Page 128 of Over the Line
“Everyone has their place. I’m the least domesticated person on the planet.”
“Don’t let anyone tame you.”
“I appreciate that.”
“But I’d love to see pictures of your adventures.”
“I’ll send you a few. But if you ever decide you want to experience some outdoor fun, I’ll be happy to take you. I can plan trips for your family. Ziplining, things like that.”
Melanie shuddered. “No way you’d get me to step off firm ground.” Frantically, she shook her head. “But occasionally I wonder if I should encourage the girls to try new experiences. Not sure it’s good for them to grow up with a mom who’s a scaredy-cat.”
“Let’s talk to them later, see what they might be interested in.” She hadn’t provided many activities for kids, and the idea appealed to her. “You can come along on anything as an observer. I promise not to make you participate.”
“Does that include roller coasters? Lottie is desperate to ride one.”
“I love them. Next summer, let’s go to the amusement park.”
“The youngest and I will be at the children’s museum.”
“Fair enough.”
As they sipped the light and crisp champagne, they began to get plates and napkins ready for their upcoming meal.
“Michael tells me you have suggestions of things to do with the ranch.”
“I hope I’m not stepping on toes.”
“Oh not at all!” Melanie hastened to reassure her. “I’m glad you love this place as much as Michael does.”
Sydney outlined a few ideas, all of which Melanie endorsed. “That’s a great way to share the beauty of Eagle’s Bend with others.”
Shortly after that, Michael returned with the girls, and Chewie tried to follow them into the house.
“She needs a companion,” Melanie said.
“We wouldn’t have her at all if you hadn’t bought her without asking permission.” Michael leveled a severe look at his sibling. “I didn’t even know she was showing up.”
“The outrage!” Melanie gasped. “Your nieces wanted her. Not me.” Batting her eyes, she said, “You can’t deny them anything and you know it.”
“Yeah.” He glanced at the two who were pouring themselves lemonade. “They’ve got me wrapped around their little fingers.”
Sydney considered him in a new light. His affection and easygoing manner with the kids proved he’d make an excellent father.
The shocking, unexpected thought didn’t frighten her like it used to.
He made his way to her and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Everything okay here? Mel hasn’t badgered you with a million questions about who you are and our relationship?”
“Me?” Melanie demanded, aghast once more. “No. Of course not. I’m a total angel.”
“Yeah. Sure you are.” But there was lightness in his tone.
“I behaved. Really.” She winked at Sydney. “Tell him.”
“We had a nice chat,” Sydney replied.
“Which means she asked a thousand questions, but you artfully dodged them.”
Their good-natured banter made Sydney regret being an only child. There was a shared history between brother and sister that she would never have. “I’m staying out of this.”