Page 41 of No Bones About It

What would GG say? Probably not much. She’d simply lift an eyebrow and wait for Kimi to make the realization that most people wanted to help. So, she’d trust in the FBI, and let some of the anxiety go.

Not all of it because that simply wasn’t possible.

Feeling more grounded, Kimi cleaned up and moved through her property, checking on the animals and reminding herself she was helping the universe in her own way.

When Garrett walked into her office, she was feeding the bunnies. “Hey.”

He kissed her hair and sat beside her. “How are they doing?”

She picked up the last one and snuggled him in. “I think they’re all going to be okay. Even the tiny ones are eating well.”

“That’s good news. Do you think it would be okay to leave them for a few hours?”

She laughed. “They’ll be fine. They’re mostly going to sleep and eat for a few days. Where’s Olaf?”

“He’s hanging out with the horses for a minute. Are you ready?”

“For what?”

“I’ve got a surprise. Come on.”

She wanted to question Garrett but he was grinning like he had the best secret, so she just followed along. Over on his property, two new horses were saddled in the paddock separate from Kitty and the geldings.

“You got more horses?”

He grinned. “Just loaners for tonight. Troy knew someone who didn’t mind lending them to us for a few hours. Are you up for a ride?”

Kimi’s heart dissolved into a pile of gloop. If the smudging hadn’t brought her back to center, this would have done the trick.

She tugged him down for a long kiss. “Thank you. This is perfect.”

The new geldings, Socks and Mittens, were happy to walk off through the fields and into the forest beyond. They followed a well-worn trail that Kimi had hiked before. Olaf, wrapped in a blanket, rested on the saddle with Garrett, the mild pace not a problem for his stitches. The dog watched the scenery with interest as he snuggled with his new best friend. Kimi wondered if Olaf had ever been happier. And she wondered the same about herself.

Sporadic lighting kept the path safe for the horses as they moved higher and higher up the side of the mountain.

When the trail widened at a grove with a spectacular view, they looped the horses to some trees near a stream where they could drink.

Garrett unloaded a saddlebag and pulled out a blanket. He set it on the ground where they could check out the view. Olaf rested at the edge.

Then Garrett pulled out an insulated bag filled with cheese and fruit. Sandwiches and a container filled with pasta salad. Healthy treats for the dog.

Delighted, she laughed. “You’ve been busy.”

He shrugged. “Fiona’s place is fully stocked for picnic emergencies. I figured after the last few days, we could both use a little downtime.”

Her heart went squishy again. He was showing her she hadn’t broken them with her actions. Not only would they be okay, but he and Marcus would be okay.

She tugged him into a kiss. “You’re a pretty special man, Garrett.”

He grinned against her lips. “Glad you think so.”

The sun slid behind the mountains as they nibbled on the food and chatted about anything and everything.

When they finished, she packed the last container into the bag but took Garrett’s hand when he started to rise. “Not yet.”

He smiled and settled back down beside her, long legs stretched out in front of him. Kimi lifted to her knees and straddled him.

His smile widened, and his hands moved to her waist. She reached up to take his Stetson off and set it to the side. “We’re about to do some serious kissing. Don’t want to ruin the hat.”

---