Page 127 of Over the Line

At some point, she’d started thinking of Eagle’s Bend as her place, too. And that was a big change of heart for her.

Surprising herself, she enjoyed tending to the land, hanging out with Jeb around the firepit, taking care of the chickens, giving Chewie baths, and overseeing plans for the holiday sleigh rides, as well as future expansions.

Though he occasionally grumbled, Michael had approved a budget, hired a crew, and even swung a hammer himself.

Watching her man do physical labor—his muscles flexing and rippling—was the sexiest thing ever.

After Michael had shown her the space he’d converted for her in the existing barn, she’d agreed with him. The dungeon was their private spot, and there was no way she was giving up the place where they spent so much time.

The final building she envisioned wouldn’t be completed until spring, but that meant they still might be able to book some late-summer weddings.

Suddenly aware of the silence, Sydney shook her head.

Without her being aware of it, she’d glanced out the window, searching for a glimpse of the man she adored. “Sorry. I was miles away.”

“That happens here, doesn’t it? It’s easy to get lost in the view.”

Sydney considered Michael’s little sister. “Do you miss it?”

“Not at all. I like the idea of living out here, but I’m a city girl at heart. I prefer a coffee shop to be in walking distance.”

Sydney laughed. “You could be besties with my friend Vanessa.” Who was scheduled to come up next weekend.

They were planning a shopping day in Winter Park, and although Sydney would have preferred they skied, Vanessa had gasped in horror at the suggestion. The most she would agree to was spending a day at one of the town’s renowned spas.

After uncorking the bottle, Melanie poured them each a glass of bubbles. “After the bullshit with Jane, his ex, I never thought Michael would actually trust again.”

“Oh?”

“That bitch did a number on him.” Over the rim of her glass, Melanie studied Sydney. “He wouldn’t tell me how you met…”

Knowing the woman was fishing for information—not that she could blame her—Sydney pretended to place a lock on her sealed lips.

Melanie sighed. “So I’m not getting anything out of you, either?”

“Sorry.”

“It was worth a try. Drink up. Maybe you’ll let a secret or two slip later.”

“Afraid not.” Sydney shook her head. If Michael wanted to keep a secret, she’d honor that.

“Spoilsport. But no matter what, I’m glad he met you.”

The two women toasted each other.

Since she hadn’t been sure whether or not Melanie would be protective of her brother, the words helped Sydney to relax. “That means a lot, thank you. He’s been good for me.”

“So, he’s pretty closed lipped. But I was able to find out that you run an outdoor adventure company. Does that mean you like to do extreme things?”

Moreso in the past than right now. “I do.” She gave Melanie a brief overview of the way she’d been raised and outlined a couple of trips she’d put together for people.

“I’d never have the courage to do half that.” Then she scoffed. “That’s an outright lie. I wouldn’t have the courage to do anything you said.”

“You can start as small as you want.” Not everyone summited their first fourteen-thousand-foot peak at age three like she had.

“I’ll stick to baking.”

They laughed together.