Page 11 of Curvy Girl and the Ex-Military Cowboy

Her words offer more comfort than she probably realizes. "Thank you, Charlotte."

"For what it's worth," she adds with a gentle smile, "I think you're good for him. I haven't seen Aaron talk this much since I've known him."

The door opens and Aaron emerges, now wearing a clean button-down shirt and jeans. He's even combed his hair.

"Ready when you are," he calls, then notices Charlotte. "Everything okay?"

"Just girl talk," Charlotte says lightly. "I was telling Elena about the best places to shop in Cedar Falls, which will take approximately three minutes to cover."

Aaron laughs, a rugged sound that transforms his serious face. "That's generous. More like ninety seconds."

"Enjoy your dinner," Charlotte says, giving me a subtle wink before heading back toward the house. "Don't rush back on account of the inquisition squad."

As she walks away, Aaron comes to stand beside me. "What was that about?"

"She was just being welcoming," I say, not wanting to divulge our entire conversation. "I think she understands what it's like to be new here."

He nods, seeming relieved. "Charlotte's good people. She was the first person outside the family Vincent trusted with Lily after his ex left."

This piques my interest. "Lily's mother left?"

Aaron's expression darkens slightly. "When Lily was four. Decided motherhood and ranch life weren't for her after all. Moved to the city, sends birthday cards sometimes."

The hurt in his voice isn't for himself, I realize, but for his niece and brother. This family's bonds run deep, forged through shared pain and loyalty.

"Shall we go?" he asks, gesturing toward a black pickup truck parked nearby.

As we drive toward town, I watch the landscape roll by, processing everything from this extraordinary day. I came here prepared for awkwardness, for a clinical attempt at building a partnership. I wasn't ready for the emotional complexity of Aaron Covington, or for how quickly I would find myself caring about his well-being.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Aaron asks, glancing briefly away from the road.

"I'm just... taking it all in," I reply honestly. "It's been quite a day."

He grimaces slightly. "Not exactly the smooth introduction I had planned. I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be," I tell him. "Meeting your family helps me understand you better."

"That's a terrifying thought," he says, but there's humor in his voice.

"They love you," I observe. "That speaks well of you."

Aaron seems embarrassed by this, shifting slightly in his seat. “They're overprotective, that's what they are.”

"Because they've seen you hurting," I say softly. "And they couldn't fix it."

His hands tighten on the steering wheel. "I don't need fixing."

"That's not what I meant," I clarify. "Some things can't be fixed. They can only be carried. Your family wants to help carry your burdens, but they don't know how."

Aaron is quiet for so long I worry I've overstepped. Finally, he says, "You're pretty perceptive for someone who's known us less than a day."

"I'm a good observer," I reply. "It comes with being naturally quiet."

"Except today," he points out. "You weren't so quiet with me earlier."

I feel a blush warming my cheeks. "No, I wasn't. That's... unusual for me."

"I liked it," he says simply.

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