former bartender, after all.”
“Okay, great. What about Josh? Is he eating solids?”
“Banana slices. I don’t know about anything else. I’m sure she’ll bring his sippy cup with her. And probably a jar of her homemade baby food.”
“My boys used to love chewing on an ear of corn at that age. That might be fun.” She looked at the kitchen clock. “She should be here any minute but we’re pretty much ready. I just need to get the high chair out of Cody’s room.”
His dad put down the knife and the tomato he’d been about to slice. “I’ll do it.”
“Ah, but you look so sexy making that salad. Carry on, please.”
He grinned at her. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I do love a salad-makin’ man.” She left the kitchen.
“So, Dad.” Gage kept his voice down. “Will you two ever get married?”
“I doubt it, but we might have a fun little commitment ceremony. Nothing official…just a great party and a solemn vow.”
“Interesting idea. And you’d still live on opposite sides of the road after that?”
“Why not? I’m quite attached to my studio. The light is perfect and the space suits me. Kendra likes having her private time, too. It works for us.”
“I heard my name,” she called out from the dining room. “Whatcha talking about?” She walked in the kitchen.
“He asked if we’re ever getting married. I said no.”
“Oh.” She turned to Gage. “Would you like us to?”
“It’s just that if you did, even if it’s only that fun little ceremony Dad was talking about, I could start calling you my stepmom instead of all the other options we talked about yesterday.”
“Was that only yesterday? Seems like more time has gone by.” She gazed at him. “The thing is, I can’t promise when your dad and I will get around to that ceremony.”
“Well, right. Everyone’s busy.”
“How would you feel about calling me your stepmom now instead of waiting until then?”
Warmth filled his chest. “You’d be okay with that?”
“I would be honored.”
“Me, too.” He swallowed. “Me, too.” He walked over and hugged her. “Thanks. I—” The clack of the door knocker kicked his pulse into high gear. “That must be Emma and Josh. I’ll get it.” He hurried out of the kitchen.
When he opened the massive front door, Emma stood there wearing the pretty green and gold top he’d admired earlier today, the one that complemented her green eyes and golden hair. Otto was so right. She was stunning.
Josh let out a squeal of pure joy. “Da-da!”
“Hey, big guy.” He scooped him out of her arms and stood back so she could come in.
“I think he missed you.”
“Yeah?” He pushed the door closed and looked at Josh. “Did you miss me, buddy?”
“Da-da.” He reached up to pat Gage’s cheeks with both hands.
“Smooth, huh? I shaved, just so I could do this.” He leaned down and blew a raspberry against the baby’s soft neck, which started him giggling.
“Welcome to Wild Creek, Emma.” Kendra walked over and gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“So am I. What a beautiful place.”
“I agree.” His dad hugged her, too. “I’m grateful that Kendra lets me hang out here.”
“I never expected an actual log ranch house.”
“It was here when my folks bought the property,” Kendra said. “They told everybody they bought it for the log house.”
“I can see why. It’s amazing.” She took off her backpack. “The sunset was spectacular when I was driving in. The clouds are just right to capture the color. Did you see it?”
“We were all in the kitchen,” Gage said.
“I’m sure it’s still pretty if you want to go out and look.”
“Great idea,” his dad said. “I’m always up for a good sunset.” He opened the front door and held it while Kendra and Emma walked out. Then he grinned at Josh and tickled him gently on the belly. “Missed you, little buddy.”
Josh giggled. “Pa-pa.”
“I think he missed you, too, Dad.” He met his father’s gaze and smiled. “Let’s go soak up some sunset.”
“I’m right behind you.”
“Ohhh, look at that!” Out in the yard, Emma turned in a circle. “I think it’s even better than before.”
“It’s a beauty, all right.” Kendra said. “I wanted you to see the place before it got dark, and it looks even better when it’s got this pinkish-orange glow. Gorgeous.”
And so was Emma. Gage was captivated by the sight of her as she rotated slowly beneath the crimson sky so she wouldn’t miss a thing. She clearly loved nature and being out in it.
But how could he have ever discovered that when he was her lover? They’d spent all their time indoors, mostly in her bed. Sure, that had been crazy good, but so limiting.
“Ba-ba!” Josh pointed at the sky.
Gage glanced up as a pair of goldens wheeled above them on the swirling air currents. “Good eye, buddy! Birds! Eagles!”
