But I couldn’t turn around. Couldn’t acknowledge Gray with the tears in my eyes. I felt violated, hollowed out from the inside, resentment a bitter pill forced down my throat by Emma’s words. Carter’s treachery filled me with fear. I never wanted to feel the way he made me ever again. I’d been so desperate to fall in love and marry I’d allowed myself to be used.
My stomach churned, thinking about all the times I’d lain in bed with him, his body on top of mine, his lips on mine, and all the time it had been nothing but a lie. He’d lured me here to the ranch and abandoned me. He’d left me to plan a wedding he’d had no intention of attending.
Tears leaked as I ran out the door and down the steps. But I couldn’t run away from the godawful pain in my heart.
39
GRAY
Where was he? Ozzie had been gone for an hour, and I had no idea where he was. Technically, an hour wasn’t long for an adult to go off by themself, but after the bombshell had Emma dropped, tightness sat in my gut.
I need to go.
He just meant he needed some time, right? He wasn’t actually going to leave me, was he? Even though he hadn’t returned, I still went upstairs to check that his clothes were still in the closet. I let out a breath and leaned against the doorframe, my eyes roving over each shirt and jeans as though cataloging them would somehow tie him to me stronger.
How could I not have known Carter had overheard me that day? So much made sense. I replayed the conversation I’d had with Carter about the venue of his wedding.
“Hey, Car. What’s going on, kiddo?” I lean against the kitchen counter.
“Hey, Dad. Just taking a breather from all this wedding planning and thought I’d call you to see how you’re doing.”
I frown. Now this is even more suspect. Or maybe he’s turning over a new leaf. His fiancé seems to be having a positive effect on him.
Ozzie.
I shake my head at the way my heart speeds up. I’ve barely been around him, but his incredible kindness and gentleness left a mark on me.
“How’s the planning going?” I ask.
“Tough. Our budget’s not that great, and we can’t find a place in the city to host the event when we want. Ozzie’s not into anything too showy.”
“Did you have something in mind?” Despite being married, I know little about weddings, but I’ll do anything for my kid. Maybe this is a chance for us to grow closer to each other.
“I don’t know. Thinking somewhere with nature for Ozzie. Not too many people and just close friends. That’s the kind of guy he is, and I want this wedding to be perfect for him.”
I straighten up. “What about the ranch?”
“What?”
“The ranch will be perfect. I insist. Your wedding must be on the ranch.”
“But the ranch…I don’t know, Dad. Though Ozzie would love it, I think, but I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s not an imposition. Wouldn’t be too much work at all, and it’s plenty big enough for everyone. Plus, it’d mean a lot to me.” Now that the idea had taken root, I couldn’t shake off the excitement of Carter getting married at home. “In fact, you have the wedding at the ranch, Carter, and I’ll pay for the whole thing. It doesn’t get better than that.”
“You mean that? It’d sure be nice to start a life together without debt.”
“Absolutely. It’s decided, then. The wedding will be held at the ranch.”
As the conversation swirled around in my brain, doubt surfaced about the intention of that call. Why had Carter called me out of the blue to talk about his wedding, specifically the venue?
Oh god, Emma was right. He’d manipulated me into inviting them to the ranch for the wedding. Then he’d gone off to the Caribbean, leaving me with no option but taking care of his fiancé.
That my own flesh and blood could manipulate me to this extent, pushing Ozzie and me together, then blaming us for falling in love, shattered my heart into a million pieces. Granted, his inheritance was a lot of money, but some things were more important. Had I not taught him that?
I stumbled back down the stairs and entered the kitchen, hoping to find Ozzie there talking to Gertie as he usually did. But Gertie was alone, swaying gently to an old tune playing on the radio as she stirred something on the stove. She turned down the volume of the radio.
“Is he back yet?” she asked.
