Page 52 of Love in the Wild

“There’s no figuring things out. This is my life, and you deserve better. I’m not great. I deserved every night I’ve spent in jail.”

Hadley relaxed and adjusted herself in the seat. “Listen, we have a lot to talk about. First thing being the way you talk about yourself like you’re garbage.”

“Hadley, it’s not self-deprecating. It’s just the truth.”

“I don’t care. It starts now. No more talking like that.”

Gage huffed. “When did you get so bossy?”

“Next, we need to come up with a plan. You need to figure out a way to get out of there and save the parts of your family who need protecting.”

“Okay. I’ll get right on that.”

“I don’t care for your sarcastic tone. I’m being serious.”

“I am too. It’s not easy to just leave. I know everything my family does. Spoiler alert, it’s not legal. You think they’re just gonna let me walk away?”

“Brett and Jess left their family. They’ve had normal lives for the last five years.”

“We wiped out the two patriarchs. They don’t have anyone pushing for revenge.”

“Why don’t you talk to Brett? He was just as adamant about protecting Thea when she was here. You two are basically on the same side now.”

Gage threw his hands in the air. “Seriously? He’s a Patton.”

“And as long as you keep thinking of him as the enemy, your situation isn’t going to change. Brett isn’t your enemy. He never was. Open your eyes, Gage. You want the same things!”

Gage took a few deep breaths and stared at the night outside the windshield. “Maybe you’re right. I just…it’s so hard to change something that I’ve thought for so long.”

Hadley rested her hand on Gage’s shoulder. “I know, but I really think a mindset change is what is going to help you get out of this mess.”

Gage covered her hand with his. “All I can say is I’ll try.”

“Good, because I have another big idea. I want you to meet someone.”

“I’m really not the guy you want to take home to Mama.”

“Not my mom. My boss.” She’d been thinking over the idea for a while, but after Gage said he was open to hearing about the Lord, she couldn’t think of a better person to share the gospel with Gage than Mr. Chambers.

“Um, am I in trouble or something?” Gage asked.

“Not in trouble.” Hadley laughed. “He’s a good man, and I think you could learn a lot from him.”

“I’m not gonna pretend like I understand why you want me to meet your boss, but okay.”

“Really?” Had she really expected him to say yes?

Gage rubbed his bearded cheek. “I’m starting to think I’ll do anything you ask me to do, so try not to take advantage of me.”

Hadley threw her arms around him and pulled him in tight. “Thank you!”

Gage wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in the crook of her neck. “Not sure what I did to deserve a hug, but I’d like to do it again soon.”

“This is your warning. He’s gonna talk to you about the Bible. It’s something you need to hear.”

Gage’s hold on her didn’t change as he whispered “Okay” against the sensitive skin of her neck.

“You’ll listen?”

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