Chapter Six

Killian slid his sunglasses over his eyes before reversing the truck out of the driveway. He grinned at Celine, then drove down the road.

“I’m glad we brought coffee. My ass is dragging,” Celine said with a yawn.

“And whose fault is that? I thought we agreed on getting some sleep after our shower last night.” He chuckled as she laughed.

“Well, you’re just too irresistible, Agent Doyle.”

He shook his head, still smiling. “Looks like I’ve created a monster.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” She grinned back.

As they drove, the sun began to rise, painting the sky in hues of pink, red, orange and yellow. Celine retrieved her sunglasses from her purse and put them on before taking a sip of coffee.

“How long will this trip take?”

“Getting bored already?” Killian teased.

“No, just curious.”

“About five hours, but it’ll be longer on the way back with the trailer and horses.”

“It must be a big one if you have seven horses.”

“Yeah, it is. The extra weight adds time. We can stop at a motel if we get too tired or late.”

“I’d rather make it home if that’s okay. We’ll have the dogs with us.”

“We can find places that allow dogs.” He shrugged. “We’ll see how it goes.”

“Alright. ”

“We’ll stop for food and gas, but other than that, I want to keep going.”

“Sounds good.”

Later, after they grabbed lunch at a fast-food restaurant drive-thru, they continued along the road. It was turning into a beautiful day. He was happy Celine decided to come along with him. He wanted to spend as much time with her as she would allow.

****

Celine’s eyes drifted over the rolling hills and lush greenery as Killian drove along a winding two-lane road. The countryside was breathtaking, with wildflowers dotting the fields and scattered farmhouses in the distance. She couldn’t help but smile when she spotted a group of horses leisurely grazing in a nearby field, their tails flicking to ward off pesky flies.

As they approached a driveway, Killian slowed the truck and turned to her with a reassuring glance. “We’re here.”

Celine took a deep breath, trying to calm the anxious fluttering in her stomach. The thought of meeting his parents for the first time made her nervous.

“Relax, baby. They won’t bite,” he joked.

“That’s not funny. Nothing you say right now is funny,” Celine replied, her words laced with tension.

Killian chuckled. “I’m just trying to ease your nerves.”

“No number of jokes will make me relax. Why did I agree to come with you? ”

He pulled the truck to a stop and shifted into park, turning to face her fully. “Celine, my parents are wonderful people. They won’t be anything like your ex’s parents. I promise.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Just trust me on this.”

She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly before nodding her head in agreement.

“They’ll love you. Just be yourself.” Killian winked at her as he put the truck in gear and drove up to the house.

“What a gorgeous place,” Celine said.

“I grew up here.”

“The house is perfect.” Celine stared at the beautiful white farmhouse with black shutters framing the windows. The wide porch stretched across the entire front with white rocking chairs and a swing inviting people to sit and enjoy the day.

“When Dad bought the place, the house was completely restored. There are fifty acres surrounding it. Damn, I should have told you to bring a swimsuit. There’s a pool in the back.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

“I didn’t even think about it. I’m sorry.”

“Are we staying here or at your house?”

“Probably at my place. There’s a lot of boxes setting around, but we can still get through the rooms.”

“I’ll be ready to sleep tonight. I’m really tired.”

“I know. I am too.” He pulled the truck to a stop, opened the door, and stepped out.

Celine opened her door and stepped out as he came around to her. She looked at him and he cupped her face in his hands, then kissed her lips.

“Relax.”

“I’m trying.”

“Bring the girl in, son.”

“Yes, sir.” Killian grinned and took her hand and lightly squeezed it. “I’m right here.”

“Okay.” Celine took a deep breath and let Killian lead her toward the porch. She couldn’t help but smile when Killian’s father grinned at her.

Killian led her up the steps, let go of her hand, and hugged his father.

“Dad, this is Celine Nelson. Celine, my father, Connor Doyle.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Doyle,” Celine said as she put her hand out to him. He was a tall, handsome man. An older version of Killian.

“No need to call me Mr. Doyle. Call me Connor,” he said with a slight Irish brogue as he pulled her into a hug, making her laugh.

“Killian.” A woman came onto the porch, and Celine had no doubt it was his mother. She had red hair streaked with gray and her green eyes sparkled as she put her arms around her son.

“Mom.” Killian hugged her, then introduced Celine.

“You’re a very pretty woman,” Aileen said.

“Thank you. As are you,” Celine said, sincerely.

“Of course, she is. Our son has great taste just like I do. Let’s go inside.” Connor led them into the house.

“Your house is beautiful,” Celine said.

“Thank you. Are you hungry?” Aileen asked her .

