Page 72 of Take Me Home

She glances at me, and I nod, because I already knew that.

Blair hums.

“By the way, I’m going to ladies’ night at Bobcat’s with Blair and Hattie, so you boys are on your own for dinner.” Poppy worries her bottom lip. “Is that okay? There’s a pot roast in the crock pot. It’ll be ready at six.”

I huff a laugh. “Of course it’s okay…you should go out more often. I was planning on meeting the guys there tonight.” It’s only a half-lie…I hadn’t said no. But I certainly want to go if Hattie will be there. “Do you think Wayne will be okay watching Tripp?”

Poppy waves a hand. “Oh yeah, I’m sure they’ll watch Spirit and be just fine.” She pumps her eyebrows. “Look at you being social.” My sister turns to Blair. “This guy’s usually all work and no play.”

Blair laughs. “Well, then I guess you and Hattie are a match made in heaven.”

Her comment gives me pause. I forget Hattie is on vacation here, but back in California, she trains daily and travels often.

How the hell can we make this work between both of our schedules?

My nephew’s voice echoes across the corral as he runs to get to me. I turn just in time for him to wrap himself around my legs. “Uncle Linc! Miss Hattie taught me everything!”

Hattie chuckles. “Not everything.”

Tripp continues talking. “I practiced a flat seat, then a half seat. Miss Hattie said I’m a natural, and I have good…” he pauses, looking up at Hattie. “What was the word again?”

“Balance,” Hattie answers.

“Yeah, balance!” He releases my legs and sticks his hands in his jean pockets. “Then I took Dolly over a jump!”

I arch an eyebrow at Hattie, looking for confirmation.

She rolls her lips together to keep from laughing, and I ignore the pulse of desire that moves over me with the movement. “Well, we did pole work. The pole lies flat on the ground. But technically, a jump.”

Tripp removes his hands from his pockets and rests them on his hips. “Yep, a jump.”

Poppy laughs, hopping down from her perch. “Okay, Mister. Time to head home.”

Tripp turns and hugs Hattie tight around her legs, squeezing his eyes shut like he’s soaking up as much of the hug as he can. “Thank you so much, Miss Hattie.”

She smooths her hand over his messy hair. “You’re so welcome.”

He turns to Blair. “Nice meetin’ you, Miss Blair.

Blair smiles, climbing carefully down from the fence, then sticking her hand out in front of the five-year-old. “It was lovely meeting you as well, Tripp.”

He furrows his brow, staring at her hand. Finally, he brings his hand up and gives hers a steady shake.

Once Poppy and Tripp are out of ear shot, Hattie bursts out laughing.

“Did you seriously just shake the hand of a kindergartner, Blair? Have you never interacted with a child before?”

Blair gives Hattie a playful shove. “Hey! Not all of us are blessed with the nurturing gene, okay?”

Hattie pulls her friend into a tight hug. “You’re nurturing when you want to be.”

“Tripp is just about the cutest damn kid I’ve ever seen,” Blair says. “I think I could get used to being around kids if they were all cool like that.”

I barely hear her as I stare into Hattie’s green eyes. I’ve hardly seen her all day, and it should worry me how much I missed having her tagging along throughout my workday.

Blair clears her throat. “I’m going to get settled in the guest cabin.” She glances between the two of us, then walks toward the small cabin in the distance.

“Busy day, huh?” I ask once we’re alone.