Page 53 of Better Together

“You bet we did.”

Ben ran out of the bedroom with Abby trailing behind. “Can we please go out on the ranch today?”

Colt looked at Remi. “What do you think?”

“Why don’t you take them, and I’ll move their stuff in,” Remi said.

Ridge raised a hand. “I’ll go with Colt and the kids.”

“And I’ll help out here,” Jess said.

Colt chuckled. “Divide and conquer. I guess that’s a yes, guys.”

Ben and Abby shouted together and ran toward the door.

“Coats!” Remi shouted. “They’re in the truck. Wear them!”

Colt stepped up to her and leaned in. How could he make it seem like they were the only people in the room when their friends were three feet away?

“I’ll bring the stuff in before we leave. And you don’t have to work all day. It’s been a long week. You deserve a break.”

Remi rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide a grin. “You’re such a dork acting like I’m delicate. Have I ever needed a break?”

“No, but it doesn’t mean you won’t need a break at some point. Things are about to get crazy.”

Boy, did she know it. Every second was touch and go now that they were basically parents. “I’ll let you know if I need a break.”

Colt leaned down another inch. “Promise?”

Close. Too close. This position was reminiscent of the wedding kiss that she’d been replaying all week. “Promise,” she whispered.

“Okay. We’ll be back in time for supper.”

Jess pointed to the fridge. “The church made sure you had dinner covered for the rest of the week, and there are four casseroles in the freezer.”

Colt whooped. “That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout. Those women know how to cook.”

Remi checked her watch. “You have two hours, then. Get going.”

Colt clapped a hand on her shoulder. “It’s a date.”

He walked around her and out the door, leaving her stunned and ridiculously shaken by a shoulder slap. Friends did that! So, why was she all tingly from a friend gesture?

“Well, things just got real,” Jess said.

“Tell me about it. I’m a mom!”

“And a wife. Can’t forget that.”

Remi pushed a hand over her hair, remembering her messy ponytail. “I won’t be getting any awards in that department.”

“You know, marriage gives you a free pass to change things between you and Colt. If that’s what you want.”

Remi sighed and looked down at the ring on her finger. What did their marriage really mean? Would they move from friends to lovers and live happily ever after? Or would she sabotage everything? Would he resent her if she couldn’t give him her heart the way he wanted?

“I don’t know how to love,” Remi said.

“It’s no wonder. Your parents were whack jobs.”

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