“What?”
“What?” Nash took the steps up into his parents’ house.
“You sound pissed.”
“My horse could have died!” he snapped at his brother.
“Get that, but he’s not, and you should be relieved about that.”
“Rebel nearly died because of those photos. I should have known better.” Nash stalked down the hall. “You guys have had press calling and showing up. It’s stopping now.”
“Because you and Luna were in that picture. Bound to happen, bro, if you’re into her. Things will cool down given time.”
“I don’t know if I want to give them time,” he said, walking into the dining room where his parents sat. His mom was on her phone doing something, and his father was reading the newspaper.
“Nash. I’m so sorry about Rebel.” His mom got up and hugged him.
“I’m sorry about this sh-stuff you’ve had to deal with.” His mom did not tolerate swearing in the house.
“It was quite exciting. But I’m angry.”
“You have every right to be, Mom. I’ll make sure they don’t get near you again.”
“I’m not angry about the reporters, dear,” she said, patting his cheek. “I’m angry that clearly you and that lovely girl have gotten close, and you never brought her for a visit.”
His mother wore a pair of loose cotton trousers and a shirt, like she always did when she was in the house or out on the ranch. Maggie had her coloring.
“What?”
“Luna McKinley seems a nice girl from what I’ve read, and clearly you and she have been getting down to business—”
“Jesus, Mom!”
“Do not cuss like that in this house.” She swatted his arm. “All I’m saying is you haven’t been involved with anyone since that horrid, self-obsessed Kirsty. And Maggs said Luna is lovely.”
“She lives in Chicago,” he said, wondering if his mother understood that.
“People relocate, dear.”
“She’s a social media… person.” He looked at his brother.
“Influencer,” Ford supplied.
“That. And she’s famous and rich. Her life is there; mine is here.”
“Son.” His father lowered his newspaper. “Let me ask you a question.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t sure why he felt he needed to sit, but he did. Nash shot a look at Ford, but he was heading into the kitchen.
“Do you love that girl?”
The silence in the room was suddenly absolute. The only sound came from Ford, who walked back in and lowered a mug of steaming coffee to the table before him. Nash wrapped his fingers around it letting the heat burn into them.
“It’s a yes or no answer,” his father added calmly.
He looked at the man who had taught him pretty much everything he knew about being a man.
“Okay, clearly that’s a difficult one for you, so we’ll work back to it,” his father said. “When you see her, does your day just get a whole lot better?”