Page 21 of Open Arms

10

Mason

The gravel crunchedunder my boots as I stepped out of my truck, taking in the sight of Sunshine Acres. I let out a low whistle. “I still can’t get over how nice this place looks.”

Walker chuckled beside me. “Somethin’, ain’t it?”

The old farmhouse next to Red Downs had undergone a complete transformation in the past two years. The weathered wood siding was now a cheery yellow, with crisp white trim around the windows. A sprawling porch wrapped around the front, dotted with rocking chairs and potted plants. It looked like something out of a magazine.

“Eryn’s really worked her magic on this place,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

We climbed the porch steps, our boots clicking against the wood with each step. I reached for the door, but Walker beat me to it, flashing me a grin and holding it open for me.

“Age before beauty, Mase.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re only three years younger than me, smartass.”

Gray’s little brother was just as much my own kin at thispoint. And I loved him like a brother, but boy, sometimes I found myself wanting to strangle the charming bastard.

We stepped inside, the main reception area bustling with business. A line of folks waited patiently at the front desk, carrying totes and yoga mats. Others sat in fluffy chairs and sipped water with lemon and—was that cucumber?—out of crystal tumblers. A group of silver-haired ladies in white fluffy robes walked past us and disappeared behind a door with a sign that said “Quiet Space.”

It sure was like a whole ‘nother world, but I was happy to see Eryn making such a difference here. This town needed some new life breathed into it. But I had to admit I was a little shocked her retreat was this busy on a Tuesday morning.

Walker caught the eye of a red-haired girl behind the counter. “Hey Jessie. Mind telling Eryn we’re here when you get a chance? We’ll wait outside.”

She nodded and picked up the phone, then smoothly ask the next person in line to step forward, and we made our way back outside.

As we waited for Eryn, I leaned against the porch railing, taking in the view of the rolling hills beyond. The scent of lavender drifted on the breeze.

“Can you believe how much has changed ‘round here?” Walker mused, his blue eyes scanning the horizon.

I nodded, thinking back to the sleepy town I’d grown up in. “Whittier Falls sure ain’t what it used to be. But I reckon that’s a good thing.”

“You got that right,” Walker agreed. “Between Eryn’s retreat and our new offerings at the ranch, we’re puttin’ this place on the map.”

A surge of pride swelled in my chest. We’d come a long way from just being a couple of reckless ranch hands.

“Remember when the most exciting thing in town was watchin’ the train roll through?” I quipped.

Walker threw his head back and laughed. “Or countin’ the cars that drove through Main Street?”

We both chuckled, caught up in the nostalgia. But truth be told, I wouldn’t trade our little town for anywhere else in the world. It was home, plain and simple.

“Imma grab me one of them fancy waters,” Walker said, disappearing inside again.

A minute later, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. I straightened up, ready to talk business. But a flash of blonde hair caught my eye, and suddenly, I couldn’t look away. Through the glass door, I saw Chloe walking down the hall with Eryn, her blue eyes bright as she talked animatedly about something. My heart did a little flip in my chest.

“Well, I’ll be,” I muttered under my breath.

Chloe’s hands were moving as she spoke, her delicate fingers tracing patterns in the air. She hadn’t noticed us yet, too wrapped up in her conversation with Eryn. It was nice to see her so at ease, a far cry from the shy woman I’d first met.

As they approached, I straightened up, pulling the door open for them, but trying to look casual. “Afternoon, ladies,” I called out, tipping my hat. “Hope we ain’t interruptin’ anythin’ important.”

Chloe’s eyes widened slightly as she noticed me, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. “Oh, hi Mason,” she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Oh shoot,” Eryn said, “I forgot the tablet with all the plans. Give me one moment. I’ll be right back.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “Fancy meetin’ you here, Chloe. You come here often?” I winked, hoping my lame attempt at humor would put her at ease.

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