Page 10 of Won’t Let You Get Away

She smiles and offers me her hand. “I think Bri has something she wants to tell everyone.”

I latch onto her, reminding myself that everything will be okay. With my eyes closed, I focus on taking deep breaths before finally gathering the courage to tell my family the news.

“I’m pregnant.”

The cabin falls completely silent as though time has frozen for a moment. Then, suddenly, everyone bursts into cheers and laughter. My mother’s eyes fill with tears of joy and she immediately starts making plans and takes out her phone to start ordering essential baby items.

As their happiness washes over me, a wave of true excitement finally takes root within me for the first time since I found out about the baby.

NOAH

“I’ve got the updated inventory for you, Boss Man.” Mack huffs as he drops the clipboard on my desk.

I glance away from the computer screen to look at him. “Thanks, I’ll try to order what we need today and head into town tomorrow for the rest.” I quickly snatch up the clipboard and scan through the details.

My office is small but cozy, filled with nostalgic furniture and personal touches. The homemade desk from my grandpa sits by the mini fridge, while filing cabinets line one wall. The room has been a central spot for every generation of farmers on our land.

The main barn is the heart of our farm, storing all our supplies and equipment. Upstairs, I had the loft converted into a break room for our hardworking crew a few years back. And with my office right next to the stairs, I can easily check in on everyone throughout the day without trekking across the entire farm.

I glance up at Mack. “How’s it looking out there?”

He shrugs and plops onto the worn-out couch across from my desk. “S’fine. Kenny’s lettin’ Rosie and the mares out to stretch their legs.”

Nodding, I lean back in my seat, closely watching Mack as he absentmindedly picks at his nails. He’s been working as a farmhand here for nearly five years, one of the first people my dad allowed me to hire on my own. I can count on one hand the number of times he’s called out from work. He always shows up on time and gets stuff done without being asked. But I’ve never given him a chance to take on more responsibilities around the farm—or any of the other guys, for that matter.

Lately, the last piece of business advice my dad gave me keeps playing in my head. He told me that I need to delegate work instead of carrying all the weight myself. “Just because you can do it all, doesn’t mean you should. Believe in the team we’ve built. If you can’t trust them, why are you paying them?” he said. And as much as I hate to admit it, I might have to agree with him.

“The supplies for the damaged fence at the property line should be arriving within the next day or two,” I say, clearing my throat and forcing myself to continue. “Can you oversee the repairs?”

Mack’s head snaps up, brows disappearing under shaggy blond hair. “Sorry, what?”

I clench my jaw, tamping down the urge to rescind the offer. “I want you to head up the fence repairs.”

He blinks at me, shoulders tensing. “You never let anyone take lead on stuff like this.”

“I know,” I say. “But it’s time I do. You’ve helped with repairs often enough to handle this. If you can’t do it, just say so.”

“No, I can do it. Just wasn’t expecting you to ask.” He grins, shoulders relaxing. “I’ve worked on enough projects with you over the years to know how it’s done.”

“Excellent.” I bite the inside of my cheek to distract from the simmering unease in my stomach. Giving up control and responsibility is a foreign concept to me. “We’ll meet up ina few days to finalize repair plans. I want it done right. If everything goes according to plan and weather permits, the repairs shouldn’t take more than a couple weeks.”

“I got this, Boss Man.” Mack pushing to his feet. “It’ll be a walk in the park.”

Before I can respond, he bounds from the office, and silence settles around me like a smothering blanket.

I turn my attention back to the inventory list, using it to distract myself from chasing after Mack. The familiar columns and numbers soothe my unease, but only slightly.

I know I’ve gotta stop trying to control everything, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I’m miserable unless I can put my eyes on a problem and fix it myself. Leaving this task to him means that I’ll constantly have to fight the urge to micromanage.

However, it’s well past time for me to learn to let go.

My phone alarm blasts,startling me from my focus on the computer. I let out a string of curses and jab at the screen to silence it. My eyes burn and a gnawing ache has settled in my lower back after hours hunched over the desk. I roll my stiff neck and remind myself it’s all worth it.

The admin tasks for the week are finally completed.

I save and print updated documents, jot down order numbers to file away, then shut off my computer and push back from my desk. As I grab my keys from the hook by the door, I mentally list the tasks that need to be tackled tomorrow.

Locking up my office, I turn just as Kenny strides into the barn with a frown etched on his face.

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