Page 10 of Bearly Ever After (Bear Creek Forever #5)

Nicole blinked slowly, her vision adjusting to the bright rays of sunlight peeking through a gap in the curtains. For a brief moment, she felt disoriented and had no idea where she was. But the fog in her mind cleared soon enough, and she recognized her surroundings. She was in the rental house in Bear Creek.

For a moment, she felt the weight of it, as if the walls were closing in on her. The overwhelming fear of being alone in a new town, of making this work not just for herself but for Mila, too. Her chest tightened as her mind raced, filled with doubts.

What if she had made a mistake? What if she couldn’t give Mila the life she deserved?

But then, just as quickly as the fears washed over her, an image of Klein’s face surfaced in her mind. The warmth in his eyes, the strength of his smile, and his arms!

She took a deep breath, her pulse beginning to slow. She wasn’t entirely alone here, was she? She had people who wanted to help, people who cared.

Not just Klein, but Tammy, too. They would be fine. It would all work out.

With that thought steadying her, Nicole swung her legs out of bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor. She gave herself a moment, then got up, pulled on a robe, and made her way downstairs. A good, strong cup of coffee was what she needed. Then she’d make breakfast. Perhaps they could sit outside in the yard and eat.

“Mila.” She did not hide her surprise as she entered the kitchen to find Mila already up, standing by the stove, stirring a pan of scrambled eggs with a certain scruffy puppy sitting at her feet.

“I came down early to check on Scruffy.” Mila glanced down at the puppy, who returned the look with open adoration in his soft brown eyes. “And then I thought breakfast .”

“I can see that. You know it’s not my birthday?” she asked, as she walked over and gave Mila a quick hug.

“Of course,” Mila replied with a shake of her head. “We’re going to the ranch, remember?”

“I do.” Nicole went to the coffeepot and picked it up.

“I can’t wait to ride a horse! Over the mountains!” Mila gave the eggs a final stir and turned off the heat.

“It sure is a beautiful day for it,” Nicole said, searching for where she’d put the coffee. She opened a few wrong cabinets before finally spotting the coffee tin, a wry smile on her face.

After their trip to the ranch, she needed to come back here and prioritize organizing the kitchen and the rest of the house. She didn’t have too long until she started her new job, and she wanted the house in order before she threw herself into her new role.

Nicole scooped the coffee grounds into a filter and pressed the button to start brewing a new pot. The kitchen was quickly filled with the invigorating scent of freshly brewed coffee, mixing with the delicious aroma of Mila’s scrambled eggs on the stove.

“I’m excited about the ranch visit, too,” Nicole said. And not just because of the horses.

She turned away from Mila and reached for a coffee mug as heat crept across her face at the unbidden thought.

Not that it was a lie. She was looking forward to seeing Klein again and meeting the rest of his family.

A vision of the ranch filled her mind—wooden porches, warm laughter, and a sense of belonging that felt tantalizingly close. Because one day she hoped to be part of that family. She closed her eyes and composed herself. Whatever had come over her? She and Mila had been doing just fine on their own, and now…

But she had always wished to be part of a big, messy family. And she wanted the same for her daughter.

Nicole poured a cup of coffee and turned to face her daughter as she set plates out on the table. “Thank you for making breakfast. It smells delicious.”

“No problem. Shall we eat?” Mila asked as she placed thick slices of toast on the plates and then picked up the pan of eggs. She seemed to have grown up even more in the few short hours since they’d arrived in Bear Creek.

“I think we’re going to need to keep our strength up if we’re going riding and helping out around the ranch.” Nicole pulled out a chair and sat down.

Mila and Nicole sat down for breakfast, and Mila couldn’t stop talking about the horses and how it would feel to gallop through the mountains. Nicole listened with joy, taking in the sparkle in her daughter’s eyes and the excitement in her voice.

Once they finished their meal, they hurried to get dressed and ready for their day. Mila was practically bouncing on her feet with anticipation, just like she did when she was a little girl. As they grabbed their jackets and left the house, for a brief moment, it felt like Mila had not grown up at all.

