I clutch my hand over my heart with extra flare. “Oh, King Zach, however will your royal subjects compare to you?”
Logan bursts out laughing. “You guys are stupid.”
“You’re going to find yourself grounded,” I say, smirking.
“You’re going to lose to Zach. I bet five dollars.” Logan throws his arm around Zach’s shoulder.
“Yup,” Zach agrees. “Me and Logan know the deal.”
“Cay?” I ask as he deliberates. “You both can’t abandon me for him!”
No way both of my boys are going to the dark side. Where’s the loyalty? I won’t lie to myself, though, the fact that they’re bonding with him makes me smile. Zach was always good with kids, and he and Cayden have really grown close after the night in the woods. Yet, there seems to be something holding him and Logan back from connecting on that level.
Cayden grumbles before relenting. “I guess I’ll pick you.”
I giggle. “Turd.”
“Okay.” Zach claps his hands. “Here are the rules. We ride from here to the old barn and back. First one who makes it back here—wins. You remember the way, don’t you, Presley Mae?”
I tilt my head and pop my hip. “I remember just fine, Zachary Wilber.”
“Wilber!” Logan yells. “Your middle name is Wilber?” He laughs uncontrollably.
Zach steps closer, and I know I’m in trouble. “Now, Zach,” I say, retreating. “You used my middle name. It’s only fair.”
“Wilber is a family name.”
“Yes,” I agree with my hands raised, “and a fine one at that.” I look over at the twins who are giggling conspiratorially. “One I would try to denounce, but that’s neither here nor there,” I say as he gets closer.
“I think you need a good ass kicking.”
“You wouldn’t.”
He glances at the boys and smiles. “You’re right. I wouldn’t.”
He stops moving, and my heart settles. Maybe I’m not in trouble.
Before I can say another word, he rushes toward me, catching me completely off guard, grabs my legs, and throws me over his shoulders. “Zach!”
The earth spins beneath me as he twirls me around. I’m going to kill him. “Say you’re sorry.”
“Never!” I yell as I grow dizzy.
“Say it!”
“Put me down, you giant jerk!”
He slaps my ass. “Say you’re sorry and that you wish you were named Wilber.”
Logan and Cayden’s laughter fills my ears as Zach continues to spin. “Fine!” I yell as my vision blurs. “Sorry that your parents named you Wilber!”
“I don’t think so.”
I laugh and hold on to his waist as he goes faster. My light brown hair floats around me, but all I hear are the boys cheering him on. I don’t care if we look ridiculous. For the first time in a very long time, we’re all happy. The boys are laughing, happy, playful, and I’m feeling the same way.
“Say it, Mom!”
I slap Zach’s legs, and he stops. “I’m sorry and I wish I could be as cool as you and have my name be Wilber.”
“Good girl,” Zach says as he puts me back on solid ground. He doesn’t let go as everything around me spins uncontrollably. My feet stumble, but Zachary’s arms are around me in an instant. I hold on to his broad shoulders and fight back the urge to kiss him.
I bite my lip to stop myself, but I see the desire pooled in his eyes. There’s no denying the attraction between us. It’s been weeks of spending the nights together, chasing away the demons.
“I’m going to fall.”
“I won’t let you.”
I look into his blue eyes, searching for anything to tell me different, but I don’t find it. “I—” I start to say, but Zach saves me.
“Now.” His voice echoes. “You ready for me to show you who the ruler really is?”
Logan hoots. “Team Zach!”
“Team Mom,” Cayden’s unenthusiastic voice calls out.
“Cay!” I say with my hands on my hips. This kid. I gave birth to him, the least he can do is pretend to be on my team.
He shrugs. “Sorry, Mom. I want Zach to beat you.”
“Kids,” I say and then head over to grab the horse.
Shortstop is saddled up next to Zach’s horse. I go around, checking my saddle and all, making sure no one is trying to sabotage me. I put nothing past these boys.
Zach brushes his front against my back as I’m bent over checking the horse’s hoofs. “Sorry,” he jests with a grin.
“Keep it up, Cowboy.”
He does it again and the deep timbre of his voice vibrates. “You know how much I like it when you call me that.”
I take a few steps back and peek over at the boys who are immersed in some argument. It also helps having a very large animal blocking their view. I saunter up to him, run my finger down his chest, and enjoy the way he shudders. “I do know this. Maybe tonight I’ll call you it without anyone around.”
Zach’s head falls back, and his hands grip my arms. “You’re going to make me crazy.”