“You’re very inquisitive this evening. I’m just curious.” I cross my arms and turn toward the window, watching the farmland roll by.
My parents didn’t move to the city this time. They wanted more land. So now we’re out here among all the farms even though we’re not actual farmers. It’s quieter out here than in the city of Willowbrook. More peaceful. Less hectic.
“Congrats on the belt. I haven’t seen you since you won. Speaking of, where’ve you been staying?”
He checks the rearview mirror. “Nowhere.”
His smirk says otherwise. Probably seeing someone or multiple someones.
“One day a woman’s going to knock you on your a—butt.”
“I’d like to see that.” He laughs as though that’s the most absurd idea in the world.
We drive in silence, and I try not to obsess over whether Nash will see some resemblance to Bennett when he meets Leia. The secret I’m carrying feels heavier with every mile. I brought Leia back here to feel safe, to be herself again, and today is about giving my daughter the chance to do something she loved back in California.
Levi drives under the gateway sign with the horseshoe on it that reads Plain Daisy Ranch. He turns off onto the road that leads around to the stables. I spent a good portion of my childhood on this ranch, and even though I come to The Perfect Petal every day, it’s on the outer edge of the ranch. I’ve avoided venturing deeper in, afraid that too many memories would crush me.
The second Leia spots the corral, she squeals.
“That’s my girl. No scaredy-cat like your mom.” Levi beams, proud she shares his love for horses.
“I hope Wren comes,” Leia says.
Levi stops the truck. My heart stops too.
“Is she coming?” I ask, forcing my voice to stay level.
Leia shrugs. “She said she was going to convince her dad.”
“That would be fun, wouldn’t it, Laney?” Levi’s got a grin that screams mischief. He knows something.
“Duh.” She shakes her head at him.
He laughs and climbs out of the truck, raising a hand to Nash where he stands by the fence. Nash is cute—rugged, tall, blond hair always tucked under a hat, with eyebrows that are darker than his mop of hair. He looks as if he was born to wear tight Wranglers. I’m pretty sure he has a thing for Poppy, but as far as I know, they’ve never crossed the line.
Levi helps Leia out while my thoughts spin. Her face lights up as though I just gave her an extra hour before bedtime.
“Mom, look!” She gasps and points at two ponies circling the corral.
Levi hoists her onto his shoulders and jogs the rest of the way to Nash. Her joy is contagious, and for a moment, I forget why I was so worried about bringing her here.
“Wren!” she shouts.
A dark-haired girl steps out from the stables wearing riding boots and a helmet.
Levi can’t get Leia down quickly enough, and the two girls run toward one another, clinging to each other like long-lost friends. Levi glances over his shoulder at me, but I’m already staring at the barn entrance.
“Wren wouldn’t stop begging me,” Nash explains. “Bennett’s not home tonight, so I figured I’d tire her out. Poppy might swing by though.”
My anxiety eases that I only have to worry about Nash or Poppy seeing some kind of resemblance. Even though I’ve compared their pictures a million times. If someone knew, they might see it, but according to everyone, she’s my mini-me.
Leia and Wren run back over to me, and Leia introduces me. The second I look at Wren beside my daughter, I see enough similarities that I’m not sure how anyone hasn’t noticed.
“You’re the only one who can do braids like my aunt Briar,” Wren says. Her hair sticks out of her helmet, unbraided.
“That’s why Leia is always coming home and asking me for specific braids, I guess.” I squat down. “Want me to braid your hair now so it doesn’t bother you?”
“Yes please!” She rushes to the picnic table and sits on the bench, waiting patiently for me.
