Chapter 16

We pulled onto the Manser ranch about noon. It was set in the outskirts of Austin, forty sprawling acres of mostly pasture for the horses they boarded. While the Stanwoods lived off the herbs and exotic plants we grew in the greenhouses and sold through mail-order, the Mansers made their living through horses.

I parked next to all the other vehicles littering the grassy area in front of the large house. The front door opened as soon as we pulled into the driveway and Thea raced out to greet us, Mom and Avery not far behind.

"There you two are!" Mom said. "What took so long? I was out of my mind when Liam and I got here before you!"

Dad swept her into a hug. "We just took a little detour. We're fine."

She eyed him in a way that made me think he was going to get an earful about it later.

"Where have you been?" Avery rushed up to me, wrapping her arms around in me in a tight hug. "Everyone's here already! Even Nathan."

I frowned. "I didn't thin