Emma and Luke Are Totally Together by Arnett Rachel

Author:Arnett, Rachel [Arnett, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub, mobi
Published: 2019-07-13T16:00:00+00:00

11

In the warm bedroom upstairs, I set an alarm on my phone and pass out on top of the unfamiliar sheets. When I wake, I hear the soft chatter of voices downstairs and head down to find everyone eating in the kitchen.

“I hope you’re going to take time off from work when the baby comes,” Mom is saying.

Catherine nods. “The firm has a really generous parental leave policy. I was joking with Kenneth that he should get a job there, too, so that we can both take advantage of it.”

Garrett has arrived by then, and I hug him hello. I also greet Dad and Kenneth, who are in the middle of discussing the history of sugar production.

“Hey, peanut,” says Dad. It’s a nickname that kind of makes me feel like I’m twelve years old again—especially right now, in the presence of Luke—but mostly I find it endearing.

“You guys have been introduced to Luke, right?” I ask.

“We have,” says Dad. He smiles. “Nice guy.”

I am, of course, thrilled to get Dad’s approval. Even if it’s all a sham. I guess I hadn’t realized it, but I’d been nervous about Luke fitting in with my family. As it turns out, though, Luke is a natural fit. Glancing over at him now, seeing him talking to Mom, he truly looks at ease.

I only get to enjoy the feeling of tranquility for a few seconds, though. Sure enough, it’s quickly broken by Catherine.

“Okay, everyone,” she says, raising her voice to get our attention. “We’ve got some horses to ride! Let’s all meet out front in five.”

One minivan ride later, the seven of us are filing out of the vehicle and stepping foot onto Royal Falls Ranch. It’s ridiculously beautiful here. There’s endless lush green terrain and views for days. Even Anthony, the tour guide assigned to us, is stunningly handsome. I feel my cheeks go warm when he shakes my hand.

Anthony tells us a little about the history of the ranch, then gives us a rundown of what to do and what not to do while we’re on the tour. The laundry list of don’ts—for instance, don’t squeeze the horse too forcefully with your legs, don’t hold the reins too tight, don’t slouch, don’t forget to breathe—is mildly alarming.

“Everyone good?” Anthony asks, scanning the group. His eyes eventually land on me. He smiles. “Uh oh. You look concerned.”

“Me? Oh. No. I’m good.” I feel my cheeks heat up again. Damn it. Stop it, cheeks.

Anthony’s gaze lingers on me for a half-second longer, then he asks us all to follow him into the stable to pick out our horses. I’m glad for the change of subject, but I also have no idea which one to pick. They’re all intimidating, as far as I’m concerned. I swear, one horse even gives me the stink eye. Don’t even, that horse seems to be warning me. Pick me and I’ll fling you off.

I glance around. Everyone else has settled on a horse. They’ve practically already bonded with their selections.

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