His lips curved. “Yeah. There’s more than one.”
He pulled around the circular drive and parked along the side of the house. Grant got out, as did everyone else.
The front door opened and he saw his mom first. He’d been busy a lot lately so he hadn’t seen her since the spring. He walked over to envelop her in a hug.
“How’s my baby boy?”
He always smiled hearing her say that. She said it to his brothers, too, which always amused them since they all towered over her small, five-foot-four frame. “Good, Mom.” He kissed her, then put an arm around her. “Come meet everyone.”
She gave him a squeeze. “I can’t tell you how surprised—and happy I am that you brought company.”
Katrina and the kids were standing by the side of the SUV he’d rented. He motioned for them to join him, so they walked over.
“Okay, everyone. This is my mother, Lydia Cassidy. Mom, this is Katrina Korsova, her brother, Leo, and her sister, Anya.”
Katrina felt suddenly nervous, but stepped forward and shook Lydia’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Cassidy. Thank you so much for having us.”
“Please call me Lydia. Nice to meet you, too, Katrina.”
Anya and Leo shook her hand, too.
“This ranch is awesome, Mrs. Cassidy,” Anya said. “I can’t wait to get out and explore. Grant made us buy several types of boots—the non-fashion kinds without heels.”
Lydia laughed. “First, call me Lydia. Yes, you definitely might need boots. It’s always dusty around here, and Grant might have a mind to take you hiking. Grant, bring the kids’ luggage in while I show them around. I’m putting you and Katrina in over at the other house.”
“Sure, Mom.”
Katrina hesitated. The other house? She wasn’t going to second-guess his mother on housing. “The kids and I can help him with luggage.”
Lydia waved her hand. “He’s used to being on chore duty when he gets here. Luggage will be the least of what he does. Don’t worry.”
Interesting. Katrina wondered what kind of chores were in store for Grant. He didn’t seem to mind with the luggage though, and Katrina’s attention turned to the house as they walked in.
It was a two story, and she’d already noticed the stonework outside and the amazing landscaping. The front porch was a huge wraparound with multiple seating areas. She’d spied a garden out back as they were driving in, and she felt a little spark of envy, since she had always wanted a garden to grow things, which she couldn’t do in her apartment.
Inside, there were dark wood floors and an extremely spacious living area that led into a massive open dining room with the biggest table she’d ever seen. That room led to a beautiful kitchen that made Katrina’s eyes widen.
“Your house is incredible.”
“Thank you. We’ve remodeled over the years, opened things up some. As you can imagine, four boys ran roughshod over this place growing up. And our daughter did her part as well.”
“You painted over my artwork on the wall is what you’re saying, Mom.”
Katrina turned to see a stunningly beautiful young woman walk in from out back. This had to be Grant’s sister.
“Katrina,” Lydia said. “This is my daughter, Mia. Mia, this is Katrina, Anya, and Leo.”
Mia shook her hand. “I know who you are. I’m a big fan.”
Katrina grinned. “Thank you.”
“Mia is home from college for the summer. She’ll be finishing up her last year at the University of Texas starting in the fall.”
Katrina looked at her. “How great for you. What’s your field of study?”
“Business and communications with a minor in mathematics.”
“Wow. That’s intense.”
“Yes, but I like staying busy. And speaking of busy, you seem to be everywhere these days. I saw your cover of Vogue. It was gorgeous. I also love your commercials for the new shampoo. Not surprised they chose you for that campaign. Your hair is even more glorious in person.”
Katrina laughed. “It helps when you have a team to style your hair for the commercials and photo shoots, but thank you.”
A man who looked very much like an older version of Grant walked in through the back door.
“I heard our company had arrived.”
“I hope you washed up,” Lydia said.
“I did.” He turned toward Katrina and held out his hand. “I’m Easton Cassidy. You must be Katrina.”
“I am.” She glanced at her siblings. Leo looked awestruck, like he was meeting the president. How sweet.
“This is my brother, Leo, and my sister, Anya.”
“Hi, kids.” Easton shook both their hands.
“I’ve seen your film,” Leo said. “You were an awesome quarterback.”
Easton grinned. “Thanks. Those days are over now, though. But I still keep my fingers on the pulse of the game, with my boys and with some of the teams I help out with.”
“Mr. Cassidy helps coach one of the local high school teams nearby,” Leo explained to her. “He’s also part owner of the team in Houston.”