“Uh, maybe because you were in the middle of helping Conrad rebuild one of the horse stables.”
It’s a lie. One that I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep a grin from slipping out about. Xander is so concerned about being a nuisance or interrupting our work, when he really has no idea what he’s talking about.
“Yeah, but it’s no big deal. I’ll stop by there on our way back to your place. That’s okay with you, right?”
He nods. “Of course, that’s okay.”
Pulling onto the highway, I take out my phone and unlock it.
Me: The eagle has landed. I repeat, the eagle has landed.
Smirking to myself, I set the phone in my lap, switching lanes.
“How was your flight?” I ask, glancing over at Xander.
Turning his head, resting it against the back of the seat, his dark curly hair peeking out from underneath the baby pink beanie on his head, he shrugs. “Not bad. Happy to be back, though.”
My face splits with a toothy grin. “Me too.”
A text comes through, vibrating in my lap, and when I glance down at the screen, I have to fight against a chuckle.
Conrad: Just say you’ve picked Xander up.
Me: Where’s the fun in that?
Conrad: Goodbye, Cope. Quit texting and driving.
Chuckling, I lock the phone, setting it in the cup holder, then I reach over, placing my hand on the top of Xander’s thigh. He thinks we’re going to Conrad’s so I can help him finish the stables—which Ididdo…last week—but in reality, we’re going there for his surpriseWelcome Homeparty, because as of twenty minutes ago when he landed, he’s an official resident of Copper Lake, Wyoming.
When I was visiting him in Seattle, the morning after I got there, he dropped the good news, telling me he already spoke to his aunt about it. He’s moving in there to help her around the farm. I couldn’t be happier—even if I’d rather he move in with me. But that’s probably a little soon, so I’m burying that thought. Or trying to. Next door really isn’tthatbad, I guess.
Rodeo season starts in about a month. So, that kind of sucks. Not the rodeo itself, because I’m really looking forward to that, but us being apart again after I just got him back. I’m hoping I can talk him into coming with me, even if only for a little while.
When we get to Grazing Acres, there are a few cars scattered around, but it doesn’t look like Xander suspects anything. A steady thrum of excitement builds in my gut as I park the truck and we get out.
I round the front of the truck, meeting him, and I extend my hand for him to take. As soon as his soft palm slides against mine, I feel like a middle schooler with my first crush at how warm and fuzzy this makes me. Clearing my throat, I smile and say, “This is our first time holding hands.”
Xander gets a far-off look, like he’s thinking back over the time we’ve spent together. “Yeah, you’re right, it is.”
“Kinda love it.”
He chuckles. “Me too.”
I tip my chin in front of us and say, “Come on. Think Conrad’s in the barn already.”
There’s a low hum of chatter from inside the barn, and Xander glances at me with a confused look on his face moments before everyone collectively yells,“Surprise!”Shooter jumps out, two party horns in his mouth, simultaneously going off as he blows.
Xander’s eyes widen, laughter bubbling out of him as he looks from everyone to me. “What’s all this for?”
“It’s a welcome home party,” I reply. “You know, since you’re a Copper Lake resident now.”
Surprise and something like appreciation crosses over his features. “You guys didn’t have to do all this.”
“Sure, we did,” Colt chimes in. “Cope would’ve kicked all of our asses if we didn’t show up with literal party hats on.” Hepoints to the triangle hat on his head that I—nicely—insisted everybody wear.
Whit steps up to Xander, pulling him in for a hug. “Colt’s being dramatic… Sort of. The truth is, we’re all so happy you’ve decided to stay. A party was definitely in order.”
It’s then I notice Reggie behind Whit. Schooling my features, my eyes flit to Conrad, not in the least bit surprised to see his narrowed on Whit’s boyfriend. When I invited Whit, I figured he’d come, but I really didn’t think he’d bring his new man to his ex-husband’s house. They’ve been dating for a while now, and any time there’s a get-together here, either Whit comes alone, or he doesn’t come at all.
