Page 8 of Spring Forward

As much as I wanted her, I’m not going to scare her off too quickly. Maybe the first time I snarl at her like a bear with a thorn in my paw. She doesn’t make me want to rage at the world though; maybe there’s hope for me yet.

Hearing a little bit about August and what they’ve been through together after losing their parents had my heart breaking for them. It doesn’t make sense, but I want to be their safe harbor. I want to give them a chance to breathe and bask in the stars blanketing the sky. Underneath those same stars, I want to watch them put down roots and revel in the way they grow deep and strong.

After getting out of the shower, my thoughts filled with Delaney, I rush through getting dressed. Today is going to be a big day and my body feels like it’s on fire with the need to set eyes on my woman again. Is this how Fletcher felt when he and Eden got together all those years ago?

I always wondered, but I couldn’t relate. Watching him barely holding it together over the years as he tried to muddle through without her in his life was painful. I had to bite my tongue from telling him to get over it and move the fuck on, something Huxley was infinitely worse at than me. But I get it now.

The thought of Delaney packing up, pulling up stakes, and heading on to another contract has my gut clenching and my fists balling at my sides. Having to watch it happen? I sure as fuck know I wouldn’t be able to do so with grace.

It’s probably a good thing no one has ever accused me of being graceful.

I’m not surprised to find Huxley standing at the kitchen counter when I walk into the kitchen. What I am surprised to find is August and Delaney there as well. I can’t help but smile the moment I see her. When I glance at my brother, his eyebrows are up at his hairline as he studies me.

I swear I can see the moment a lightbulb goes off in his head. His eyes widen and he looks between us like he’s watching afucking tennis match even though we’re standing still. My soul settles deeper inside me as I take in Delaney sipping her coffee.

She looks relaxed and like she belongs here. I can’t help but smirk at the way she’s intently watching August while he’s eating a bowl of cereal. We don’t always cook a big breakfast together; it just depends on who is around and what we have planned for the day. A lot of oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, and frozen waffles are eaten around here for breakfast.

Dinner is another matter. We always make sure to have dinner together and rotate the responsibility of cooking. Thankfully, Huxley wasn’t in charge of cooking last night. Talk about a horrible introduction to Limitless Ranch for Delaney and August if he had been the one with the job.

“You didn’t offer to cook our guests breakfast, Hux?” I can’t help but tease him.

Delaney holds her cup in front of her mouth to hide her smile as Huxley glares at me and August giggles. Last night at dinner, our newest additions to the ranch were warned to stay far away from the kitchen and the table if Huxley is involved with cooking.

“You know it isn’t like that around here in the morning,” my baby brother mumbles as he pouts.

“It’s okay Huxley,” Delaney’s sweet voice fills the room, and I have to press my hands against the top of the counter to keep myself in place. “I’m not good in the kitchen either and I’ve tried.”

August looks at his sister with a sly smile. “And it’s been a disaster every time,” he drawls slowly.

The look she shoots her brother is withering, but he only grins wider, not at all afraid. With a shrug, he puts his attention back to the bowl of cereal after throwing a grin my way.

“I’m going to get a yogurt and fruit bowl together. Can I make one for you Freckles?”

Delaney’s eyes swing my direction and widen. I can see heat in the depths of her gaze and as much as I want nothing more than to answer it, now isn’t the time. Not yet. Soon, though.

I won’t be able to hold myself back for long.

“What about me?” Huxley whines next to me.

I nod toward August and shrug. “I know how much you enjoy cereal. You’re the reason we have to stock up regularly with the family size boxes.” I scrunch my face up and admonish him, “You could at least choose one of the healthy ones, but you always go for the ones full of sugar.”

“They’re delicious,” he defends himself. He waves a hand toward August. “Aug-man likes it too.”

“It’s good,” August agrees right on cue.

Delaney rolls her eyes and ignores the two jokesters in our midst. “I’d love some yogurt and fruit.”

I wink at my woman before turning to get everything together. Warmth spreads through my chest because I’m providing for her, feeding her. We already talked around dinner last night about food allergies, but since there are none, I don’t have to worry.

Watching her eyes light up the moment I set breakfast in front of my woman makes me feel a sense of satisfaction that almost knocks me onto the floor. It’s something so simple and shouldn’tmake me feel so damn good, but it does. Every bite she takes only makes the feeling grow.

“Once Eden and Mack head over, we can go out to the office in the barn and get to work,” I offer Delaney.

She gives me a soft smile and looks toward August. “Are you still okay with hanging out with Eden and Mack today?”

August gives his sister a side eye which reminds me of Huxley when he was a teenager. “Mack is cool,” there’s genuine affection in his voice. “Eden said we’d bake some cookies. I’m going to help.”

“Just make sure helping doesn’t mean making a big mess,” Delaney’s voice is stern while managing to remain warm.

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