Page 65 of Love in the Wild

This guy really had a way with words, but when he called, she went.

After she finished apologizing to Gage last night, she and Brett headed to Blake and Everly’s house where Brett told them the good news about the marriage. Some of Everly’s excitement about planning a celebration with their friends at the ranch had rubbed off on Hadley, and sleep hadn’t come easy.

With the way things stood, Gage wouldn’t be able to come to the celebration and neither would their mom. Nothing about that sat well with Hadley.

At least she had someone to talk to about it. Blake and Everly didn’t grow up in Blackwater, so they had no idea about the Howards and Pattons. Hadley spent at least an hour filling them in on everything going on.

Hadley stretched her arms over her head and rolled out of bed. She had to get going if she was going to meet Gage before heading back to the ranch. Remi asked her to watch Abby and Ben today, so Hadley had a full day of running and playing ahead of her.

She fired off a quick response to Gage just as another text came in.

Thea: Hey! Can you take me to my follow-up appointment today in Cody?

Hadley: I’m supposed to keep Abby and Ben, but I’ll check. What time?

Thea: Around 3.

Hadley made a quick call to Vera confirming the kids could hang out with her in the kitchen until Colt and Remi got back in the afternoon. Once that was arranged and approved with Remi, she texted Thea back.

Hadley: You got it. Meet me at the dining hall at 3.

Tossing her phone onto the plush bed, Hadley took an extra-long shower in Blake and Everly’s ridiculously luxurious guest bathroom. Blake used to be a professional sports agent, and apparently the pay was sweet because he definitely wasn’t living like a wrangler.

With her wet hair in a braid, she headed downstairs where the smell of cooking sausage and bacon sent a wake-up shot straight to her stomach.

The bacon in the pan sizzled as Hadley stepped up beside Blake. “Can I get some of that to go?”

Blake jerked his head toward the pantry where Everly appeared carrying a Tupperware bowl. Her long blonde hair was already styled in beautiful waves, and she wore a white blouse and tan slacks.

“Got it,” Everly said as she handed over the bowl.

“Can I get two?” Hadley asked with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Everly’s mouth opened wide before asking, “Who might this be for?”

“Um, remember Thea has a brother?”

Blake whipped around to face them, not even bothering to act like he was sorry to interrupt. “You’re seeing Thea’s brother?”

“Kinda.” Hadley shrugged.

Everly stepped closer to whisper, “Is he…”

“He’s not like the rest of them. He’s doing everything he can to look after Thea. He’s gonna be there when Brett goes to talk to Thea’s family today.”

“How are we expecting that to go?” Blake asked.

“It’s anyone’s guess. I’m glad Gage will be there though. He won’t let anything happen to Brett.”

Blake abandoned the bacon and turned to join the conversation. “Do I need to be on standby?”

“I think they’ve got it covered. Surely, the Howards won’t do anything in broad daylight.”

Okay, that rationale was ridiculous. What did the time of day have to do with crime? The garage was far enough away from everything else that no one would be around if Gage and Brett needed backup. “On second thought, maybe keep your phone close-by.”

Everly handed Hadley another bowl. “Just be careful.”

“I will. I hope things will change after today. Brett’s a good guy. I hope they listen to him and put this mess in the past.”

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