I had the best thing that had ever happened to me, and I tossed it away because I’d still been living in the past. Because I couldn’t open my mouth and be honest with him—to tell him I was scared out of my mind of losing him. And even more terrified that I’d fucked up and come between him and his family.
That I was trying to do the right thing.
“I need to make things right with Reid before I can accept.” I steel myself and add, “As long as the offer is still available.”
“It’s not my business to get involved with my nephew’s love interests, but I will say that I own an awful lot of land here.”
He doesn’t say “and they’ll never find your body.” He doesn’t have to.
Hell, if I ever fuck up like this again, I’ll help him dig the damn hole.
Licking my lips, I admit, “I thought you called me in today to fire me, and I ended things prematurely. I didn’t want to come between family.”
“Not saying they’re right, but I’m sure you had your reasons,” he says, his voice even and lacking the disdain I thought was coming.
“I need to talk to him,” I say, the words sounding desperate even to my own ears.
“He went on an errand with Wren. Won’t be back till tonight.”
My stomach drops into my boots. The idea of waiting hours to see him is something I can hardly fathom.
“If he takes me back,” I rasp, looking to the man seated across from me, “I don’t know…I guess I’m asking for your blessing. To be with him.”
Winston studies me for a long while, his gaze assessing and uncomfortable but not unfairly so. He cares about his nephew, and I can’t fault him for that.
I care about him too.
I’m in love with him.
“That boy is as much mine as any of my own kids,” Winston starts. “Lives and breathes for our town—hell, for the entire state.” He chuckles. “I want him to be happy, to have someone who loves and supports him and finds his enthusiasm charming and thinks he hung the moon. Is that you?”
“Yes, sir.”
Winston points a finger at me and grins. “That one I’ll allow.” I chuckle and it’s part relief and part hope that he thinks there’s a chance this will all work out. “If I were you, I’d start planning that apology. And make it big, because my nephew deserves it.”
“He does.”
He deserves the world.
“Oh, and Harlan?”
“Yes?”
“In the event that my nephew does take you back, I might have some ideas to run by you so we can expand our rescue program here, make it a sanctuary for horses like Onyx.”
Hope beats in my chest and I nod, my voice cracking as I answer him, “I’d be honored.”
“Good,” he grunts. “Now go figure out how I can keep you instead of making up an alibi.”
I huff out a laugh as I nod and head out the door. I have a lot of work to do, and I’ll need help if I’m gonna pull it off.
Here’s to hoping thehelpthink I’m worth it too.
19
HARLAN
Ihear their footsteps before I see them, their breathing ragged with anger instead of exertion, and I welcome it.
