“That’s right. Let’s keep it that way. And it’s PaigeWalkernow, in case you didn’t get the memo.”
I exit the stall with the wheelbarrow, and he closes it behind me. “Does this mean she’ll be sticking around after those six months?”
I shrug. “Not sure.”
“Why’s that? Y’all obviously get along well, and anyone with two eyes can see how well she fits in with the family. Even the boys are warming up to her.”
I pause to take off my work gloves and get a drink of water. “I told her I want her to be fully rehabbed before she makes any decisions. That girl’s been doing gymnastics and cheer since she was little. Where’s she gonna use those skills in Wild Heart? She’s an elite athlete, Beau. I can’t ask her to stay so she can be a rancher’s wife.”
His expression goes flat. “Are you serious?”
“I just want what’s best for her. Danny would want me to push her to go after what she really wants and not… not settle.”
He frowns. “Why is the best option not you? She’d have a good life here. We’ll get our financial situation all figured out this year, and then y’all could have a few rugrats, and we’d?—”
“I’m not having more kids. That’s off the table. I already told her.”
His brows lift. “You justtoldher? And she was okay with that?”
I shrug. “She didn’t argue. Then she agreed to hold off making any decisions about us for now.”
Beau shakes his head. “I love you, brother, but sometimes you’re a dumbass.”
He doesn’t understand. That’s fine. But I need to do right by Paige. I scrub a hand over my face. “Are you coming fishing with me and the boys tomorrow?”
“My shift starts in the morning, so I need a raincheck.”
“I hate that you have to take on so much.” Beau works his ass off as a fireman and then puts in a shitload of time here at the ranch.
“It’s no more than you do.”
What was I supposed to do when my father was too drunk to get out of bed? Let this place fall apart? Thank God I have my brothers. I’d never be able to handle this place by myself.
I put my gloves back on, and he follows me out of the barn. I dump the manure several yards away. “Did you test the pH balance of that field we discussed?”
“It’s ready to be fertilized.”
“Can you get the guys on that? Make sure the manure is laid down in a thin layer?”
He nods. “I’m on it.”
“Also…” I wipe my forehead with the back of my arm. “Would you mind making a run to the lumber yard later this week? I have a list of things I need for a project.”
“Sure. What are we making?”
“A coop.” I squint into the bright sun. “How do you feel about chickens?”
I getthrough my to-do list in record time before I book it back to the house. As I’m stomping my feet on the welcome mat, I open the back door. “Paige. Baby, you ready?”
I promised I’d take her to her first physical therapy appointment. It’s just an assessment, but she seemed nervous, so I offered to drive her.
“Um. Rhett? I have a visitor. Can you give me a sec?”
Why does she sound funny? I stomp into the house and find her talking to some dude in a suit. I’m momentarily distracted by the sweet little sundress Paige is wearing. It’s yellow and shows off a fetching amount of leg.
I turn to the guy. “You from the bank?” I ask as I wipe my hands on my jeans. “Did Harlan send you?”
His brow puckers as he looks at Paige, then back to me. “You know my uncle?”
