Lang took a bite of a portabella baguette, and a drop of Carmela’s special sauce dripped down his chin. “Oh, my God, this is sinful, it’s so good.”
Beth laughed and waved half a chicken salad on sourdough at him. “Carmela created that sandwich and that sauce especially for Ben. He’s been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. Truth be told, when he’s around, she makes practically everything with him in mind. He’s her favorite, he and my dad. Drives my mother crazy.”
“More wine?”
“No, thanks. It’s wonderful, but that glass went straight to my head. We have a half hour ride in the semidarkness ahead of us. I’m thinking maybe we should bring both horses to Morgan’s Run and I’ll drive you home. Maybe head out in about twenty minutes?”
“Can we talk a little first?”
“Of course. I’m sorry for my craziness the past week. This is not me at all. In fact, this is not me, either.” She waved her arm, indicating the blanket and their lovemaking.
He laughed, corking the wine and filling his empty glass with lemonade. “Believe it or not, it’s not me, either.”
“So where does that leave us? Two crazy people who have lost touch with who they are?” Her eyes met his, waiting for an answer.
Lang reached over and caressed her chin. “What if this is who we are? What if we’ve been sleepwalking our entire lives till now? What if we’ve finally found out who we are together?”
“Is that what you think?”
“I don’t know.” He looked away, gazing down the valley as the sun sank lower. “I don’t seem to be able to get my head clear about anything out here.”
“But you think when you get home, you will be?”
“Maybe. Who knows? My father drives me crazy, I’m worried about our mom, and I’ve started an intense, passionate relationship with an incredible woman I’d dearly love to know better.”
“Well, I may be a mess, but I do know one thing. I love you, Lang Dillon. I don’t expect you to return the sentiment, so don’t start cowering like a scared jackrabbit.”
“Do I look like I’m cowering?”
He moved closer and placed his hand on her thigh. She laughed and moved out of his grasp. “Oh, no, you don’t. It’s gonna be dark soon.”
Beth started to stand, and he held her wrist. “Beth, I know I can’t give you the answer you want and deserve. I have very strong feelings for you, but I—”
A call in the distance startled them, and Beth looked north, surprised to see her eldest brother galloping toward them. Flustered, she feared Ben was coming to defend her honor. Hands on hips, she stood as he neared them, astride on his sorrel quarter horse, Rowdy. Lang sprang up and was standing beside her by the time Ben reached them.
“What are you doing up here?” she said, eyes searching her brother’s. He didn’t look angry or belligerent. He looked frightened.
“Something’s happened,” he said, turning to Lang. “Your dad…they found him unconscious in the winery office. He’s been taken to Valley Hospital. Rose and your mom are with him.”
Lang stared at him in shock. “Do they know what happened? Is he…?”
“He’s stable. They think it was his heart, but they’re running tests. Rose asked me to find you.”
Beth turned to him. “Go with Ben. I’ll clean this up and follow you down. He’ll take you to the hospital.”
Ben jumped down and threw their supplies into saddlebags, the blanket over his shoulder. “No one’s staying behind. We’re all set. Let’s go.” He helped her onto Tara as Lang grabbed Dandy’s mane and leapt astride him.
They galloped across the meadow, then slowed to head down the trail that ran along the eastern slope, the quickest way back to the Morgan’s Run stables. When they reached the stables, Beth dismounted and said to Lang, “Go. I’ll take care of this. Jeb’s here. He can help me.”
In the growing darkness, Ben and Lang hopped into the jeep. Beth watched the lights of the Rover as they disappeared, then turned to help Jeb Barnes, Maggie’s assistant, take the horses in.