The drive to the Thornberg Ranch was scenic, the winding roads taking them past fields and forests, the distant mountains framing the horizon. Nicole glanced over at Mila, her daughter’s eyes glued to the scenery outside, a smile never leaving her face as she pointed out all the landmarks to Scruffy, who sat quietly on her lap.

“There it is!” Mila called out as the sign for the Thornberg Ranch came into view.

Nicole pulled the car off the road and stopped, while Mila jumped out and went to open the gate, with Scruffy bounding at her heels. As Nicole drove through, Mila scooped up the puppy and held him close. A couple of minutes later, she was back in the car, and they drove on, eagerly waiting for the first glimpse of the ranch.

“Is that it?” Mila pointed as they rounded a bend and a beautiful ranch house came into view.

“Wow.” There were no other words. Nicole’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the Thornberg Ranch. The large, weathered house stood proudly against the backdrop of the mountains, the wooden beams of the wrap-around porch gleaming in the morning sunlight.

It was nearly as impressive as Klein. She smothered a smile at that thought.

His memory burned in her mind—broad shoulders, an easy grin, and a heart that seemed to encompass everyone around him. She’d never met a man so open and giving.

“Oh, and there is Klein!” Mila pointed at the man standing near the driveway, as if he had been conjured from Nicole’s thoughts.

He raised his hand and cracked a wide smile as they drew closer, making Nicole’s heart give a little flip. Just the sight of him in his cowboy hat, jeans, and boots made her stomach flutter with longing. But she managed to keep calm and smile back without giving her thoughts away.

What a day it was going to be. She only hoped she would be able to keep her composure around him, when all she wanted to do was swoon at his feet.

Nicole parked the car, and as they stepped out, Klein walked over to greet them. “Morning, ladies,” he said, tipping his hat slightly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Glad you made it.”

“Morning,” Nicole replied, shielding her eyes from the sun.

“Can we see the horses?” Mila asked eagerly, her eyes scanning their surroundings as she hugged the puppy in her arms.

Klein inclined his head, motioning for them to follow. “They’re just around the side of the house. But first, shall we take this little one inside? My mom can’t wait to meet him.”

“Good idea,” Nicole said, suddenly nervous about meeting his mom.

“This way.” Klein cocked his head toward the house.

As they walked, Nicole looked up at the ranch house and the flowers that bloomed in the yard, which also wrapped around the house, softening the weathered exterior. Snapdragons and marigolds lent bright pops of color against the rustic wooden beams. Both looked well-loved and well-maintained, leaving her with the impression that the ranch house had stood here for many years and held many memories.

“It’s beautiful,” Nicole said reverently.

Klein glanced over at her, his smile growing. “Thanks. It’s been in the family for generations—ever since the town was founded, actually.”

Nicole looked at him, her eyes widening slightly. “Really? That’s incredible.”

Klein nodded, and just then, the door to the house opened. Nicole turned to see an older couple stepping out onto the porch with an air of eagerness. She got the distinct impression they had been waiting behind the door for their arrival.

“Ah, there they are,” Klein said with an amused tone that somehow confirmed Nicole’s suspicions. He motioned toward them. “Nicole, Mila, this is my mom, Mary, and my dad, Waylan.”

Mary’s face lit up as she stepped down off the porch, her arms open. “Welcome to Bear Creek,” she said, pulling Nicole into a warm hug before Nicole could react.

Nicole tensed, surprised by the unexpected hug, but she quickly relaxed, hugging Mary back. “Thank you.”

Waylan stepped up next, wrapping Nicole in a bear hug of his own. “And welcome to the Thornberg Ranch.”

“You have a beautiful home,” Nicole said, a little overwhelmed by their warmth. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something unspoken that hung in the air. She had felt it before around Klein, this sense that there was something he wasn’t telling her. But maybe that was just wishful thinking, her mind conjuring up something that wasn’t really there.