Kendra looked at Emma. “Does Josh like birds?”
“He really does. That’s why he has that little plush bluebird.”
“Then he should also like Raptors Rise.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that.” Gage turned to Emma. “We should go there, too.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a rescue facility for birds of prey. Zane—you remember who he is, right?”
She nodded. “From this afternoon. Yes.”
“It’s his project and he’s built it into quite an operation. That’s what the fundraiser was for, the one where the Whine and Cheese Club dressed in bird costumes.”
“Oh, wow. When do you think we could go?”
“Maybe tomorrow. It’s right down the road from here.”
“If Zane’s available, I’m sure he’d like to give you a private tour,” Kendra said. “Let me text him when I get in the house. In fact, I need to check on the lasagna. Gage, why don’t you show Emma around the ranch while I finish in the kitchen?”
“I can do that.”
“And I’d like to give my grandson a tour of the house,” Quinn said. “Let him explore the place before dinner.” He glanced at Emma. “Would that be all right?”
“You know, he probably could use the exercise. He’s used to roaming my house and the room at the B&B is a lot smaller.”
“Good deal.” He walked over to Gage and held out his arms. “Come hang out with your grandpapa, Josh. Let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into.”
Josh bounced with eagerness and stretched out his arms. “Pa-pa!”
Gage passed Josh over to his dad. “He’s good at motoring around a coffee table.”
“I figured. We’ll have us some adventures, won’t we, kiddo?”
Josh bounced some more. “Pa-pa-pa-pa!”
“Now say bye-bye to Mommy and Daddy.” He picked up the baby’s arm and helped him wave. “Bye-bye. Bye-bye.”
Josh flapped both arms. “Bye-bye!”
Emma stared at him. “He didn’t just say that.”
“I believe he did.” Gage’s dad got him to do it again. “I thought he knew it already.”
“I’ve been trying to teach him that and he would never say it. But, finally! Thank you, Quinn.”
“My pleasure. See you all later. We have places to go and rooms to explore.” He started toward the house with Josh babbling away.
“Hey, Dad, when will the lasagna be done?”
“You’ve got about thirty minutes.”
“Thanks!” Way longer than he’d expected. This setup was too neatly choreographed. His dad and Kendra had deliberately arranged for him to be alone with Emma.
He turned to her. For the first time since she’d walked into the bakery, they were alone, and it was affecting his breathing and his heartbeat. “And then it was just us. Kind of freaky, huh?”
She took a deep breath. “Yes.”
“Guess we should get started.” He cleared his throat and adopted a formal tone. “The featured attractions for this official Wild Creek Ranch tour include the corral where the riding lessons take place, the pasture where the horses are turned out, the old historic barn where the family’s horses are stabled, and the new barn where there are mostly boarders. What do you want to see first?”
“The old historic barn.”
“Good choice.” He hesitated. “Since this is a private tour, the guide would like to hold your hand.”
She held it out. “I’d like that, too.”
As he wove his fingers through hers and tightened his grip, warmth flowed up his arm and through his body. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Fourteen
Freaky was one word to describe the experience of strolling toward the old hip-roofed barn with Gage. Emma would go along with that description. But two others applied—exciting and liberating.
She’d hired a sitter for Josh a few times since he’d been born, but always for some obligatory thing like a dentist appointment. Never so that she could walk hand-in-hand with a handsome cowboy in the twilight.
Gage had worn a dove-gray yoked shirt that emphasized the width of this shoulders and the breadth of his chest. He’d also shaved, which he’d claimed had been for Josh’s benefit. Maybe. And maybe he’d had a second motive.
“Do you know if Quinn and Kendra set this up on purpose?”
“I don’t know, but if they did, I had nothing to do with it. I’m an innocent bystander.”
She grinned. “Oh, yeah? Then why did you shave?”
“Like I said, for Josh.”
She glanced at his profile. A crease in his freshly shaven cheek gave him away. “Uh-huh.”
“And also on the off chance I might get a chance to kiss you again. I just didn’t know when or where.”
“That’s what I thought.” Heat shot through her body. The soft, gentle kiss he’d given her this afternoon had taunted her ever since. His restraint had been touching…and frustrating.
She’d experienced a fully involved Gage Sawyer kiss. The one in the Eagles Nest Market’s parking lot had been like getting a sample of an ice cream flavor—so delicious she was tempted to ask for a full serving.
