Page 698 of Not Over You

“The best,” Piper answered. “I’ve always wanted to ride a horse.”

I glanced over my shoulder at them, and my heart warmed. They both had beaming smiles on their faces, and I hoped we could have more moments like this in the future.

Liv’s eyes met mine, holding my gaze for several seconds. I loved seeing her so happy, and I was grateful she was back in my life. If I was dreaming, I never wanted to wake up.

“You know your mom used to ride horses all the time when we were in high school. She spent most of her free time on a horse.”

“You did?” Piper asked.

Liv chuckled. “Yes. Your dad taught me. My horse still lives here in the stable with Buttercup. Her name is Star.”

“Do you think you can teach me how to ride, Mr. Lincoln?” Piper asked.

“Of course. I can also teach you everything about the farm; how to milk cows, take care of the animals, make ice cream.”

“You know how to make ice cream?” Piper exclaimed, her voice practically a squeal.

I nodded, suppressing a laugh. “Yep. I think we have a batch ready if you’d like to get some after your ride.”

Piper smiled. “Okay.”

We went around the corral a few more times before finally stopping. I helped Piper and Liv get down, then turned to the Andrews. “I promised Piper some of our homemade ice cream. I hope that’s okay.”

Emily raised her eyebrows. “You make ice cream here?”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am. We use fresh milk from our cows and churn it by hand.”

“That’s impressive,” Tim commented with a grin.

“Well, my mom deserves most of the credit. It’s her recipe. I just do the grunt work.”

My mom laughed. “It’s a family effort. Just like everything else on this farm.”

“I have to say that this has been a wonderful experience. This farm is amazing, and the hospitality you’ve shown us is remarkable,” Emily observed.

“Well, you’re family,” my father stated, putting an arm around my mom. “You’re always welcome here.”

Tim and Emily glanced at each other with a bit of shock on their faces. “We, uh, we really appreciate that,” Tim stammered, taken aback. “Thank you.”

“Now, let’s go get that ice cream,” my mom said, extending her hand to Piper.

Piper eagerly grabbed my mom’s hand, and they led the way to the house.

Liv and I hung behind, walking hand in hand.

“I don’t think they expected your parents to be so welcoming,” Liv commented.

“I was surprised myself. But I’m glad they’re supportive.”

Liv sighed. “I wish I could say the same for mine.”

“Still no progress on that front?”

She shook her head. “You know how my dad is. I tried to make peace, but he’s still stubborn as all hell.”

“Did you tell him about Piper?” I asked. I couldn’t believe that he would still be against meeting his own granddaughter after so long.

“I didn’t get a chance to. We were arguing almost as soon as I walked in the door. I left and haven’t been back when he’s there.”

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