Page 116 of Love in the Wild

“You haven’t had the right friends,” Hadley said.

When Gage settled into the driver’s seat, he didn’t start the truck. Instead, he rested his hands on the wheel and looked out into the darkness.

“What’s wrong?” Their good time couldn’t be gone already. They were just getting started. But the look on Gage’s face said something was bothering him.

He turned to her and took her hand in his. Rubbing the pad of his calloused thumb over her skin, he took a deep breath. “I think I’m ready to go to church.”

Hadley gasped. “Really? Are you sure?”

“If I don’t go, I’ll sit around waiting to feel ready, and that might not ever come. I’m gonna have to just man up and do it.”

Hadley wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m so proud of you. You won’t regret it.”

His arms rested around her middle, and he drew in a slow, deep breath. “Thanks for being patient with me, but now I need you to push me.”

“I can do that. I’m here for you no matter what.”

Gage leaned back and let his gaze roam over her face. “I love you,” he whispered.

“You already told me that today.”

“I can’t ever tell you enough, sunshine.”

He pressed his lips to hers, and her eyes drifted closed. His slow kiss was a reward for persevering through the hard times they’d faced. Loving Gage was as wild as the dark night and as calm as a spring rain. He thought she was a good influence on him, but he was changing her too.

33

GAGE

Gage held onto both sides of the post-hole digger and made sure it was lined up in the correct spot before turning it on. The bit spun, digging its way into the hard earth.

Mr. Chambers stood nearby ready to place the post into the new hole in the ground. Gage had built fences before but never with a machine. His stomach had plummeted when Mr. Chambers mentioned the work he had planned for the day, but this wasn’t so bad.

Gage pulled the bit from the ground, scattering dirt as Mr. Chambers placed the post. The wooden beam was pretty big, but Gage didn’t dare ask the man if he needed help. That seemed like one of those things that could hurt a man’s pride.

“So, what do you think?” Mr. Chambers asked with a heaving breath. They’d been out at a remote part of the ranch Gage had never seen before for hours without saying more than necessary to get the job done.

Gage lifted his ball cap and wiped his brow. Propping his arm on the digger, he looked around. “What are you fencing in over here?”

Mr. Chambers pointed to a clearing on his left. “I’m deeding this spot to Brett and Thea.”

Gage’s eyes widened. “For what?”

“A wedding present,” Mr. Chambers said as he made sure the post was secure.

“You’re giving it to them?”

“Yep. Everybody needs a place to start.”

“But they’re already living in a cabin on the ranch,” Gage pointed out. Sure, wedding presents were a thing, but land was a far cry from a toaster. Land like this was… unattainable.

Unless you were a friend of the owner.

“But your mom is living there too, and they’ll need more room soon. I figure they’ll want kids and a place for them to play. This looks like as good a spot as any.”

Gage rubbed the scruff on his cheek. “That’s a big gift.”

“I’m an old man. I can do what I want.”

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