“I am.” Celine smiled.

“It’s been a while since lunch,” Killian said.

“I’m going to grill some hamburgers. Is that alright?” Connor asked them.

“That’s fine. Where are my dogs?”

“Out back. They’ll be happy to see you.”

“What about Kian? Has he been by?”

“Yes. He’ll be here for dinner. I’ll get the grill started.”

Killian touched Celine’s hand. “I’m going to go out with my dad. Will you be alright?”

“Of course.”

He quickly kissed her lips, then disappeared out the back door. Celine looked at his mother to see her smiling.

“Would you like to see the house?”

“Oh, I would. If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Follow me.”

As Celine followed Aileen through the house, she knew it had to have been a great place to grow up.

“This is my library.” Aileen smiled as they stepped into a room. “If I live to be one hundred years old, I will still never read enough books.”

“It’s beautiful.” Celine looked around the room.

The library was a room of comfort. Three of the four walls were adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, overflowing with volumes of all shapes and sizes. Celine ran her fingers along the spines, feeling the textured ridges and worn edges of the books as she walked further into the room. She would spend hours lost in this sea of words, each one holding a world of its own, if she had a room like this .

The fireplace stood at the back wall, flanked by two shelves filled with trinkets, photos, and knickknacks. Celine could just picture the flickering flames in the fireplace, dancing and casting a warm glow around the room, casting shadows on the shelves and creating a sense of enchantment.

A plush sofa faced the hearth, and two wingback chairs sat in front of the large window that let natural light flood in.

“I sit here for hours on that sofa, curled up with a book and a cup of tea. This is my sanctuary, my haven, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to be.”

“It’s amazing. I’d love a room like this.”

“Do you like to read?”

“I do. I’m a big fan of contemporary romance.” Celine smiled.

“Any particular type? I like contemporary and historical westerns.”

“I like those too. I rarely read anything else. I know there are a lot of people who will read any romance.”

“Once in a while, I’ll try something different, but I mostly stick to my westerns.”

“You have quite a collection.”

“I do. When Connor was working and had to make trips out of town, he’d always bring a book home for me. I don’t know how he never got me the same book.”

“Killian did mention that Mr. Doyle was a livestock agent.”

“Yes, he retired and works around the ranch now. I know he misses it, but he lives through his sons who followed in his footsteps. ”

“Mom?”

“In the library, Kian.” Aileen looked at Celine. “Have you met Kian?”

“No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet.”

Celine watched a tall man enter the room. He smiled as he hugged his mother, then he looked at her. He was very handsome.

“Hi, I’m Kian. You must be Celine.”

“I am. It’s nice to meet you. Killian was right.”

Kian raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“He said I’d be able to tell you were brothers, but not twins.”

Kian laughed and Celine knew she liked him.

“I’m the better-looking brother.”

Celine laughed. “You just keep telling yourself that.”

“Oh, she put you in your place, Kian. I knew I liked her.”

Kian chuckled. “I can see what Killian sees in you. I hope you can put him in his place.”

“I can.” Celine grinned when Kian chuckled.

“Is Killian with Dad, Mom?”

“Yes, I was showing Celine the house. I suppose we can go out back too.”

The three of them walked back toward the kitchen, and out the back door. Celine’s stomach growled at the smell of the burgers being cooked. She laughed when she saw Killian sitting on the grass, playing with his dogs.

“He’s missed those dogs,” Kian said, then shook his head. “They were miserable without him.”

“That’s right. You took care of them for him.”

“I did until I made the trip to Clifton, then our parents watched them, but they wanted their master back.”

“Celine, come meet the dogs,” Killian said as he got to his feet.

“Uh…”

“They’re babies. They won’t hurt you.” Kian smiled.

“I’ve always been a little scared of Dobermans and Rottweilers.”

“They can be intimidating but they’re good dogs. Killian raised them right.”

“Okay.” She nodded, walked down the steps, and walked toward Killian. He took her hand.

“Sit,” he told the dogs and all three sat.

“This,” he said, pointing to the Australian Cattle dog, “is Cosmo. The Dobie is Winnie, and the Rottie is Tank.”

“Hey, babies,” Celine said as she sat down on the grass and Killian sat beside her.

“Come here,” he said, and the dogs stood and made their way to her.

Celine reached her hand out to let them sniff it, then she was bombarded with dog kisses. She laughed and tried pushing them away, but she couldn’t.

“Guys,” Killian said, and the dogs sat.

“Is Winnie a female?”

“Yes, and she rules them. Just like any other female rules a male.”

Celine looked at him. “Do I rule you?”

“You’ve got me in the palm of your hand, baby.”