“And it’s good to meet you, Mila,” Mary said, with a kind smile but thankfully no hug. Mila wasn’t into hugging strangers, and Nicole was grateful Mary and Waylan respected her personal space.

“Hello,” Mila said, tightening her hold on the puppy as he squirmed in her arms.

“And this is your adorable puppy. We have heard all about him,” Mary said, holding her hand out for Scruffy to sniff. “Does he have a name yet?”

“Scruffy.” Mila relaxed a little as Scruffy leaned forward to greet Mary, his tail wagging happily.

“It sure does suit him,” Waylan said.

“I have a bowl of water and a nice comfortable cushion waiting for him in the kitchen next to the stove,” Mary assured Mila.

“It’s so kind of you to offer to care for him while we ride,” Nicole said.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Mary insisted and held out her arms to Scruffy. “You come with me while Mila goes for a ride before the sun gets too high.”

“It’s okay,” Mila assured the puppy as he hesitated for a second, but then he went to Mary and licked her face. “He likes you.”

“He’s the cutest thing.” Mary laughed at the small puppy as he wriggled in her arms. “He’s going to be good company while I make lunch.”

“You will join us after your ride?” Waylan asked.

Nicole shook her head slightly. “Oh, you really don’t need to go to so much trouble.”

Klein chuckled, shaking his head. “Mary loves cooking for family.”

Nicole opened her mouth to say that she and Mila weren’t family, but the words got stuck in her throat. The way Klein looked at her made her feel like maybe…just maybe…that could change. Instead, she simply nodded, letting it go.

“Well, if that is settled,” Klein said. “We should get going.”

“Thank you again,” Nicole said.

“Enjoy your ride.” Mary and Waylan turned away and headed back up the porch steps to the house.

“Be good, Scruffy,” Mila called after them, then fell into step with her mom as they followed Klein along a dirt track that wound around the side of the house.

As the track widened, Mila let out an excited gasp. “Look, Mom!” she said, pointing toward the meadow. Nicole followed her gaze and saw a group of horses grazing, their coats shining in the morning sun, their tails swishing to keep the flies away.

Mila ran to the gate and grasped hold of it as she stared at the horses. Klein and Nicole joined her, standing on either side of her as one of the horses lifted its head and slowly made its way over, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air.

Klein reached into his pocket and pulled out a carrot, holding it out to Mila. “Here,” he said. “Want to give Romeo a treat?”

Mila’s eyes lit up as she took the carrot, holding it out to the horse. “Here we go, Romeo.” The horse leaned down, its soft muzzle brushing against her hand as it took the treat gently. Mila giggled, stroking the horse’s head as it chewed, her face filled with open adoration.

Nicole watched, her throat constricting at the sight of her daughter so happy, so completely in her element. This was why she had made the move—for moments like this.

“The horses we’re riding are in the stables.” Klein gestured toward the barn. “Shall we?”

“See you later, Romeo.” Mila gave the horse a kiss on its nose and giggled as Romeo huffed at her.

“He’s blowing you a kiss,” Nicole teased.

“Romeo is the perfect name.” Mila ran her hand over the horse’s cheek, then turned away, and the three of them walked toward the stables.

As they approached, three horses poked their heads out from their stalls, their ears twitching at the sight of their approach. The stable was a refreshing respite from the heat outside, carrying the comforting aroma of hay and horses that Nicole found strangely comforting.

“This big guy here is Sailor,” Klein said as they approached the first stall. “And he’s the one you’re going to ride today, Mila.”

“Hello, Sailor,” Mila crooned, reaching up to gently stroke the horse’s neck. Sailor leaned his head down, sniffing at her hand before giving it a gentle nudge. “Thanks!”

“He is saying hello.” Nicole smiled at the sight of her daughter, so completely at ease. She turned her attention back to Klein as he continued.

“This here,” Klein said, motioning to the next horse, “is Dusty. He’s all yours, Nicole.”

Nicole stepped closer to Dusty, murmuring a soft greeting as she ran her hand along his neck. Dusty’s coat was a rich chestnut, and he looked at her with large, gentle eyes. “Morning, Dusty.”

