The hallway opened into a large kitchen. Huge windows filled the room with light. Exposed beams and a stone feature wall further enhanced the impression of Montana’s natural beauty being drawn indoors. A light fixture made from a circle of old lanterns hung over a kitchen table, at which a grey-haired man sat. Rocket and Milo raced past her, tails wagging, to lie on the floor beside the rancher’s chair.
Her mother had mentioned Henry’s hip replacement so Bridie headed toward him with a smile, not expecting him to stand. But Henry pushed himself to his feet, a slight grimace the only sign the simple action wasn’t easy.
From the corner of her eye she glimpsed the tightening of Ethan’s mouth before he took a step toward his father.
“Hi, Henry.” Bridie held out her hand. “Mom says hello and that she’s looking forward to seeing you again soon at her birthday lunch.”
Henry nodded and shook her hand. His shrewd gaze searched hers. Then, as if satisfied he’d seen what he was looking for, he smiled. “It’s good to meet you, Bridie. Welcome ... home.”
She swallowed to hide the instant surge of loss. Home? With her father gone would anywhere ever feel like home again?
“Thanks. It was a shock to discover I had an older brother, let alone my mother had been married before and lived in Montana.”
“I’m sure it was but we’re all glad she’s back and brought you with her.” Henry carefully lowered himself to his chair. “Coffee? Waffles?”
Bridie sat across from Henry in the seat he indicated with a dip of his head. “No thanks. Trinity cooked me French toast before I left and Finn and I had a competition to see how many pieces we could eat.”
Apart from her over-full stomach, the last thing she needed was caffeine or more sugar. Ethan had seated himself to her left. For some reason the cowboy’s close proximity rendered her as jittery as a thoroughbred on race day. His chair might be a polite distance away but the width of his shoulders ensured that she only had to lean a little to the side and she’d breathe in the fresh scent of his skin.
Henry chuckled. “Finn might be five and small for his age but I’ve never seen a kid eat so much.”
“Tell me about it. I know better now than to try and keep up with him. He ate five pieces to my three.”
“He’s a nice kid,” Henry said.
“He is.” She paused to strip the huskiness from her voice. “I’m so lucky to have him for a nephew.”
Henry nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. “Clara mentioned you wanted to photograph wild animals while you’re here for the summer.”
“Yes, back home I have a blog where I post pictures of my farm life. I need something to keep me ... busy so thought I’d give my camera a work out.”
“You’ve come to the right part of Montana.”
“I know. I’ve already taken hundreds of pictures of the hollyhocks and wildflowers out at Zane’s ranch. He also has an elk herd that doesn’t mind me getting too close but what I’d really love is to get into the backcountry and that’s why I’m here.”
She sensed Ethan stiffen beside her.
“Zane suggested,” she continued, “that I ask if I could head into your mountains. Your high country hasn’t been grazed like some of the other ranches and Zane suggested I’d have more chance of seeing wildlife.”
“You will.” Henry looked at Ethan.
She turned slightly and this time she had no doubt something about her request didn’t please Ethan. He held his father’s gaze, his eyes hard with an unspoken warning.
Henry took no heed. He looked back at Bridie and smiled. “You’re very welcome to spend as long as you want up there.”
“Thanks.” The tension locking her shoulders eased. Soon she’d be in the mountains. Soon she could set her grief free. “I really appreciate it.”
Henry’s eyes danced. “Of course, you’ll need someone to take you there.”
She lost the battle to conceal her frown but when she spoke her voice remained casual. “I wouldn’t want to impose, everyone’s so busy and I could be away for a week at a time. I’ve been riding since I was little and know my way around a campsite, I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you can but I’d still worry.”
“Henry ...” Ethan’s voice was quiet but embedded with steel.
“Humor an old man,” Henry said, not looking at his son, “and help your mother sleep at night. You know until you’re home safe she’ll also worry.”
Bridie pressed her lips together. She’d checked with her mother that she’d be comfortable about Bridie going into the mountains alone and while she said she’d be fine, Henry was right. Her mother did worry and possibly wouldn’t sleep while she was away.