She touched his lightly whiskered cheek. “Right where you have me.”

He leaned over and kissed her.

“Time to eat. Come get your burgers,” Connor called to them.

Everyone got a burger and sat at the table under a big umbrella.

“The pool looks so inviting,” Celine said.

“It’s too warm today. It feels like bath water.” Aileen shook her head, then she looked at Celine and Killian. “So, how did you two meet?”

Celine and Killian looked at each other and laughed.

“I know this story,” Kian said with a grin.

“Should I tell her, or should you?” Killian asked.

Celine took a deep breath. “I will. About a month ago, I was in Dewey’s bar with a good friend of mine, Carly. We try to have a girl’s night out once in a while. Anyway, we were sitting at a table and she said, I think that guy likes you and nodded to a man at the bar. I told her I thought he was looking at her. She said, ‘I’ll bet you he comes here and talks to you.’ I asked her what the bet was.” Celine shook her head. “I should have known not to bet. She said if he talks to me instead of her, I have to go outside, find her brother in his black pickup truck, kiss him and wish him happy birthday. She said he was sitting in his truck with his friends hanging out beside the truck. She had just come back from talking to him. I said, she was on and if I won, she had to kiss a stranger.” Celine laughed, making them all laugh with her. “I didn’t know her brother, so I was basically kissing a stranger too. I lost the bet. The guy at the bar came to our table, pulled a chair out, and talked to me. Once I told him I wasn’t interested he left. Carly, of course, thought it was hilarious. Now I had to go outside, find her brother in his black truck, kiss him, and wish him happy birthday. Only when I went outside, I went to the wrong black truck.” She stopped when Killian chuckled, and she smiled at him. “I walked up to Killian, removed his hat, kissed him, and said, happy birthday.” She looked at Killian and he finished the story.

“I said, thanks, but it’s not my birthday. She was shocked that she’d kissed the wrong man, but I kind of enjoyed it.” He chuckled. “I even put my number in her phone and asked her to call or text me.” He shook his head. “She didn’t. I was disappointed, but about a week later, we were at the same party, and she finally sent me a text asking me to dance.” He shrugged. “We’ve been seeing each other ever since.”

Killian’s parents and Kian laughed.

“I’m happy it worked out for you,” Aileen said. “Why don’t you stay through the weekend?”

“We can’t, Mom. I’m having furniture delivered Saturday. I picked up the keys the other day. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, honey. Just come back to see us.”

“I will,” Killian promised.

“And bring Celine,” Connor chimed in.

“I’d love to come back.” Celine smiled at them.

After everyone finished eating and cleaning up, Killian and Celine gathered up the dogs, and drove to his place.

****

“It wasn’t so bad, was it?” Killian asked Celine.

Celine smiled and replied, “No, your parents are wonderful, and so is Kian. ”

“You didn’t tell him that, did you?” Killian joked.

Celine laughed and said, “No, but when he claimed to be the better-looking brother, I told him to keep telling himself that.” Killian chuckled in response.

“We’re all really close,” Killian yawned. “Man, I’m exhausted. I bet I’ll fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.”

“Me too. Are we getting up early tomorrow?”

“Yes, I want to leave by six since it’ll probably take eight or nine hours to get back.”

“That’s a long trip.”

“Yes, ma’am. Especially with a trailer full of horses. Kian will drive this truck back to Clifton for me, then take a flight back here.”

“You don’t use this truck to pull the trailer?”

“No, I have another one specifically designed for pulling a gooseneck trailer.”

“Oh, okay. I had no idea.”

“It’s a big truck, but comfortable.”

“Will the dogs fit?”

“Of course, they’ll ride in the backseat. They’re used to it.”

“Okay. Do we need to stop along the way?”

“I’d like to check on the horses and give the dogs a chance to stretch their legs. Is that okay with you?”

“Of course, it is. I’ll probably want to stretch my legs too.”

Killian nodded and slowed down before turning into a driveway.

“How long has your house been on the market?”

“Not long. It’s not showable right now with all the boxes inside, but there are photos of it on the real estate website before the boxes. I’ve lived in Clifton for about eight months now but wanted to be sure before selling my house.”

He drove until the house came into view and smiled when Celine gasped.

“It’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed.

“I like it. I bought it fifteen years ago, but I don’t need two houses.”

“No, I suppose not. It’s very different from the one you just bought.”

“Yes, this one is a ranch-style house. I had wanted a log home originally, but it didn’t work out. However, I do love this house.”

The dogs started whining from the backseat.

“They must know they’re home,” Celine noted.

“They do. Let’s go inside. Just a warning: it’s a bit of a maze in there.”

