Page 134 of Love in the Wild

Mr. Benson crossed his arms over his chest. “So, I have to ask. What are your plans?”

“Um, my plans for what?” Gage asked.

“For the future. You still like working at Beau’s?”

“Yeah. I love it.”

Mr. Benson looked out over the ranch. Spring was making its presence known, and the hills were a splash of green beneath a clear blue sky. “I’ve been trying to run things around here on my own for a while. Sure, I’ve hired you and Travis for odd jobs here and there, but I can’t do this without more help. I’d like to offer you a more permanent job here. I know you’re happy at Beau’s, but maybe we can get you on a part-time schedule here too. Summer is coming, and I’ll need all the help I can get with the cattle.”

Gage stared at his friend as his heart hammered in his chest. “I was actually going to ask you for more hours. Hadley is working more now that the ranch is open for the season. I can’t let her outwork me.”

Mr. Benson let out a hearty laugh. “No, I don’t think you should.”

The Lord had a nice way of showing His hand. Just when Gage needed more work, the opportunity fell right into his lap.

“You can take some time to think about it,” Mr. Benson said.

“My gut says yes, but I do want to run it by Hadley first.”

Mr. Benson’s mouth lifted on one side. “Smart man. That’s one thing they don’t tell you about being in a relationship. It doesn’t work unless it’s a true partnership.”

“To tell you the truth, that’s something I learned from you. My parents definitely didn’t tell each other everything, but I see you and Mrs. Benson do it all the time. It’s easy to decide what’s right and wrong.”

“I’m glad to hear that. It’s not always smooth sailing, but life is much better with a good woman by my side.”

Gage nodded. “I believe you.”

“By the way, I appreciate you always being respectful and calling me Mr. Benson, but I think we’re past formalities now. I’m only fifty-one.”

“Matthew it is then.”

Matthew stuck out his hand. “Let me know what you decide.”

“I will.” Gage shook his hand then looked at his watch. “I actually need to go meet Hadley now.”

Matthew shooed him off. “Go on. I’ll take it from here.”

Gage turned on his heels and set a path for Wolf Creek. He’d have more than one surprise for Hadley tonight, and he couldn’t wait to see her.

EPILOGUE

GAGE

Gage parked his truck in front of Hadley’s cabin. He’d spent many good hours here since Hadley’s injury, but they’d both spent more time at the dining hall and stables. He’d needed healing just as much as she had, and he could finally look back and see how far they’d come. Together.

The ranch was a wash of brown and green. Winter was falling away and calling on a new season. He stepped up onto the porch and took a seat in the wooden rocking chair.

Land had always been important to the Howards, but his family hadn’t worked their land like this. There was a difference in owning dirt and growing on it. No wonder Mr. Chambers liked spending half of his day on the back porch.

The phone in Gage’s pocket dinged, and he pulled it out to read the message.

Dawson: Hurry up. I’m starving.

Gage huffed and slipped the phone back into his pocket. Dawson and everyone else would just have to wait. He had plans with Hadley, and she always came first.

Not first exactly. He had to remember that putting God first was better for her than putting her first in a way. At least that’s what Mr. Chambers said, and the man hadn’t been wrong about anything yet.

Hadley’s car crested the hill, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. His heel tapped a quick rhythm on the wooden floor.

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