Page 41 of Won’t Let You Get Away

“Take your time.” She motions to Rosie with a smile.

I rush through tending to Rosie, making a mental note to get up earlier and groom her properly. My sole focus right now is getting back to Bri.

As I’m leading Rosie into her stall, Bri leans against the opposite wall, offering treats to one of the other mares. She turnsand smiles at me as the horse nuzzles her hand, and I am struck by her beauty in my barn.

Shaking my head, I double-check that the stall door is securely locked before crossing over to Bri.

“Are we walking or taking my?—”

“I lied about why I came by,” Bri blurts out, her eyes wide as she runs a hand through her red waves. I raise an eyebrow, prompting her to continue. “Well, it wasn’t a complete lie. I really didn’t want Rosie to get stuck somewhere. But she was just a perfect excuse for me to come by.”

Anxiety radiates from Bri as she paces back and forth, causing me to feel on edge as well. Stepping forward, I block her path and force her to stop pacing. Holding her shoulders steady in front of me, I wait until she looks up at me.

“Are you okay?”

She nods in response, so I press on. “Is the baby okay?”

I glance down just as her hands wrap around her stomach.

“Yes, we’re both perfectly healthy.”

My head tilts in confusion at her response.

“What’s wrong, Sugar?”

Bri bites her bottom lip and sighs, dropping her forehead to my chest. Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around her and hold her close.

“It’s probably stupid and just my wonderful talent for overthinking everything,” she grumbles against my shirt. Her hands find their way to my hips and begin absentmindedly rubbing them up and down.

Unable to resist, I press a kiss to the top of her head and chuckle.

“Do you remember the rum tour at the resort?”

Bri pulls back, frowning up at me.

“Yes,” she answers hesitantly. A light blush spreads across her cheeks and I playfully swat her behind.

“Notthatpart of the tour, although it was my favorite,” I tease. Bringing my hand up between us, I gently trace the backs of my knuckles over her cheeks. “I’m talking about when we were in front of the barrel tree.”

As she swallows thickly, a soft nod confirms her recollection. “Yes, I remember.”

“Whatever you’re feeling is valid. I might not have all the answers or be able to fix everything, but I can listen.” I close my eyes and gently rest my forehead against hers. “Tell me what’s on your mind, Sugar.”

“I was too preoccupied with work and telling my parents about us that I didn’t fully process everything when you stopped by earlier. But then I got home and started replaying the day, I realized how far away Friday is.”

Bri sighs and pulls away from my embrace.

“Then I started thinking about every possible scenario for our conversation and how I could make it easier for you or what I would say if you decided you weren’t happy. And if you are happy, how do we navigate parenting when we barely know each other and?—”

“Okay, hold on,” I interrupt, reaching for her hand. “Before we address any of that, have you had dinner yet?”

“No, I was too busy creating scenarios in my head.”

I shake my head with a smile.

“Come on.”

Interlocking our fingers, I give her hand a gentle tug as we exit the barn and make our way towards my house.

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