Page 18 of An Endless Memory

“Look, the champ’s hungry. I need an explanation, but he’s got to eat first.”

She nodded, sniffling and finally lifted her face out of her hands. “I’m so sorry.”

Holy shit, she looked haggard. The dark circles under her eyes that had been there before were more prominent against her pale skin. Now, the whites of her eyes were bloodshot. Her short curls were a haphazard mess around her head, but it was a style a lot of people probably paid good money for. What did I know? This was the first time I’d made a woman cry. I’d never given them a reason to get emotional about me. The way I’d snapped at her reminded me too much of my father for comfort.

She wiped off her face. “Uh, that was a mess. Such a mess. I should’ve been ready.” A fat tear rolled down her cheek.

“Hey.” I swiped the teardrop off her cheek. “Look, I have no clue what just happened, but it’s clearly distressing you, and I can barely hear you over the champ. Feed him, and I’ll check on Cali.”

“I’m not distressed.” When she caught my look, she shook her head. “Yes, I’m very stressed. But I’m also relieved.” She pressed her fingertips to her temples. “Embarrassed. I need to go.”

No matter what she said, she was distraught and I didn’t want her driving off. “Tell me where your keys are and where you’re parked. I’ll get that stroller monstrosity loaded up. I’m sure Cali can help. Then I’ll drive you home. Come out when you’re ready. Sneak out the side door so no one sees you. Sutton will understand and won’t make a scene.”

“Why are you being so nice?”

“Listen, if my family hears you claim I’m nice, they’re going to have questions, and I can’t have that.”

Her mouth twitched and the panic in her eyes ebbed. She let out a gusty sigh. Kellan only partially calmed down.

I held out my hand and helped her up. Her fingers felt tiny in my grip, but she was strong. I handed the baby over and left the office. I stepped to the side a few feet before I took off my ball cap and ran a hand through my hair. What the hell had I gotten myself into?

Something about marriage and moving and…marriage?

In the garage, there was laughter and lightness. Wilder hovered over Sutton. I’d been late today thanks to calls with the insurance company and breaking my damn back to make the barn structurally sound again, but I’d decided to come to Crocus Valley anyway. I thought the getaway would be good. Now I had a crying woman and I wasn’t sure what else on my hands.

…you know…since our love is so new?

How about nonexistent? I barely knew the girl. She was a cute single mom who lived three hours away from me. She worked for my sister-in-law. I hadn’t planned to do more than admire the way her ass filled out her jeans at the last company picnic. There was nothing between me and Lily and her cute button nose, but apparently, we were getting married? Next week?

Why had she said my name to her aunt?

I didn’t know the story, but I couldn’t believe an aunt would kick a young family out of a house. I also had no idea why a marriage was pertinent to keeping the place. Wasn’t Lily divorced?

Lily couldn’t have a high opinion of men since she was stuck in a new town with a new job and two small children by herself because of a divorce. I didn’t know why she and her ex split, but he was a fucknut. I didn’t need details.

I’d have to get all the information before I breathed a word to my family. Would they warn me about Lily, or would they warn Lily off me? I was about to turn forty, and I’d never been married. I hadn’t even been in any long-term relationships.

Wilder spotted me. “Everything okay?”

No. Not at all. “Lily’s not feeling well. I’m gonna load up the stroller and Cali and pull around to the side door. She doesn’t want extra attention.”

Worry darkened Sutton’s gaze. “Right. She doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Thank you, and tell her to call me if she needs anything.”

How did I tell Sutton that it sounded like Lily needed to get married? To me?

I couldn’t comprehend being a husband by this time next week. One, I didn’t know the bride. Two, I had more than a job. I managed Knight’s Arabians and Cattle Company. I had employees who counted on me to make their living, and I had siblings who needed the place to thrive enough to pay them the inheritance we’d worked our entire lives for.

No matter how married I was, I couldn’t pull up my roots and leave. If I could, I would’ve done it years ago.

Four

Lily

To add to my humiliation, I had fallen asleep on the short trip to the house right after I’d given Eliot directions. With Cali in the car, we couldn’t talk about much, and Eliot seemed to understand. He hadn’t pushed for an explanation.

I blinked my eyes open just as Eliot pulled to a stop in front of the house. Good thing he’d driven. For a few blissful minutes, I didn’t have the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Cali unbuckled and leaned forward. “Mom? Can I watch shows on the tablet?”

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