Reluctantly Royal(58)
“Why don’t we try asking her?”
“Oh, I was going to ask nicely and just expect her to agree.” I led her toward the stairs. “I’m bossy, not stupid.”
“That’s up for debate.”
“Hey, that hurts.” I tugged on her hand a little.
“The truth often does.” She looked at me with a grin.
Downstairs, Cathy was still working on her computer while Sam was snoring softly on the couch.
“Why didn’t she go to bed?” I looked at my sister and nodded my head toward the pregnant woman.
“She’s waiting on Alex.” She looked up at me and noticed Meredith. “Hey. How are you?”
“Fine.” Meredith smiled but her eyebrows pulled together.
“Good. That’s good.” Cathy pursed her lips and I wanted to mentally kick her. Way to be awkward, little sister. “Just checking, with the funeral and all tomorrow.”
“Thanks, but we’ll get through it.” Meredith stood up a little straighter, but I was relieved to see that she didn’t put up any front. “It’s going to be tough.”
“Actually, that’s why I came down here.” I cleared my throat. “Would you mind keeping an ear open for Marty? I thought I’d take Meredith out to the lake to take her mind off things.”
“Sure.” Cathy closed her computer and stood up. “I’ll work in my room so I can hear him better.”
“Thank you.” Meredith smiled.
“Any time. I like him.” Cathy rolled up her laptop cord.
“I think he likes you too.” Meredith sighed.
“Meh, he just likes having his butt kicked at football.” Cathy headed for the stairs. “You guys have fun.”
“Thanks,” I said.
Just as she was turning, she winked at me. It took all of my inner strength to keep from rolling my eyes.
Turning from her, I let go of Meredith’s hand and pulled a throw blanket off a chair. I settled it over Samantha’s sleeping form before turning back to Meredith. It might be a while before Alex made it home.
“Ready?” I held my hand back out to the redhead next to me.
“I guess.”
“You guess?” I raised one eyebrow.
“I’m going to stick with that answer.” Her lips curved upward.
“Little dost thou know, disbeliever.” I raised one eyebrow.
Pulling her with me, I headed out back. The moon was bright, the air was cool, and the stars were shining brightly. We didn’t talk as we walked, which I appreciated. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to hear all about Meredith, but I wanted to let her relax and unwind.
“Do you have horses?” Meredith stopped near the stables.
“We have a few.” I let my eyes run over her moonlit face. “Would you like to see them?”
“Do you mind?” She looked up at me with thoughtful eyes. “I’ve always liked horses.”
“Of course.” I led her to the doors and nodded at the man who normally tended the horses.
“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Her eyes locked on a light brown mare. “So sleek and powerful, but they can be nurturing and gentle.”
“Hm.” I agreed. Horseback riding was one of the few outdoor recreational activities I did on a regular basis. “That’s Butterscotch.”
“Perfect name.” She walked over to the stall and held out her hand. “May I?”
I nodded my head in response.
“Hello, Butterscotch.” I watched as she stroked the horse’s head, humming to herself and whispering to the horse.
“Butterscotch is Cathy’s horse.” I walked over to a bag along the wall and fished out some carrots before holding them out to Meredith. “She’s a sucker for these.”
“Ah.” Meredith took a carrot and offered it to Butterscotch. “Here, sweetheart.”
Butterscotch wasted no time gobbling the carrot and then looking for more. I passed another carrot to Meredith and she offered it to the horse.
“All us girls have our weaknesses.” Meredith chuckled.
“What’s yours?” I reached out and scratched the horse behind her ear.
“Nuh-uh.” Meredith grinned at me. “You have to figure it out for yourself.”
“Chocolate?” I raised an eyebrow. I did have a sister, after all.
“That would be too easy.”
“Flowers?” I shifted closer to her.
“I do love fresh flowers, but no.” Her eyes sparkled at me.
“Tricky.” I watched her as she continued to pet Butterscotch. “It’s not jewelry.”
“What makes you so sure?” She looked at me.
“You don’t wear much. The little pearl ring on your finger is the only thing I’ve seen constantly on you.” My eyes flicked to the simple ring on her middle finger.