Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
“Do you ride?” my father asked.
The question seemed to take Frank aback. “Honestly, I haven’t been on a horse since I rode with my wife last, so I’m a bit rusty.”
I heard the intake of air from Timberlynn. Clearly that little bit of information took her by surprise.
“It’s like riding a bike. Would you be up for a ride tomorrow morning? I’d love to show you the ranch,” my father said.
Frank smiled. “I would like that very much. Tanner, would you be able to join us?”
Okay, that took me by surprise. At least my father would be there to protect me. “Yes, I’d love to come along.”
My mother motioned for everyone to head into the house. “Let’s all get inside. The sun is going down and the temperature is dropping. Frank, I hope you like roast and vegetables.”
“One of my favorite meals.”
Everyone piled into the house, but before I could step through the door, I was yanked back by Timberlynn. She looked utterly panicked.
“What is happening?” she asked as her eyes darted from the front door, back to me, then the door again.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, he wants to stay here with your folks. He’s going riding with your dad and asked you to come along, and do not even get me started on him not riding a horse since my mother! What in the hell?”
I laughed and kissed her on the forehead. “Were you expecting it to be worse?”
“Yes! No! I don’t know, Tanner. I’m so nervous and I don’t know why!”
I pulled her into my arms and held her. “Take a deep breath, baby. It’s going to be okay. Your father already seems like he’s going to fit in just fine.”
“He doesn’t do family, Tanner.”
Gently, I pushed her out some and looked into her eyes. “Maybe he’s never known how to do family without your mother, Timber.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“No, baby, don’t cry. Come here.”
Timberlynn buried her face into my chest, and I held her. “I’m so confused by everything, Tanner. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. A part of me thinks this is why I picked Montana to live—it was far away from my father and the constant reminder that I was never good enough for him.”
“Hey, don’t say that, okay? You are more than good enough. Please don’t think like that. Let’s just take it a day at a time.”
She nodded, then rubbed her nose all on my shirt. I was pretty sure I was madly in love with the woman because it didn’t bother me a single bit that her snot was now all over me.
I tipped her chin so our eyes met. I took a deep breath and said, “I love you, Timberlynn. I’m never going to let anything or anyone hurt you. I swear it.”
Her chin quivered, and she smiled. “I love you too, Tanner.”
Leaning down, I paused at her mouth and whispered, “Say it again.”
She giggled. “I love you.”
My lips brushed softly over hers in a tender kiss. “Now, take a few deep breaths, wipe away the tears, and let’s head on inside. I’ll be by your side the entire time.”
Timberlynn nodded. “Okay. Let’s go.”
I placed the saddle on the back of Trigger while Brock saddled up Pogo.
He cleared his throat and broke our silence. “Last night went pretty good, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, I think it went a lot better than Timberlynn expected. To be honest, with the way she described him, I figured he might be a snob. But he really hit it off with Dad.”
Brock laughed. “I’d say they hit it off. Mom said they were on the back porch smoking cigars half the night. She fell asleep at one, and dad was still out there with Frank.”
“Really?”
“Yep. How’s Timberlynn? She looked so off-balance last night.”
I sighed. “Yeah, I think she’s trying to figure out this side of her father she’s never seen.”
“Do you think it’s because he’s relaxed? Or around people who don’t really know him?”
“Could be.”
“Well, we all know why he wanted you on this ride.”
I laughed. “So why do you think Dad and Frank went out a bit earlier on their own?”
Brock finished getting Pogo ready and faced me. “My thoughts are they wanted to talk about you and Timberlynn.”
“Yeah, mine too. What about us?”
He shrugged. “Listen, I’m playing devil’s advocate, so don’t think I’m judging. Lincoln and I moved faster than any couple I’ve ever known, but maybe Frank has an issue with how quickly things are going with you two. It’s been what, two months since you became official?”
“About that. And I know we’re moving fast, but I love her, Brock.”
My brother smiled. “I know you do, Tanner. I think you fell in love with her the moment you first saw her. It’s not hard to see how you two feel about each other. It’s written all over your faces.”