Long Time Gone (Rough Riders #16.5)(39)
Author: Lorelei James

She tried to play it cool, like he hadn’t just given her the best gift ever, but she was too emotional. She burst into tears.

He stiffened behind her.

She spun and wound her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest. When she gained a little control, she looked up at him.

“I hate seein’ your tears, Kimi. I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be. I’m just speechless. This is the best thing anyone has ever done for me in my entire life. Thank you.” She cradled his face in her hands. “Thank you for understanding me, Cal. Thank you for waitin’ for me. Thank you for loving me. Because god knows, I love you.”

He closed his eyes. “Christ woman, you know how to get to the heart of a man.”

“There’s only one man’s heart I want. Yours.”

“You’ve got it.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. “You’ve always had it. You always will.” He kissed her with such tenderness, more tears flowed. “I love you,” he murmured against her lips.

And then the reason for his insistence on her coming outside half-clothed became apparent. After a few more melting kisses, he whispered, “Ever done it against a chicken coop?”

She laughed. “No.”

“Wanna give it a whirl?” He started planting kisses down her neck. “I can prove I’m cock of the walk.”

She laughed again. “I don’t have any chicken puns. But that’d be a hard one to top anyway.”

“Is that a yes?” Cal smiled against her throat. “Or are you…chicken?”

“Hey, you cracked a…yolk.”

He groaned. “That was terrible.”

“I know. Maybe you’d better keep my mind and mouth occupied so I forget about the chicken jokes.”

“My thoughts eggs-actly.”

“Cal.”

“Shut up and kiss me, woman. We’ll see who comes first—and it ain’t gonna be a chicken or an egg.”

***

Cal convinced Kimi to go see Carolyn without him hovering, but he promised he’d show up at lunch time.

Kimi pulled up in front of the trailer and took a second to compose herself. There was a kids’ plastic riding horse on springs on the small porch, as well as a couple of toy tractors. Even though it was early fall, pots of mums bloomed. And a few dozen canning jars were lined up on the bench.

It was stupid being nervous to see her sister.

So much had happened for both of them. They’d kept in touch, but even then they’d skirted their family issues.

Quick bein’ a chicken.

Damn Cal and his chicken puns. But thinking of him allowed her to get out of the car.

Before she reached the bottom step of the porch, Carolyn was there, wrapping herself around Kimi and sobbing hysterically.

“You’re really here! At first I thought maybe I dreamt it when Carson told me this morning that Cal had run into you last night at The Silver Spur. But when he reminded me again that you’d be coming by… I’ve been crazy to see you all morning.” Carolyn squeezed her hard. “I missed you so much.”

“I know. Me too.”

“Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Well, it’s certainly that.” Carolyn stepped back and wiped under her eyes. “Look at you. All lean and mean. I love the long hair. You look great, Kimi.”

“Thanks.” Kimi studied her sister. Carolyn had dark smudges from lack of sleep beneath her eyes, but two kids under four would contribute to that. Otherwise, she looked exactly the same as she had five years ago. Joyful. It was impossible to be around her and not let that same joy roll through her. “You haven’t aged a day. You look happy.”

“I am happy. Happier yet that you’re here.”

Kimi released a small gasp when she looked behind her sister and saw two little boys. Both dark-haired, both blue-eyed, both somber.

Carolyn turned and held her hand out to the youngest one. “Come and meet your Aunt Kimi, boys.”

The older of the two launched himself off the porch, soaring past the two steps, his boots landing in the dirt with a soft thud. His little cowboy hat was adorable. He tipped his head back and looked at Kimi. The kid was the spitting image of his father. She crouched in front of him. “Hi. I’m your Aunt Kimi.”

He just blinked at her.

Carolyn tapped him on the shoulder. “Manners. Tell her your name.”

“Cord West McKay.”

Lord. He was just too damn cute for words. “Well, Cord West McKay, I’m happy to finally meet you.”