Page 3 of Moonlit Thorns

“I will. Now I have to go shower and change before I head out.” There’s no way I’m showing up at that place looking like roadkill.

Grandmother walks over and places her hand on the small of my back. “You get in and out of there and tread lightly with Asher Voss. You don’t want to anger him.”

The band around my chest tightens. “I know.”

Without another word, paper in hand, I leave the dining room and head to the staircase, my ire growing with every step.

Being faced with the prospect of never being able to return to Oak Haven Estate, I realize how important my childhood home is in my life. I want to be out in the world exploring, yes, but I also want to know that I can return to the safety of my childhood home and a place that holds so many warm memories. Memories of my beloved father and the last place I saw him alive.

Luke has been groomed his entire life to run this place. He has no other qualifications, and if he found something else, who would take care of my mother and grandmother? If Voss has anything to do with this, he’s mistaken if he thinks Oak Haven Estate can be ripped away from us as easily as tearing a sheet of paper in half.

Oak Haven Estate will remain in the Boudreaux family.

It has to.

And I’m going to do whatever I need to in order to ensure that happens.

Chapter

Two

ANABELLE

Itake one last critical look in the mirror, surveying myself in the same way I’m sure Asher Voss will.

I’ve only seen Asher Voss in person a handful of times, but his reputation precedes him. He’s not someone to be fucked with. None of the Voss brothers are.

My brown hair hangs in loose waves, and I add a subtle amount of eyeshadow and mascara around my matching brown eyes. My blue sundress with cap sleeves has little white flowers in the pattern and ends just above my knees. The dress makes me feel a little childish and cute, but it’s the best I’ve got here at the estate.

If I had my way, I’d wear a designer power suit to meet with Asher Voss, but I left all those back in Nashville since I didn’t plan to be in Magnolia Bend this long.

It’s just a reminder that at some point, I’m either going to have to accept that there’s nothing I can do to help my mother and head back to Nashville, or I’m going to have to accept that I have to officially move back to Magnolia Bend for however long and get my things packed up and shipped here.

“That is a problem for another day,” I tell myself in the mirror.

Satisfied that I look put together enough to try to see Asher Voss, I grab the eviction notice off my dresser and shove it into my purse. A knock sounds on my door, and when I swing it open, Luke stands there.

“You’re not coming with me,” I say.

“I came to tell you that Galen is here.”

My shoulders slump. Dealing with my narcissistic ex is the last thing I need right now. “Send him away.”

“I tried. You know how he is. He insists he won’t leave until he sees you. I managed to make him wait outside on the porch.”

With a sigh, I swing my purse over my head so the strap rests on one shoulder. “Suppose I’m going to deal with two jerks today then.” I make my way toward the stairs.

“He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer, does he?” Luke says, trailing behind me.

“Never did. I can’t believe I ever dated him.” I reach the bottom of the stairs, and I turn to face my brother.

“You were a teenager. Teenagers always do stupid shit.” My brother does know how to make me feel better.

Galen is three years older than me, so I didn’t date him until I was a senior in high school. At first, I thought he’d be an exciting man to date, but I quickly learned that what he is, is obnoxious and self-involved. We broke up before the end of the year, so at least I don’t have to look at pictures of him as my prom date for all eternity.

Since I returned home, Galen’s made it clear he’s ready to settle down, and he’s chosen me to do it with. I honestly don’t know why he’s so fixated on me. He’s the sheriff and an attractive man as well. He could take his pick of most women in Magnolia Bend. When we did go out, it was embarrassing how many women hit on him right in front of me.

I step toward the door, but Luke whirls me around and draws me into a hug. “You sure you can do this?”

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