Ijog down the porch steps and across to the exercise area. The look on Emma’s face when she spoke of missing Jacob and Jack is etched on my mind, and I can’t stay at the house any longer. That coupled with Jack wanting to talk tonight is enough to produce a million butterflies in my stomach. I know exactly what he wants to talk about. Us, and what happens next. I’m just not sure I’m ready to hear what he’s going to say. I’ve fallen hard for him, and I can only hope whatever he wants to say to me won’t break my heart.
“Hey, girl,” I whisper, stroking my hand gently down Misty’s nose. She’s a beautiful, fifteen hand, midnight black filly, and I know how excited Hope is to finally ride her. I mount her and coax her gently into a trot around the exercise area. She puts up a little resistance, and I lean down, patting her neck until she settles. She’s adapted well to having a rider, and although Hope will need to be supervised, I think she’s the perfect horse for her. I turn Misty back toward the ranch house and catch a glimpse of Jack and Libby heading toward Libby’s place. Jack raises his hand in a wave, and I smile and wave back. I hope Libby’s okay. I’ll go in and see her later. A few minutes later and I’m dismounting Misty when I see Jack reappear from Libby’s. He jogs over, meeting me at the entrance to the exercise area.
“Hey, baby. You about done?” He leans down and brushes his lips with mine.
“Yep. I think she’s had enough for today. I’m going to put her back in her stall.”
He reaches up and gently strokes her nose. “Can we take a walk?” His eyes slide to mine, and my heart races in my chest.
“Erm… sure. Just give me a few minutes.” He follows me into the stables and watches as I get Misty settled. Nerves swirl in my stomach, and I can’t help but wonder if his parents arriving has made him re-evaluate things. That, and his phone call earlier with Zara.
“Ready?” he asks as I close the stall door. I nod, and he takes my hand, guiding me outside. “Don’t look so worried.” He chuckles, squeezing my hand.
“What do you want to talk about?” We walk hand in hand up through the guest accommodations and away from the stables.
“Us.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Aria—” His phone rings loudly from the pocket of his pants and he sighs, closing his eyes. “Hold that thought,” he says as he pulls the phone from his pocket, frowning when he sees who’s calling.
“Mum, is everything okay?” His eyes widen, and he spins around. “But I just left her…. Okay, we’ll be right there.” He ends the call and starts tugging me back toward the ranch house.
“Is everything okay?” I ask as he pulls me along with him.
“Libby’s waters have broken, and they can’t get a hold of Mason. He’s up by the river and likely doesn’t have a signal. My mum’s panicking.”
“I’ll take Marley and go and get him,” I say, releasing his hand and running to the stables.
“Are you sure? I was going to take the truck.”
“I’ll be quicker on Marley. I can take the shortcut. Go and be with Lib.” He’s running alongside me and grabs my hand, pulling me to a stop.
“Thank you.” He lowers his head and captures my lips with his. “I’m going to be an uncle!” He grins.
“Yes, you are,” I tell him with a chuckle. “Now go! Tell Lib Mason won’t be long.” He nods before kissing me again.
I make my way into the stables and open Marley’s stall. I saddle him up in record time and set off in a gallop in the direction of the river. Marley is quick and we make it there in around ten minutes. I can see Mason and Taylor with a group of guests who are fly fishing. I ride Marley as close as I can to the river.
“Mason!” I shout, my hands cupped around my mouth. “Mason,” I cry again when he doesn’t hear me. Taylor nudges him and points in my direction. “It’s Libby. Her water broke.” Even from the distance I am, I see his eyes widen and panic cross his face. He wades through the water as fast as he can.
“Is she okay?” he asks as he reaches me, breathless from rushing through the water.
“I think so. I came straight here when they couldn’t reach you.” He pulls off his waders and tosses them aside. “Take Marley. It’ll be quicker than the truck.” I quickly dismount and he turns to me.
“How will you get back?”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll grab a ride with Taylor. Go!”
“Thanks, Aria.” He brushes a kiss on my cheek and climbs onto Marley. In a second, he’s racing away from me.
“Good luck!” I shout after him, a huge smile on my face. I watch until he’s out of sight before turning back to where Taylor, one of the ranch hands, is still supervising the guests. He sees me and waves before making his way up the river toward me.
“So, baby Walker is on their way?” he asks as he reaches me.
“Seems that way. I hope it all goes well.”
“I’m sure it will. Did you want to grab a ride back?”