Cowboy All Night (Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Book 5) by Vicki Lewis Thompson Read Free Book Online Page A

arrive, so it’s now or never.”
    Aria nodded, happy that her cooking skills were valued. “I could absolutely do that.”
    “Great! Just figure out what you need to charge us and we’ll divide up the—”
    “Hey, I wouldn’t dream of charging you guys. If you decide to take my regular lessons on Monday nights, I’ll accept payment for that. But this is special. You were all here for Linus. Let me give something back.”
    “That’s very generous of you,” Herb said. “After all Rosie and I have been through lately, I’m getting much better at accepting the generosity of others. Thank you.”
    She smiled at him. “Then it’s settled. Tuesday night it is.”
    “I look forward to it. And on that note, I’ll bid you all good-night.” Herb set off toward the house, his pace brisk.
    Lexi sighed as the four of them continued on toward the barn. “They’re still in love after all these years. That’s inspiring.”
    “Yeah.” Cade wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
    “Apparently the coq au vin was inspiring, too.” Brant fell into step beside Aria. “Good job.”
    “Just a lucky coincidence. When I suggested fixing it tonight I had no idea I’d stir up honeymoon memories. But that’s the thing about food. There’s often an emotional connection to it.”
    “You’re right,” Lexi said. “Assuming I learn how to make it, I’ll always think of Linus being born and all of us enjoying a great meal together afterward.”
    “Me, too.” Cade gestured toward Brant’s truck. “And I’ll remember our epic Battle of the Sacred Flame. Too bad you didn’t win, though, Ellison. That sucker needs a wash bad.”
    “You know what? I like it that way. The mud covers up the dents and scratches. Besides, I’d rather wash a pretty red van named Matilda any day.”
    Cade laughed. “I figured.”
    Aria tingled with awareness. Brant was flirting and Cade had just acknowledged it. She liked feeling sexy and carefree for a change. Ever since Josh’s accident she’d focused most of her attention on his recovery, and the process hadn’t been a lot of laughs. But guilt followed soon after with thoughts about Josh. How could she enjoy herself when he was stuck in that wheelchair?
    “Since my truck’s parked at the cabin,” Cade said, “I planned to hitch a ride over there with Brant and then drive back and pick up Lex.” He looked at her. “Unless you want to come along?”
    “I’d rather stay with Aria and check out the baby.”
    “I thought as much. I’ll take a quick look when I get back.”
    Aria turned to Brant. “I should say good-night. You’ll probably want to turn in.”
    “Not yet. After I dump my stuff in the cabin, I need to see how mama and baby are doing. I’ll ride back with Cade.”
    “Then we shall return, ladies.” Cade gave Lexi a quick kiss before climbing into Brant’s truck.
    “Cade’s a great guy,” Aria said as she and Lexi started toward the barn.
    “He is a great guy and I love him to death, but I want to make absolutely sure we’re ready before we take the big step. It’s a huge commitment.”
    “Definitely.”
    “I didn’t realize that at twenty, but I do now.” She slid aside the bar holding the doors closed and swung open the right-hand side. Ringo dashed through it. “Plus Damon and Philomena are getting married at the end of this month. That’s enough wedding hoopla for the time being.”
    “Their relationship seems solid.” Aria followed Lexi into the dimly lit barn. Damon and Phil had fallen in love last summer while working together to build a fourth cabin for the students. They were bank customers, and every time she saw them together they looked very happy.
    “They’re perfect for each other,” Lexi said. “Cade and I are, too, but our relationship still needs some seasoning.”
    “I can’t even think in terms of marriage right now.” Aria lowered her voice as they drew closer to the back of the barn so she wouldn’t disturb the mare and foal.