Miller’s cheeks lifted in a devastating smile. “Hattie Sutton, you are the best thing that could ever happen to a man. You’re beautiful, you’re radiant with kindness, you have a heart that loves even the most difficult to love. You see the good where others see darkness. You’re the person I want to sit on the front porch with all my life.”
“Oh, wow,” I whispered. “You came all the way back to say that to me?”
“I came back because you deserve to be pursued. You deserve the chapter in your story where the guy begsyouto take him back, to not leave him, to never let him go.”
I’d done so much work on my mind and soul, but those words of Miller’s healed more in seconds than years of therapy had ever achieved. What a gift to be wanted, to beenough. “Thank you.” I brushed away more free-falling tears so I could see this man who’d slayed a few dragons for me on this plane. “I want to give us another chance. I do.”
Tugging me by the hand, Miller pulled me from my seat and straight to him. “That’s good to hear. You want to tell me what changed? That compelled you to fly to California?”
I was certain my mascara was probably in globs beneath my eyes, and my shirt bore a smudge of icing when I’d taken a second cupcake thinking all hope was lost. “I had a deep conversation with Ernie.”
“Ernie,” Miller repeated.
“Yeah, he’s quite the sage. Turns out he knows all about mistakes and regrets. Then I saw Buck one last time. I told him I couldn’t help him anymore, and that it wasn’t good for me to stay in contact. I realized all the things Ava said applied to me too. Like her, I was wondering how I could be good enough to make my dad stay—and every guy I dated. But I can’t change Buck. I have to stop trying to earn love by overhelping and trying to be who I think some man wants.”
“You don’t have to be anyone with me but yourself.” Miller’s voice went hoarse, as if the sentiment was raw. “I don’t need you to fix me or change me or make yourself into who you think I need.”
“I get that now. Well, I’m working on it. During one visit Buck said bull riders had to find a way around their injuries, to ride with what hurt. That’s what I’ve been doing, and I’m done. I don’t want to avoid the hurt anymore—or the things that are hard.” I tightened my grip on Miller’s hands, thinking of that wish I’d made over my welcome home cake. “I felt betrayed when you didn’t tell me about your leaving Hope Farms.” There, I’d said it. If we were going to work this out, I had to be honest. “Trusting my heart to a man again was already so hard, and then…I overheard you and Kayce. I was devastated.”
“I’m sorry.” Miller pressed his palm to my face, his thumb brushing across my damp cheek. “I was so wrong and should’ve told you sooner. I had a feeling you’d panic at the idea, and I wasn’t ready to tell you yet and risk losing you.”
“Bonehead move, Miller.”
“Agreed.”
“You should’ve brought your think tank in on that one.”
He looked properly chagrined. “Duly noted.”
Hope was an effervescent thing, a geyser of joy right through my heart. “If you still want to try and make a long-distance relationship work…I’m in.”
“Are you?” His stubbled face tickled my skin as he leaned in and kissed my temple. “You’re okay with seeing each other on weekends and enduring phone calls every night?”
“I can handle it.” I was the very epitome of positivity. Did Miller see my giant smile? My eyes bright with that can-do attitude?
“I hope you’re not going to be too disappointed then,” he said. “Yesterday I informed the group I’m moving the think tank to Sugar Creek. Any business dealings will be handled from there.”
This day was blessing me with gift upon gift. I’d been love-poor for so long, I could hardly believe these extravagant riches. “Are you sure?”
“The team’s not too excited, but it’s my think tank. We can run ventures from the farm as well as anywhere.” Miller smiled, a heart-melting lifting of the lips that promised me worlds. “Will you stay on at Hope Farms?”
“Yes.” That one was easy. I’d never wanted to leave. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Believe it.” Miller’s lips captured mine, and I collapsed against him. “You taste like icing,” he said.
“I can’t imagine why.” I kissed him back with a fervor, fueled by love, relief, and way too much sugar. “Let’s go back to the ranch.”
“I’m not through talking.” Miller’s lips feathered across my cheek, then my forehead.
“I have all the words I need.” I angled my mouth to his, but Miller pulled back.
He smoothed back a strand of my hair that had drifted to my face. “A smart person once told me I should be looking for a woman who gets the real me and pushes me to be the better version of myself—instead of someone who merely tolerates my calendar.”
“She sounds brilliant.”
“This person also said I should want someone who made me laughandfrustrated me. Someone I wanted near because when she was gone, I’d miss her.” Miller’s hands found mine again, our fingers interlacing, skin against skin. “Hattie, you’re the person you said I should be looking for.”
An aria played in my heart, one composed of joy, solace, and complicated romantic runs. “I was hoping I might be.”
