“Just thinking I’m glad you’re here. People may think I made a huge mistake, but they don’t know what we have, Ozzie. I wouldn’t give you up for the world. I’d hug you right now if I didn’t need a shower.”
“I feel the same way about you.” I glanced back at the foal nursing from the mother. “What are you going to name him?”
“You tell me.”
“Huh?”
“He’s yours.”
My jaw dropped open. “Mine?”
“Yes. If Emma takes me for all I have, we’ll have to start over with just your one foal. Would that bother you?”
“Gray, she won’t actually do that, will she?” She had been livid when Gray threw her and Carter out.
“I’m exaggerating. I’ll always have enough to take care of you, even if she takes half of everything I own.”
I elbowed him in the ribs. “Who’s talking about taking care of me? The ranch has your blood, sweat, and tears. I don’t want you to lose even an acre of the land.”
“You’re one of a kind, you know that?” Gray kissed my forehead.
“How about Indigo for the foal?”
“Because of his coat? Sounds good.”
“Great, then that’s what I’ll name him. Indy for short. Gray, I can’t believe you’re giving me my own horse.”
“You’ll have to take care of him. Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“Of course! I’ll be the best horse dad, but you’ll teach me what I need to know, won’t you?”
“Sure.”
“Yes!”
Gray nodded. “It’s settled, then. Let’s watch them for a few more minutes. Then I can wash up properly and take you back to bed.”
“And if I offer to wash your back?” I batted my lashes at him.
“Baby, I’m counting on you to wash my whole body.”
36
GRAY
Ipoked my head into the bedroom, and my breath hitched. Ozzie wasn’t dressed for our date night like we’d planned. Had he changed his mind? I’d made it clear that if he wasn’t ready to face the public, I could wait, but I still was disappointed. I didn’t want to rush him, but the longer we acted as if we were ashamed of what we’d done, the brighter the gossip burned throughout the town.
With a forced smile on my lips, I entered the bedroom, schooling my expression to give nothing away. I didn’t blame him for not wanting to go out. The few times I’d gone to town, the whispers, stares, and outright questions had followed me like an unwanted shadow.
Most of the things the people repeated were distortions of the truth, the worst of which was that both Emma and I had been sleeping with Ozzie. As if the situation warranted any embellishments.
“Ozzie, did you change your mind about eating out?” I wouldn’t have minded so much, but we were meeting with Lawson and Opie. Thankfully, he still had Opie to talk to, and hewas getting pretty close to Hudson. If he loved this town the way I did, he would be happy about staying and not regret choosing me.
“Is it time already?” Ozzie hopped off the bed, his laptop in his hand. “I got caught up talking to my moms. Why don’t you entertain them while I’m in the shower?”
“What?” He thrust his laptop into my hands. Dazed, I stared at Ozzie’s mothers. I had yet to meet them, which was partly my fault because I always left the room whenever they called, which they’d done every day to check up on him since he sent out the wedding cancellations.
“Guys, this is Gray, and we have a date, so I have to get dressed, but you can talk to him a bit.”
