Page 154 of Beautiful Trauma

“It needs a lot of work.”

She shook her head. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

As soon as Mila put the car into park, she hopped out. She headed straight for the house. Instead of giving her a tour, I just let her look around. Once she was done with the house, she asked, “Where are the horses?”

I laughed. “The barn is just over there.”

She held out her hand for me. Once I took hers in mine, we made our way to the barn. “I can see why you enjoy coming out here.”

“Really?”

“It’s so peaceful and serene.”

“I’m glad you like it. So far none of my brothers are fans. They prefer the city or the beach.”

“I can’t imagine why. There is so much here to do. Hiking and horseback riding. You could even plant a garden.”

“I would love to do all those things with you.”

She smiled. “Then we’ll do it.”

As we stepped inside the barn, my three horses popped their heads out of their stalls. “Who takes care of them when you’re not here?”

“I have a caretaker at the moment. He lives in the carriage house.”

“Is he Irish mafia too?”

I laughed. “Yes, he has ties to our family. I mean, I could hardly have a stranger here in case I needed to bury some bodies.”

“Very funny.”

At the brown mare, I said, “This is Epona.”

Mila petted Epona’s mane. “Hello, beautiful,” she murmured.

“And this Eira.” The snow white horse lived up to her Irish name, which meant snow.”

Mila gave Eira a scratch and a pet on her mane.

“Finally, we have Lightning.”

“Ah, the lone male on the scene.”

“Yes, I’m hoping he can enjoy a threesome with the gals and produce some babies.”

Mila laughed. “I’m sure they’ll produce some gorgeous horses.”

“I hope the old boy has it in him.”

“It’s all extinct for them, so I’m sure it’ll kick in.”

“Mr. Kavanaugh?” a voice called.

“That would be my caretaker.”

“You go talk to him. I’m going to head back to the house and snoop around.”