The flap to Meadow and River’s tent opened. Meadow poked herheadout.
“It’s not even sunrise yet,” she grumbled. “Can you two fight about whatever you’re fighting about in themorning?”
“Andy was just packing up all his shit and leaving, right Andy?” Daisyyelled.
“Why would you do that?” River asked as he stuck hisheadout.
“Go back to sleep,” Andy said. After they’d retreated into the tent, he turned his wrath on her. “I’m not leaving. We’ve spent too long on this damn farm not to get our parts. They owe us and I’m not going until the bus isfixed.”
“Fine.”
She pushed past him and crawled into her tent. After savagely zipping it closed, she plopped on her butt and drew her knees up to her chest. She wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face in the space between them. She’d never fought with her brother before—never! That was just one more reason she couldn’t stay with Greg. Of course she’d never admit that Andy was right, buthewas.
As she crawled into her sleeping bag, she fought back tears. She couldn’t love Greg. She couldn’t give up on everything she’d done to get to where she was in her life. Once she dropped Andy off in Canada, she could go anywhere she wanted. She could go to the concert in New York with Meadow and River. She could travel to the Everglades and to all the places she’d only ever dreamed ofgoing.
But as tears rolled down her cheeks, she knew she’d be paying a price for her freedom. She’d be losing a man who could be the love of her life. Was freedom really worththatmuch?
Chapter11
Later that day,Daisy, Greg, and Andy worked together in the fields. No one spoke a word until Greg announced it was time for lunch. They set down their rakes and hoes and filed toward thehouse.
She hadn’t slept a wink the night before. After lying in her tent for hours, she’d finally given up and had taken a walk along the lake. The stunning sunrise brought a new flood of tears. She knew what she had to do. It was the right thing to do. But why did it feel like she was making the wrongchoice?
After lunch, they returned to the field. Meadow shot her curious looks throughout the day, but hadn’t asked what had happened the night before. River didn’t seem to careeitherway.
It wasn’t until late afternoon when Greg finally broke thesilence.
“Dad said your part will be here tomorrow. I should be able to get the bus running and you can be onyourway.”
The flat, dejected tone sliced through her. But she was doing what was best for both of them. Greg deserved a woman who wanted to tend the fields and make huckleberry pies and raise his children. He was sexy and kind and loving. He’d easily be able to findsomeonenew.
Her heart clenched at the thought of him holding anyone else in his arms, but she shook the sensation away. She couldn’t have it both ways. Either she’d give up her life and stay with him, or she’d make a clean break. She’d already made her choice, so there was no point in constantlyanalyzingit.
After dinner, she broke away from the group and strolled alongside the lake. She’d miss the pristine wilderness, the way the lake reflected the trees and sky, the way the chipmunks skittered around when she approached them—all of it. But most of all, she’dmissGreg.
“Can I walkwithyou?”
She instantly recognized hisvoice. “Sure.”
“You’re still leaving?” he askedsoftly.
“It’s forthebest.”
“I’m worried about you.” He slipped his hand into hers as they continued walking. She didn’t have the strength to let go. It might be the last time she’d get to touch him. “Promise me onething.”
“What?”
“That you won’tforgetme.”
“I could never forget you.” Her heart kicked in her chest harder than the pounding hooves of a thousand wildhorses.
“And there’s nothing I can say to make you stay?” heasked.
She withdrew her hand and wrapped her arms across herchest.
“What happens after you leave Andy inCanada?”
“We book it to New York,”shesaid.
