To the left were several large buildings and two large barns. The ranch was bigger than she expected. At quick count, twenty-three people milled about. Some sat on benches near a large oak, others jogged—although she didn’t know how in this heat, and yet they seemed unfazed. Three card games were going on at three different picnic tables. Two women sat reading up against the tree, and beyond that, she could see horses in a field, some with riders, others grazing.
All in all, the vibe was peaceful. At ease.
Exactly what the name promised.
“I’ll give you a tour later,” Leo said with a grin. “But right now, it’s time to eat.” Still holding her hand, he guided her toward the house behind Stone.
Once inside, she caught glimpses of wooden floors, Southwestern decor, and white walls. He ushered her past an office, a living room, and what appeared to be a large den or game room of sorts, with a vaulted, beamed ceiling. Then they took a left into a big dining room with two long tables with bench seating. Another quick head count came up with six. For some reason she expected the house to be teeming with people, too.
Leo must’ve read the surprise on her face because he explained, “The main breakfast for the ranch is over. Sunday brunch is the only time we eat separate from the rest.”
“It gives us all a chance to catch up,” Stone said, then his face lit up as a stunning dark-haired woman with beautiful blue eyes approached.
“There you are. I was beginning to think you got lost,” the brunette said, and lifted up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Lula Belle back safe and sound?”
“Yep.” Stone smiled and pulled the woman in for a proper kiss that went on longer than Kaydee expected and had her glancing at Leo.
A smile tugged his lips. “They do that a lot.”
When the two came up for air, Leo introduced her to Jovy, and soon she was surrounded by three other couples, all of whom appeared genuinely happy to meet her.
The incredibly handsome Italian gave her a bear hug and thanked her for putting life in Leo’s eyes. His fiancée, Emma, echoed the sentiment. A large, handsome dark-haired Thor type introduced himself as “the better-looking Mitchum brother” before his beautiful green-eyed fiancée told her to ignore him and gave her a “welcome to the ranch” hug. She’d barely recovered when her heart stuttered for a split second as a Jensen Ackles look-alike shook her hand, and his pretty wife hugged her.
Then Leo’s hand found hers, and he entwined their fingers. “I know they’re a lot to take in.”
She laughed, a little nervous, and a lot happy to be by his side. He got her. He understood the situation was a bit overwhelming. He was in tune with her inner makeup. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Whistles and catcalls echoed around them, and she felt her face heat, but laughed it off with the others as they all sat down. Except for Vince and Emma, who disappeared through a swinging door Kaydee assumed was the kitchen. A second later, they returned with their arms full of steaming dishes. She offered to help but was shot down by the smiling couple, and soon she was asking and answering questions while eating a plateful of delicious food.
When they were nearly done, Brick leaned around Leo to grin at her. “Are you responsible for turning him back into a man?”
Stone choked on a mouthful of food, and Emma spewed her iced tea all over poor Jovy, who unfortunately happened to be seated across from her. Jovy just laughed as she wiped the tea off her face and neck, and good-naturedly insisted Emma not worry about it.
Grateful she had nothing in her mouth at the time, Kaydee picked up on the teasing tone and smiled at Brick. “Trust me. Leo’s all man. Always has been.”
Leo’s hand settled on her leg and squeezed while he and the others chuckled.
“Actually, Kaydee,” Beth said, craning her head around Brick to look at her. “I was dying to ask you about Leo’s hair, too, just in a nicer way than my handsome goof. Are you responsible for the gorgeous cut?”
The compliment brought a flush of heat to her face. “Yes,” she answered. “Leo stopped by the rec center to support me during our first haircut clinic.”
“Haircut clinic?” Brick frowned at her. “Is that where you teach him to cut hair?”
She chuckled. “No.” Then explained the concept to everyone, including how Leo was responsible for encouraging her to submit the proposal in the first place.
“So you and your friend cut hair for free, and the customers leave a donation and all the proceeds go to support a cause?” Stone asked.
“Yes.” She nodded.
“I freakin’ love that.” Jovy’s gaze was bright as she smiled at her. “Would you consider doing that here? Not for charity. Just free haircuts for the vets. But we’d pay you, of course.”
“Oh, I couldn’t take any money,” she said with a shake of her head. Fiona wouldn’t want to, either. “But I’d be happy to donate my time, and I’m sure my friend would, too. So…sure.”
Stone shook his head. “No. We’ll pay you.”
“But I wouldn’t feel right,” she insisted.
“Neither would I,” Jovy said. “Use the money as an investment toward your friend’s shop.”
