Embracing Today, a firefighter romance: (The Trading Yesterday Series, #3), Kahlen Aymes [essential reading txt] 📗

“You’re welcome.” As I turned to leave, the men were already unloading the evergreens from the back of Davis’s truck. They were less than four feet now, but they’d still look good now and even more so in the future when they were taller. “You guys are doing a great job.”

I turned Siri around and decided to let her run for a short distance to burn some of her energy. “Tkk Tkk. Let’s go Siri.” I barely touched her side with my heel, and she knew I was going to let her gallop.

The terrain was flat on this side of the entrance for about a quarter mile, and she took off like a rocket when I gave her the lead. Her gallop was smooth, and I was used to being in sync with her strides. I felt happy and free with the wind blowing my hair back. I knew by the time I arrived back at the house; our family would be arriving. I couldn’t wait to see them.

***

“Auntie Marin!” Remi yelled, bounding toward me with Dylan, as I Siri and I trotted into the yard.

She and Dylan were both a couple inches taller, their features a slightly more mature.

“Whoa, Siri.” I stopped the horse near the two SUV’s that were parked in front of the house. I dismounted from Siri as the two kids ran toward me. I still held Siri’s reins, but did my best to hug them both tight. I kissed first one, then the other on the top of their heads. “You two are so big! Will you stop growing, please? Has it only been a month?”

I smiled down into their shining faces. They were gorgeous and a sight for sore eyes.

“Come on, Aunt Marin, you know we can’t,” Dylan said.

I cupped his cheek, then Remi’s. “I know. I’m so happy to see you! Are you hungry? I made chocolate chip cookies, or I can make you a sandwich or maybe mac and cheese?” The caterers were already on site and had a large smoker going for the pulled pork. The air smelled delicious, but it wouldn’t be ready for four or five more hours.

“Okay,” Dylan agreed to it all. I couldn’t help but laugh. That would have been Ben’s answer, too.

The adults were watching from a short distance away, still near the cars. Missy and Teagan were both holding their babies, and Chase was just getting Jace out of the car seat in the back. He was three now, and he’d grown the most. He ran toward us as fast as his little legs could carry him once Chase set him on his feet. I handed Siri’s reigns to Dylan and bent to scoop him up in my arms. “My! Who is this big handsome boy?”

“It’s me, Auntie Marin!” He hugged my neck with his little arms. “Can I ride your horsey? Can I?” His green eyes were wide with wonder as he watched Siri snort and bob her head.

“Jace, give Aunt Marin a chance to say hello,” Chase said stepping forward to reclaim his son. “Sorry.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine. Siri’s all saddled up and I’ll be happy to give them all a ride. But I’d like to say hello to the babies.”

Missy and Teagan approached. “You look wonderful, Marin,” Missy said. She held her month-old baby boy dressed in a white and blue onesie. There was a blanket beneath him, but he was not wrapped in it due to the warm weather. “Here’s Joshy,” she said, beaming. I looked down at the sleeping baby, palming the top of his head. He had silky fine hair, but it was blond and short.

“He’s precious. Two boys will have your hands full.”

Jensen was standing beside his wife and I hugged him. He was the epitome of a proud father. “In a good way.” He smirked at me. “I’m loving every minute of it.”

“It’s so good to see you guys,” I said sincerely, even though it had only been a month since we’d been in Atlanta.

Turning to Teagan, who was holding the little replica of Remi. “Hello, Bliss,” I said. Her green eyes stared at me and her dark hair was sticking up all over her head, save a little gathered in a barrette with a pink ribbon bow. I reached out and held her plump little hand. It had only been a month since we’d seen them, but the two babies had changed so much. “You’re just beautiful, aren’t you?”

“Mommy says she looks like me!” Remi piped up. “I’m gonna teach her all about being a princess when she grows up a little!”

I smiled. “Well, you’re certainly the expert on princesses,” I agreed. “And also, beautiful!”

“Yep!” She nodded her head, and her long dark ponytail bounced up and down. “Where’s Gemmy?”

“In the house, but what’d ya say we take our rides then get some lunch? We’ve got lots to do to get ready for tonight! You can play with her in the new barn, after. Wait until you see the fairy lights, Remi. They are gorgeous!”

Remi clasped her hands together at the same time as a huge grin broke out on her beautiful face. “Yay! My idea!”

Missy and Teagan took the babies into the house while I climbed back up into the saddle and then Chase handed Jace up into my arms. I settled the little boy in front of me, using my arms as a cage around his body as I held onto the reigns and the saddle horn.

“You and Dylan will have a turn when Jace is done, okay?” I smiled at Remi.

“Sure, Auntie Marin!” She agreed happily as Chase lifted his daughter up and over his head until she was sitting on top of his shoulders. Dylan climbed on to the corral fence and Jensen opened the gate for me, so I’d be able to lead Siri through.

“Gid yap! Gid yap!” Jace called out happily, and I laughed out loud with Chase and Jensen.

“You heard him, Siri. Giddy-up!” I nudged her