“Will there be enough room for all the boxes on our way back?”

“Yes, I’ll try to fit in as many as possible, but I don’t want to overload the truck. I may have to make another trip here to get everything else.”

“Why don’t you hire movers?”

“I could, but I’d still have to come back and let them inside.”

“Maybe Kian could help with that?”

“I’ll check with him, but he’s also moving so he may not have time.” Killian sighed. “It’s not a long trip, but it can be tiring going back and forth. I just want to finish moving and settle in.”

“I completely understand. I hate moving.”

Killian grinned and said, “Yes, you made that clear.”

He opened the back door and the dogs bounded out into the yard.

“They look happy to be home,” Celine observed.

“I’m glad we’re staying here tonight; they can rest before the trip.”

He guided her up the steps, unlocked the door, and they stepped into the kitchen.

“You weren’t kidding about this place being a maze.” Celine chuckled.

“I wish I had already loaded some of these boxes in my other truck. I’ll have to do it tonight.” He sighed, shaking his head at the thought.

“Killian? Why don’t you let me drive your truck back? We can load up both trucks and I’ll follow you.”

“Wait, did you just ask me to let you drive my truck?” he asked incredulously, but couldn’t stop himself from grinning when she glared at him.

“You men and your precious trucks. It’s almost as bad as your obsession with your family jewels.”

Killian burst out laughing. “Believe me, my family jewels are way more important than my truck.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “But it’s a great idea. We can fit all the boxes in both trucks.”

“Will Kian be okay with that?”

“Of course, it saves him from having to fly back for his truck.”

“Then it’s settled. If you trust me with your truck.” She grinned mischievously.

“Darlin’, I trust you with my life.” Killian smiled. “I’m glad you suggested it. We can start loading the boxes now and then relax for the rest of the night.”

“I’m all for that.”

Two hours later, their bodies ached, and their arms burned from carrying heavy boxes out of the house. But finally, they managed to pack everything into the trucks.

Killian strode toward Celine in the kitchen and pressed his lips to hers, then gazed into her eyes.

“I could sleep for days,” he murmured, his voice rough from exhaustion.

Celine smiled wearily. “A nice hot bath sounds heavenly. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. It’ll help you relax.”

“Maybe you could join me? We could both use some rejuvenation after today.”

He grinned. “As much as I’d love to, I still have to take care of the horses before it gets too late. But if you can wait, I’ll join you.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Of course.” He took her hand, led her outside, and to the barn.

****

Celine was happy she came to Helena with Killian. She cherished every moment spent with him and couldn’t imagine her life without him by her side. Glancing over at him, she couldn’t help but wonder about their future together, would he break her heart?

Shaking off her doubts, she knew that if he ever hurt her, it would be like shattering glass, sharp and painful. After only a month together, she wasn’t sure how he truly felt about her. But she knew one thing for certain; she was dangerously close to falling deeply in love with him, and the possibility both thrilled and terrified her at the same time.

Once inside the barn, she blinked her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Killian let go of her hand, and headed toward a back room, but returned quickly carrying a lead in his hand.

“I have to get them in here. I’m sure I’ll be too tired to chase them in the morning.”

“Do you need me to do anything to help?”

“No, thanks. Just stand there, looking beautiful.” He gave her a tired smile.

She knew how he felt. They drove for hours today, spent time with his family, and loaded all those boxes. She was surprised either one of them could stand. She shook her head as she watched him head outside. How was he going to be able to get all the horses in?

With a deep sigh, she walked toward the open barn doors and watched Killian climb over the wooden rail of the fence. She smiled when the horses walked toward him. She could hear him murmuring to them but couldn’t make out what he was saying. She laughed when one of the horses butted their head against his chest. He rubbed the horse’s ears and hooked the lead to the halter.

Celine was surprised when all the horses followed him as he led the other horse. All of them were beautiful. The two Paints were black, brown, and white. The others were American quarter horses. One was also a chocolate palomino with a blonde mane and tail, a chestnut with a black mane and tail, two roans, and a golden palomino. She had always loved horses and knew the different breeds and colors.

“That chestnut is gorgeous. Well, they all are, really.”

“You know your horses.”

“Yes, I’ve always loved them. I always wanted one but never had the place for one.”

“You can ride any of these. They’re all gentle.” Killian led the horses to the indoor corral, then put the palomino in a stall. He took each horse to a stall one at a time. Celine knew he had to be dead on his feet.

Once he got them all in their stalls, he filled their buckets with oats and made sure they had fresh water, then closed the stall gates. After he was done, he walked toward her, took her hand, and they walked back to the house .