“And this big fella is Maverick,” Klein said, patting the third horse, a tall bay with an intelligent look in his eye. Maverick nudged Klein’s shoulder, as if telling Klein he was ready to go. “Don’t worry, buddy. We’ll be going out soon.”

Nicole smiled at Klein’s easy rapport with the horses. It was hard to resist a man who showed such tenderness and compassion toward both animals and people.

Klein grabbed a couple of halters, turning to Mila with a smile. “All right, Mila. Let me show you how to put this on Sailor and lead him out of his stall.”

Mila nodded eagerly, taking the halter from Klein. He showed her how to slip it over Sailor’s head, guiding her hands gently, and soon enough, Mila was leading Sailor out into the sunshine. Klein tied Sailor to a post, giving the horse a reassuring pat on the neck.

“Mila, why don’t you go grab a grooming kit from inside the tack room? It’s just over there,” Klein said, pointing to an alcove to their left.

“Okay!” Mila hurried off in the direction Klein had indicated.

As soon as Mila disappeared, Klein turned to Nicole. “Your turn, Nicole,” he said, holding out a halter for Dusty.

Nicole stepped forward, reaching up to slip the head collar over Dusty’s head. But just as she was about to secure it, Dusty lifted his head, the halter slipping from her fingers. She let out a small laugh, feeling a bit awkward.

Klein moved closer, his arms wrapping around her gently as he reached up to guide Dusty’s head down. “Here, let me help,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

Nicole’s heart skipped a beat, her back pressing against Klein’s chest. She could feel the strength of his body, the warmth radiating from him, and a rush of butterflies filled her stomach. She longed to lean into him, for him to hold her in his arms.

Klein’s hands moved with practiced ease, and soon Dusty was secured, standing calmly as Klein helped Nicole guide him out of the stall. But calm was the last thing Nicole felt as the heat from his body lingered on her skin.

“Thank you,” she murmured, not trusting herself to say much more.

Klein looked down at her, his eyes filled with something that made Nicole’s heart flutter even more. “Anytime,” he said, his voice a low rumble.

As they prepared the horses, Nicole began to understand the natural flow of this lifestyle that seemed to permeate all aspects of Klein’s existence He showed her how to saddle Dusty, his voice patient, his hands steady as he helped her with the straps and buckles. He was encouraging, always with a gentle smile or a reassuring word, and Nicole found herself falling for him more and more.

Once the saddles and bridles were on, Klein helped them mount. He held the reins as Nicole placed her foot in the stirrup and swung herself up, settling into the saddle.

Klein placed his hand on her calf, checking the girth, and Nicole’s heart leaped at the touch. She looked down at him, her attraction to him intensifying with every passing second. He was so attentive, so careful with her and Mila, and it made her feel…special.

In a way that Nicole had never felt special before.

Once he was satisfied, Klein gave her a nod and stepped back, moving to mount Maverick. He did it effortlessly, swinging himself into the saddle with practiced grace. Nicole watched, her eyes following the smooth movement of his body. He looked so at ease, so confident, and her stomach fluttered once again.

Klein caught her staring, his eyes meeting hers, and a knowing smile tugged at his lips. “Enjoying the view?” he asked with some amusement.

Nicole blushed, her cheeks warming. “Maybe a little,” she admitted playfully.

Klein chuckled, the sound rich and warm, putting her at ease. He nudged Maverick forward, coming alongside Dusty. “Don’t worry, Nicole. You’ll be an expert in no time.”

Nicole smiled, feeling a little more confident. She looked over at Mila, who was already sitting tall on Sailor, the reins in one hand as she stroked his silken coat with the other. “Ready?” Nicole called.

“Ready!” Mila replied happily.

Klein gave a nod, his gaze drifting between Nicole and Mila as he gave them each one last check before he urged Maverick forward. “All right, let’s head out. We’ll take it slow to start.”

But Nicole didn’t want to move slow. She wanted to move fast. And to hell with the consequences.