Page 12 of The Darkest Knight

CHAPTER THREE

Coming back from taking care of his horse, Tribal, Seth saw his friend’s truck parked in front of his cabin. Thomas “Ledge” Moore was a Ranger who’d moved here after he’d been medically discharged and Seth had given him a piece of land on Landing Knight. Ledge and his wife, Isla, had built a small house and started a business. Seth liked having his buddy close, especially when Isla sent over baskets of fresh vegetables from their garden, honey from their combs, and fresh baked pies.

Ledge was sitting on the porch, rocking, his legs stretched and he had on his usual worn denim overalls. Sitting next to him was a basket full of cucumbers, peppers, bib lettuce, and a pie wrapped in plastic wrap. Seth’s mouth watered.

“Tell Isla she’s spoiling me. Which fruit?”

“Blackberry. Who else is she going to share all this with?” Their only son had died at the age of ten from a rare disease and now they lived alone.

“Tell her thank you. Can I get you a beer?”

“Sure. I could stand one.”

Seth grabbed two bottles and came back, handing one to Ledge and he popped the lid off his. He took a long guzzle and sat down in the empty rocker, his gaze automatically heading toward the direction of the occupied cabin further up the lane. It was far enough away for privacy, yet close enough that if she stepped out, he’d catch a glimpse of her. The other cabins were located farther up the hill, out of sight.

“It looks like you have company. That’s a mighty pretty guest compared to the other visitors you normally get out here.” Ledge laughed.

Seth settled his beer against his thigh, bringing his gaze to his friend. “You saw her?”

“Hard to miss. She was out on the porch when I first got here.”

“She’s here about an investment.” Seth didn’t mind sharing the information with his buddy. Seth had even thought about asking Ledge to help with the project, that is if Seth decided to jump in on the investment. He hadn’t quite made up his mind yet. He liked his quiet life. Enjoyed knowing what each day would bring, from the time he got up to the time he went to bed. Except today had thrown a hiccup into his schedule. He certainly hadn’t expected a beautiful woman to show up at his door.

“What’s she selling?”

“She wants me to invest in a project that trains service dogs for veterans with seizures brought on by a head injury.”

Ledge nodded. “That’s actually an interesting project. Did you say yes?”

“Not yet.” He picked at the beer bottle’s label.

“Then why is she here?”

Seth turned his gaze back to the cabin. The sun was shining brightly and reflecting off the roof. He had to narrow his eyes to get a better look. “I’m still deciding.”

“I want to share some news with you. Isla’s pregnant.”

Seth witnessed the biggest smile his friend had worn since he’d known him. “Congratulations, man. That’s amazing. I didn’t know that you two were trying…I mean, to get pregnant.”

“We weren’t. Isla just turned forty last month and I’m not as active as I once was, but obviously, we’re not the ones in charge.” He smoothed his hand down his thigh. “You know, we tried for years, even up till a few years ago, but with no luck. Then we just didn’t think about it any longer, resigning to the fact that it wasn’t meant to be. Yet, here we are.”

“How is Isla taking the news?”

“Oh, she’s ecstatic. A little scared, but optimistic.”

“It’ll all work out, buddy. If there’s anything either of you need, you know all you have to do is ask and it’s done.” Seth respected Ledge and his wife and would do anything to help.

“I should go. I told Isla I wouldn’t be long.” Ledge stood, adjusted his cap on his bald head and set the unfinished beer on the small glass table. “You enjoy your company, you hear?” He wagged his brows.

“Business only, my friend.” After his friend pulled away, Seth saw the subject of interest step out onto the porch, watching her hang several articles of clothing over the rail. Her hair was down and the long strands were caught up in the slight breeze, carrying it away from her cheeks and shoulders. Abby ran into the yard and Reese followed to throw a ball. The sunlight caught her a certain way that silhouetted her body.

He brought the beer to his lips and drained most of it in one gulp.

Ledge was completely right, she was a lot different than his normal guests. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a woman out here at Landing Knight.

Feeling tension in his gut, he stood, grabbed the basket and went inside, whistling for Spike who was stretched out on the top step. He popped up and followed Seth.

He wasn’t sure what he’d been thinking by inviting her to dinner, but in his defense, she was out here in the middle of nowhere, with no car, and she needed to eat. He could have easily taken her dinner over to her cabin, just as he had lunch, but the invitation had practically fallen off his lips. He wasn’t much of a host and most of his company wasn’t high maintenance. Grilling up a couple of steaks, throwing a couple of potatoes in the microwave, and dinner would be served. But he had a feeling, even though she’d seen some MREs in her lifetime, she expected a bit more from him than his buddies would. He guessed he should use the plates from the cabinet instead of paper plates.

---