In theory.
Bonnie shrugged. “Or maybe I’ve read way too much into what’s happened over the last couple of weeks. Maybe this is a sign that I’m supposed to pick myself up, move on, and find something else to do with my life.” Grief crashed into her, causing a fresh wave of tears she fought to contain.
Wyatt handed her a tissue. “Do you honestly believe that?”
Bonnie shrugged and blew her nose.
What if Jace, Gunner, and even the ranch were exactly what she needed and wanted? What if the feeling wasn’t mutual?
Wyatt practically inhaled his breakfast. He rested the fork on his plate. “You and Jace both have a lot of history behind you. He’s dealing with his own stuff, just like you are. You can’t control that. But what you can do is clean out your own proverbial closet. Sweep away the things that are holding you back. Then at least you can honestly say you’ve done everything you could.”
Bonnie stared at him in amazement before looking at Chrissy. “He’s way too smart for his own good sometimes.”
“Oh, I know.” Chrissy playfully slapped his shoulder. “He’s also right more often than I’d like to admit, too.”
Wyatt pulled her down to sit on his lap and gave her a kiss.
Bonnie watched them, a smile on her face. “I want this with someone. You know? Someone I can laugh with and be myself. Someone who gets me.” She saw Jace clearly in her mind and could easily picture the two of them being there for each other in the good and the bad. “I want this with Jace, you guys.”
Neither of them looked surprised, but they both seemed relieved that she’d come to that conclusion.
Chrissy pressed a kiss to her husband’s chin before standing up and addressing Bonnie. “So what are you going to do?”
Wyatt was right: Some spring cleaning was in order. Her breakfast forgotten, Bonnie got to her feet. “I’m going to go talk to Mom and Dad. There are a few things that need to be said, plus some captive birthday gifts I need to rescue.”
Her mind spun with what she wanted to tell them until she looked down and took in her appearance. She wrinkled her nose. “Okay, maybe I’ll shower first.” She turned to leave the kitchen when her phone pinged, sending her heart rate through the roof.
She glanced at the screen and disappointment hit when she saw Noel’s name instead of Jace’s. She told Wyatt and Chrissy who it was from before reading the message.
“Hey, Bonnie. I’m worried about you. Are you okay?”
Even though she’d hoped it was Jace, Noel’s kindness made Bonnie feel a little better. “I’m staying with my brother, but I’ll be back Sunday night.”
“I’m glad you’ll be back. I’m praying for you and Jace.”
Bonnie smiled a little. “I appreciate it.” She added a heart emoji and then slid the phone into her pocket. She wanted to ask how Jace was doing but didn’t want to put Noel in the middle of everything. Besides, she’d told Jace she needed space and that was exactly what he was giving her. She couldn’t fault him for that, even if she wished he’d reach out.
Chapter Nineteen
Jace woke up Sunday morning. One of the first things he did was look out the alcove window. When the driveway sat empty, disappointment settled in his chest like a stone. She must have stayed at her brother’s house, at least that’s what he was hoping for. He resisted the temptation to call her and make sure she was okay.
He yawned and stretched with a groan. For the amount of time he’d sat awake in his office, he’d gotten little done. He couldn’t take his mind off Bonnie or their last conversation. Even when he’d finally fallen asleep, he had dreams about it all night.
One dream in particular was more like a nightmare as he watched a flood sweep Bonnie away from his grasp. It left him desperately wanting to talk to her. Or at least make sure she was okay.
“I need some time to figure it out.”Her words replayed themselves in his head.
With a heavy sigh, Jace got dressed and cleaned up before heading downstairs. He found Noel in the kitchen, munching on a piece of cinnamon toast. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you, too.” She raised an eyebrow. “You look terrible.”
“Gee, thanks.” He shot her an annoyed look before pouring himself a cup of coffee. “I didn’t sleep much. I wish Bonnie had at least told us where she’d gone. It doesn’t look like she came home again last night either.”
Noel hesitated. “She’s staying with her brother and his wife. She’ll be back sometime this evening.”
Jace was just taking another sip of coffee. He lowered the cup to stare at his sister. “You’ve talked to her?” Relief flooded him. “And she’s okay?”
“Bonnie is my friend, and I was worried. So yeah, I texted to check on her.” She picked at the crust on her toast.
