“Thank you for being my cheerleader. Now, I’ve got to go see about a horse. Call me later.”

Before Abby started up again, she hung up.

Luke made no move to get out of the truck.

“What? I thought you’d be happy I finished the Knox Project.”

“Good job, Mommy,” Nick said, snuggling into her side.

“Thank you, buddy.”

“I’m really happy for you.” Luke meant it. “So the whole thing is complete.” Maybe now she could take some time to herself.

“Well, except for final delivery to the client. Now I’ll have more time to spend with the boys. And you. I have a couple other projects to finish, but the Knox Project was taking up the majority of my time,” she rambled, not taking credit or basking in the win.

Her first thought was spending more time with her kids and him.

He loved that most.

He tried to wrap his brain around this amazing woman. “Your staff is completely dedicated to you. They look up to you. You’ve just accomplished something amazing that will put your company on the map and you say it’s nothing. I’m completely impressed, and so proud of you. You’re . . . phenomenal.”

Stunned, she went completely still.

“Come on. Let’s ride.”

Sarah got out on her side while Luke lifted both boys down on his.

“Ace, stop!” Jerry called out.

Sarah ran toward the barn doors just as Ace came to a halt in front of her.

He reared up on his hind legs, kicking his front hooves and chopping at the air.

Magnificent.

His display of strength and anger was awesome.

And scared the crap out of Luke.

Ace came back to all fours and shook his head up and down and snorted his frustration just a couple feet from Sarah.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she snapped at the huge beast. “You know what you need? A girlfriend. Come here and say hello.”

Ace moved forward into Sarah’s arms, putting his massive head over her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stroked his coat. Ace shivered and relax.

Jerry came to an abrupt halt at the stable doors. “Luke, I’m sorry. He saw Sarah and ran for her.”

Luke’s jackhammering heart finally slowed. “It’s okay. I think he’s in love with her.”

“He ain’t the only one.” Jerry made that comment to Luke in a low voice as they watched Sarah soothe Ace.

“I’m falling pretty damn hard and fast for her. I don’t know what to do about it,” Luke confessed.

“Tell her.”

“Just tell her?” He wasn’t so sure about that. “It’s only been a few weeks. I need more time to show her how I feel, so she’ll believe what I want us to have together.”

“She always looks happy when she’s here. The boys love being around the horses and running through the fields.”

“This place isn’t the same when they aren’t here. I’ve grown so attached to them.” So much so that even in this short time he couldn’t imagine life here without them anymore.