Page 57 of Love in the Wild

She lifted her head and looked up at him with a smile. “Thanks. It’s always nice to hear that.”

“It’s true. I don’t know how we went through a lot of the same things when we were young and turned out so different as adults.”

“We’re different in some ways, but one of the things I learned that helped me is that we all have a chance to change the path we’re on. The thing that changed my path the most was finding Jesus.”

Back to religion. Gage had always looked at religion like a blind cult, shouting about love and peace when those things weren’t real.

But Hadley lived with a happiness he’d never seen–one he hadn’t believed could truly exist before he got to know her. He’d assumed her heart was innocent and pure because she’d grown up with parents who loved her and food on the table. Now, he was starting to rethink everything he knew about her and God.

“You and Thea could be the change, you know. The two of you could start over like Brett and Jess did.”

Gage mulled over her words. His family spent so much time digging their own graves, and they did it all with sadistic smiles on their faces. How many years had Gage wasted following the wrong leader?

“Maybe,” Gage said.

“You said you’ve never really had a girlfriend. Well, I’ve never been in a real relationship either. I mean, I’ve dated a few times, but I’ve never really been close to anyone.”

“Because of your dad?” he asked.

“I think so. My mom dated a lot, and the men were usually nice in the beginning. Later, they showed who they really were. I want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I’m scared I’ll end up trusting the wrong person and get hurt.”

Gage rubbed his cheek against her hair. “I’d never hurt you.”

“I believe you when you say that. I just…I can’t allow myself to end up in those situations like my mom did. I know how awful it is.”

“I won’t let that happen to you.” It was a promise he would keep, even if it meant risking his own life. He’d protect Hadley with everything he had.

Gage held her close as his heart rate kicked into a higher gear. The things he would do for Hadley after only a short time solidified his resolve. There was a bond between them that rivaled anything he’d ever known. He’d heard about love and commitment, but he’d never understood those things. It was like someone was opening a dictionary in his head and pointing to words that had always been blurry.

She’d bound herself to him in just a few weeks. Now, he was in too deep to pull away.

Hadley patted his back and stepped away. “I have to get back to work.”

Man, why did his chest ache every time she had to leave? Even knowing he’d see her again soon didn’t ease the draw toward her. “Same time tomorrow?”

“You know it.”

When their trash was packed up, Gage closed the tailgate and turned back to Hadley. Wrapping her up, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, taking the time to breathe in the floral smell she carried with her like the coming of spring.

She stepped away and grabbed her drink, walking backward toward her car with a beckoning grin.

He was in so much trouble.

When she turned and rounded her car, she sang the chorus of “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain until she closed herself in the vehicle.

Gage propped against his truck as he watched her drive away. She had a way of making him believe he could actually be the man for her. His life and history said he wasn’t worth the dirt on the bottom of her boots, but her smile whenever she looked up at him said he could do anything with Hadley Morgan by his side.

17

HADLEY

Hadley raised the tiny teacup and clinked it against Abby’s. The poor little handle pressed between her fingers was about to snap.

“Thank you, dear. Would you like some sugar?” Abby asked.

Hadley nodded slowly. “Yes, ma’am.”

Abby carefully dropped a sugar cube into Hadley’s teacup. The sugar cube was bigger than the cup, so only half of the sugar was submerged in the liquid.

---