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“Figured it out? What makes you think I would’ve figured that out? Come. On. You didn’t give me anything to go by.”

Jason shrugged then jutted his chin toward Tate. “You can’t give me all the credit. It was Tate’s idea, too. Maybe even more his than mine.”

Chet glanced over his shoulder to where Tate and Rylee were talking with Lydia and Cecelia. Today was a celebration. Tate had insisted on having one because Lydia had agreed to be hired by his company. “I still can’t believe she hasn’t figured it out yet.”

“She’s been too busy telling us how to run the place,” Jason said. “I thought hiring her might make that easier on all of us.”

“Now she’ll get paid for it.”

“Exactly. I’m hoping that means she’ll save her suggestions for working hours.”

Chet laughed. “Good luck with that.”

Jason grinned and nudged him with his elbow. “You’re supposed to be helping me.”

“I am. I’m telling you what to expect.”

“Funny. You never seem to mind when she tells you what to do.”

Chet glanced toward Lydia. She stood with one hand on her hip, laughing as Tate shook his head at whatever she’d said. “She usually has a point.”

“You could at least pretend to think about taking my side.”

Chet slugged Jason playfully in the arm, then took in the people who’d come for the barbecue. A spring breeze stirred the leaves overhead. A few of Tate’s clients had shown up to welcome the new employee, along with Lydia’s siblings, their significant others, and a few of the recently hired hands.

Business was booming.

There were more horses in the barn, more hands to help with them, and Lydia at his side each morning. Chet had learned which days to bring coffee for everyone and which days he could steal a few minutes with her before the others arrived.

Lydia laughed at whatever Cecelia said. When her laughter died down, she scanned the crowd, and her eyes found his. Then those gorgeous, full lips curved, and she winked at him.

“You guys are disgusting,” Jason muttered.

It was Chet’s turn to laugh. He turned to his friend and pointed an accusatory finger at him. “You found love first.”

“Yeah, but you found it with my sister.” Jason shook his head, fighting a smile. “I don’t need a front-row seat.”

“No one is forcing you to.”

“I beg to differ. Every time I walk into the barn, I have to announce myself.” He was quiet for a beat and his face softened. “But seriously, I’m glad it all worked out. You two are so good for each other. Even I have to admit that.”

“Thanks, man. I wanted to show you something.”

“Yeah?” Jason turned back to face Chet. Chet turned so Lydia had no view of what he drew from his pocket.

He retrieved a small ring box and flipped it open to reveal a ring he’d spent hours discussing with the local jeweler.

Jason’s brows lifted, then he darted his focus to Chet. “You want to propose?”

“Are you surprised?” Chet asked with a laugh.

Jason leaned closer, then looked up with a broad grin. “Does this mean I get to call you my brother?”

“If she says yes.” Chet closed the box. “You’re still going to have to make sure we know you’re coming into the barn, though.”

Jason offered him a broad smile and clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re a good man, Chet. I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks. It means a lot that you support us.” Chet turned back to the crowd. “So, when are you going to tell her that Misty is her horse?”