“In her condition? I’m surprised that Riley let her get in a plane with me to fly them down.”

Condition? So that’s what the look between them was about.

Winter’s expression portrayed concern. “I get it—high-risk pregnancy and all that, but he’s a little overprotective, if you ask me. But that’s a SEAL for you.” Her voice turned sweet. “Where’ve you been, anyway? Someone said Air Force.”

“Something like that.”

“Afghanistan?”

“Sometimes.”

“I heard your brothers are big-shot military guys too. Ranger made the SEALs.”

Dodge nodded.

“And Colt, some sort of special forces in the Army?”

Delta Force, according to Ranger. Dodge lifted a shoulder.

“All a bunch of overachieving heroes, aren’t you?” Her eyes shone, maybe a little of their untried past in them. “Glad you’re back.”

“I’m not back,” he said, the words just slipping out.

Winter frowned.

And what was he going to say? That not only had he vowed to never return to Sky King Ranch but he wasn’t keen on getting in the cockpit again either?

He shouldn’t be here, for so many reasons. But Winter was the last person who should know that. Mostly because if Winter knew, then her sister Shasta knew . . . and if Shasta knew, well it wouldn’t take long for the entire town to buzz with the news.

So he found a benign smile. “Never mind. Good to see you, Winter.”

“Your dad keeps that yellow Piper 14 you used to fly tuned up. I saw him out in it a few weeks back. You flew that thing like it was a part of you. Like you had wings.”

He’d forgotten that. But yes, she was right. Once upon a time, the sky felt like home. Maybe it would again—he just had to get back on the proverbial horse-slash-cockpit.

Or not.

“Well, like I said, I’m glad you’re back.” She looked at him, paused. Then, “She will be too.”

His smile faded. “I didn’t ask.”

“Sure you did.” She winked and walked away, and his heart slammed like a fist in his chest.

“She will be too.”

The door to the room opened and Riley stepped out. “Going for more coffee. Your dad is still sleeping. Larke didn’t get much sleep last night.”

He didn’t move down the hall, however, and again Dodge braced himself.