But did she dare indulge? That was the big question. As they approached the open double doors of the picturesque barn, her body warmed in anticipation. She hadn’t kissed a man since Gage had ridden off into the sunset nineteen months ago.
Now that he was back in the picture, she was fantasizing about kisses and…maybe something more. She’d challenge any woman in her shoes not to.
He led her into the barn, fragrant with hay. “Usually they stick their heads out to see who’s here, but as you can tell from all the chomping going on, they’re too busy to care about us.”
“Dinnertime, huh?”
“Yes, ma’am. What kind of experience have you had with horses?”
“I’ve watched the Budweiser Clydesdales on TV and I took Josh to the Fourth of July parade in Great Falls this summer.”
“I see. You’ve never been on a horse?”
“Nope. But as I told Kendra today, I’d like to try it.”
“That’s good news. I think you’d have fun. I sure do. I’d like to teach Josh when he’s old enough.”
“When would that be?”
“If we’re talking about putting him up there by himself, no sooner than four years old and more like five or six. But I could take him up with me now.”
She sucked in a breath. “That scares me a little.”
His smile was gentle. “Perfectly natural since you’re not used to horses. No rush.” He squeezed her hand. “Come on. I’ll introduce you around.” He paused next to a stall. “This is Strawberry, so named because he’s a strawberry roan. Pete has a gelding named Clifford who looks something like this.”
“What’s a gelding?”
“A stallion who’s been neutered. There’s one mare named Licorice in this barn. The rest are all geldings. They make the best saddle horses.”
“Huh.” She studied the big horse as he munched away on the hay stuck in a wire basket attached to the stall. “He’s very pretty.”
“And such a sweetheart. If you decide to take a lesson, Kendra would likely put you on Strawberry.”
Gage was close, very close. His warmth and the scent of his cologne surrounded her, awakening a response she hadn’t experienced since…their last night together.
The air stirred as he moved away and came to a stop at the next stall. “This bay gelding is Jake. He has a very smooth gait, which is one of the reasons Zane uses him when he releases a raptor into the wild. Less jostling on the way out to the canyon.”
The sensual undercurrent in his voice distracted her, making it difficult to focus on the conversation. Zane. Raptors. The rescue center they hoped to visit tomorrow. “It would be great if we can take Josh over to see those birds.”
“It would be. My dad’s artwork is in the lobby. Going there would be a twofer.”
“Your dad’s a
n artist? How did I miss that?”
“Probably because he doesn’t go around talking about it. Selling the Lazy S has given him more time for his art and he’s developed quite a following.”
“I had no idea. That’s wonderful. Is he a painter?”
“Scratchboard artist.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a little hard to explain. You’ll see when we go to Raptors Rise. Glad you came down?”
She gazed at him. “Yes, I am.”
“Me, too.” Heat flickered in his dark eyes as he slowly lifted their joined hands and kissed the tips of her fingers.
The air left her lungs. He used to do that when…
“Emma, you’re driving me crazy.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “But we…” He paused to take a breath. “You need to meet Winston.”
“Why?”
A piercing whinny filled the barn.
“There’s your answer. He expects it.”
“Alrighty, then.”
Keeping a firm grip on her hand, Gage bypassed the other residents of the barn, who were still engrossed in their dinner. At the far end, a horse poked his head out of the stall. His dramatic coat was splashed with butterscotch and white.
“Oh, Gage, he’s beautiful.”
“Don’t think he doesn’t know it. Hey, Winston. Say hello to Emma.”
The horse bobbed his head and made a throaty huh-HUH-huh sound.
“That almost sounds like hello!”
“Because it is his way of saying it.” Gage reached across the stall door and stroked the horse’s glossy neck. “He’s named for Winston Churchill, and he’s a talker. He’s also the kingpin around here and if someone comes into the barn and doesn’t pay attention to him, he lets that person know. Isn’t that right, Winston?”
He snorted and tossed his head.
“He’s fun to ride, too. Kendra’s been generous enough to let me take him out a few times.”
“You don’t have a horse?”
“Used to. When I was ready to leave home, I knew I wouldn’t be coming back except for visits. Didn’t seem like Dad should be stuck feeding and exercising Sparrow. Didn’t feel right to sell him.” He scratched under Winston’s flowing mane.
“I can understand that.” The more he fondled the horse, the more her skin tingled.
A Cowboy's Baby (The McGavin Brothers Book 11) Page 9
