He scowled. “She had no right to be so rude.”
“Maybe. But we were both caught off guard.”
“I know. That’s on me. But I promise she won’t be a problem again.”
“Chase, she should feel welcome in your home. It’s part of her heritage, too.”
“Andyou’rea part ofme. She’ll come around. I really think you guys can work things out.” I nudged her with my elbow. “Especially if Bristol provides the drinks again,” I said, trying to tease a smile out of her.
“I hope so.” Her eyes drifted back to the horizon.
“Is that all that’s bothering you?”
I could see her shoulders tense. This was definitely about something more.
“I’d rather talk this out than be left to guess wrong. You can’t imagine what’s going through my mind right now. You’re not planning to leave, are you?”
“I…I guess that might depend on you.”
My heart dropped. “I don’t want you to go anywhere,” I said quickly. “I thought we agreed we were going to work through this. Together. I can’t understand if you won’t tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”
Her fingers twisted around a string at the bottom of her shirt.
“Is it still about Cameron?”
She shook her head. “No. You’re right. She and I will work things out in our own time.”
“Are you having doubts?”
She propped her elbows on her knees and rested her chin on her hands.
“It’s just…”
I stayed quiet, letting her fill the space on her ownterms.
“It was all the talk about babies. I’m happy for Bristol and Reid. I really am. Even for Dolly.”
Her small laugh sounded sad. “I…I can’t have children, Chase,” she whispered. “I know family is important to you. But it’s not something I’m able to give you.”
I sucked in a breath, sharp and unsteady. “Anna, I…”
“I just needed you to know before we get any deeper,” she continued, her voice steadier than I was feeling. “Before you imagine a world that looks different from my reality.”
I reached for her hand and threaded my fingers through hers, trying to anchor her. Or maybe myself. Either way, the feel of her skin against mine was soothing.
I was scrambling for the right thing to say when an idea came to me. I couldn’t change her circumstances, but maybe I could give her a new direction to focus on.
“Wait here a minute.”
She looked confused, but nodded.
I darted into the house and filled a backpack with some water, a blanket, and a couple of treats for Jack, then met her back on the porch.
I reached out my hand. “Will you take a walk with me?”
She looked at me in surprise. Her eyes searched mine, and then she nodded. “Okay.”
I gave her fingers a light squeeze before bringing them to my lips for a kiss. Then I whistled for Jack, who came bounding around the corner of the barn with his tail wagging.
