“Five ten,” she answered immediately.
“Ransom might be a little small for you then. He’s only fourteen two. Let’s put you on Luna instead.” Mal pursed his lips. “Marielle, how do you feel about being on a big horse?”
I jumped in, knowing Marielle’s thought process. “Niko is so solid, he won’t spook at anything. But he is big.”
She glanced at me, studied me, then turned back to Mal. “I guess I don’t care about being up high as long as I don’t fall off.”
He nodded like that made sense. “Niko it is. Carter, you good with Ruger?”
“Yep.” I’d been taking all my lessons on her and she had spirit, but we got along well. I figured I could manage a free ride with her, especially since Mal would be right there.
“Okay. Mike I already know you want Talia. And Jaina’s ready for a ride, so I’m all set. Gem, you coming along?”
She bounced on her toes. “Yes! I brought Noemie down, and she’s hanging out with Ramona.” She turned to me. “I brought her down so you could show off your girl. She’s just over here. I can get Noemie tacked up while you introduce Ramona to Marielle and Elisa.”
I rubbed my hands together. “Let me show you my girl.”
The ladies were definitely walking a bit funny, and Marielle’s hair was windswept. But they both enjoyed the ride immensely. I thought Elisa would want to do it again before they left in a couple of weeks. Marielle was harder to gauge. I knew she’d had fun, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was one and done.
We left the horses with Lovett and Tommy for cool down, grooming, and getting turned out. I’d been willing to stay and do my part, but Mike shook his head.
“This time it's okay. My wife is waiting for us.” He gave me a pointed look.
I was still learning all the ins and outs of the way this ranch, and more specifically, this family worked. But one thing I’d quickly figured out was that Jenn ruled the roost. She did it lovingly and kindly, but she was in charge. Especially when it came to family time and meals. No one liked to go against her for fear of disappointing her. Just Mike’s look had me picking up my pace.
The house was loud when we entered, everyone else already having arrived. I took in the chaos that was this brunch. The center island was absolutely loaded with food and the diningroom table had been extended even further. To be honest, I hadn’t thought it was possible but it could easily sit twenty people. We weren’t quite at that number, but it was close.
Mike immediately waded in, heading straight for the little ones. Payton and Aria were already seated, Pay eating slowly and Aria smashing her hands in the food on her tray. Some of it was making it into her mouth. Emery was sacked out on the couch with one of the newborns on his chest. Bodhi had the other one cradled in one arm, the infant nearly swallowed up by his bicep. He was frowning at whatever Fern was saying and she didn’t look too happy either. Demi was practically making love to her cup of coffee while leaning against Luke.
Jenn was suddenly in front of us, and introductions happened again, before she whisked Marielle and Elisa away to the island so they could make their own plates. I glanced around again, looking for Hawk. Then I felt a hand at my back. I turned, and just seeing him made me grin. I wanted to reach out and haul him into my arms, but we hadn’t discussed PDA in front of his family.
He studied me for a second, gaze fixed on my face, then gave a single nod as though he’d come to a decision. He pushed himself right into my arms, and I didn’t hesitate to squeeze him tightly, letting out a sigh.
“I missed you,” I murmured into his hair, glad to be holding him.
“Me too,” he whispered back, then he stepped back and popped the quickest of kisses on my mouth.
For a split second, silence descended. I was too scared to turn but it was clear no one missed the action. Then Jenn made a noise, something between a throat clearing and a chastisement, and sound exploded once more. Hawk’s shoulders relaxed and he offered me his smirky smile.
“Come eat.”
It didn’t take long for us to fix our plates, and then I somehow found myself seated between Hawk and Fern. I was distracted for a moment as Hawk slid his hand onto my thigh, fingers playing with the inseam. Then he squeezed before removing his hand. I wanted it back, but maybe dinner with his family wasn’t the best place to play.
Needing to distract myself, I scooped up a bite of French toast and unconsciously listened in on Fern and Bodhi’s conversation.
“I mean, I’m so glad the social media posts have legs,” she said around a bite of food. She’d tucked it into her cheek, but finished chewing and swallowed, before she continued. “But this is the second time someone has just shown up. The first time, I explained and they left. This time, not so much.”
“What’s this now?” I asked, leaning in a little. At the same time, I slid my foot sideways to bump up against Hawk’s.
“Entitled people being entitled,” Bodhi ground out.
“Bode,” Fern said on a sigh. “That’s not fair.”
“I don’t give a shit about fair. Just because they see it on social media doesn’t mean they have the right to come onto private property and demand pictures and a tour.” Bodhi’s voice was almost a growl and the baby in his arms let out a tiny mewl before settling again. Bodhi pointed his fork at the infant. “See? Phinneas agrees.”
I had to laugh at that but turned my attention to Fern. “Tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s sort of like what Bodhi said.” She ate some eggs and then explained. “The social media accounts are taking off and people are loving it. Especially the stuff with the guys and the horses. A few weeks ago, a couple showed up thinking they could just walk around. But when I explained that it was private property, they were apologetic and left.”
