Page 58 of Holiday Hire

"I guess we'll find out." He shoots me a smile.

My butterflies take off. Since yesterday morning, he's been more relaxed. It's a nice change from his usual scowl, but every time he grins, my flutters have a party in my stomach.

"This is heavy," Mason says with a grunt.

Alexander mocks, "Need me to carry it myself so you don't hurt your muscles?"

"Ha ha," Mason replies, then steps toward the door.

They exit, and all of us follow.

They put the can on the trailer that is hooked up to a double-seated ATV.

"Where are the kids?" I question, gazing across the ranch.

"Jagger, Sebastian, and Dad took them down to the lake on the horses," Alexander informs me.

"Ah." I glance at the horses several feet away, tied to the fence post. Each one has a saddle and bridle, ready to ride.

Since the first day I arrived, Alexander hasn't pushed me to ride a horse again, but I always feel like it's coming.

He teases, "Don't worry. I'll let you ride in the ATV with me."

I arch my eyebrows. "You're not riding your horse?"

He shrugs. "Nah, there's a lot on this trailer, and it can be hard to maneuver through the woods. It's best if I don't make you attempt it. Unless you have previous experience hauling a trailer?" His lips twitch.

I shake my head. "Nope."

He points to the passenger seat. "Then I'll drive. Get in."

I don't argue. I slide onto the seat, and he goes around the vehicle. Mason, Ruby, and Willow leap onto their horses. Paisley, Ava, and Evelyn get into the other ATV.

We make our way through the wooded area to the lake. Alexander's scent flares between us, and I wonder if there will ever come a day when it doesn't intoxicate me.

We whiz past trees. Then he slows, ordering, "Hold on, Phoebe, there's a bumpy patch."

I reach for the side rail, and he guides us over the pitted dirt road. He speeds up again and steers the ATV around the final bend.

The lake appears. The sun glistens over the sparkling water, and the sound of country music grows louder. The kids run along the shore, chasing each other and playing tag.

"Your family really knows how to step up for a little party," I comment, amazed at how the Cartwrights put all this together in such a short amount of time.

He shoots me his dazzling grin and chuckles as he parks the ATV. "One thing we know how to do is represent on the party front."

"Looks like it," I agree, then get out of the vehicle.

Alexander adds, "Also, this is Texas. Go big or go home is our motto."

I laugh. "I don't think Texas would be disappointed with this setup."

The others arrive behind us. Alexander and Mason haul the trash can to the bonfire site. Then Alexander grabs the lighter fluid and douses the kindling and wood. He hands me a box of matches. "Your party, your fire."

I take the matches, open the box, and pick a stick. I strike it along the side of the box and then toss it in the pit.

A flame erupts, and he grabs the side of the can. Mason grabs the other, and they put it on top of the metal grill.

Alexander asks, "What now?"

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