Page 42 of Savage Secrets

“Mind if I sit?” He grabbed the back of a chair and slid it out.

“Please do, Zach. This is Mr. Brooks, an attorney. He’s come to discuss the ranch and all the things that need to happen.”

When he sank to the chair beside hers, she automatically drew in a deep gulp of air. His familiar scent filled her with a measure of calm. All the stress of the past few minutes had spread through her shoulders and climbed up her neck. She angled her head to the side to stretch it.

Zach shot her a sideways glance. “Can I help at all? I know a lot from working with Sean Gracey.”

Respect filtered into the attorney’s eyes. “Then you’ll know about setting up the ranch as a business entity instead of just a private operation.”

Opal’s mind started to short circuit at the very thought. What was she getting into?

She gripped the edge of the table. “Maybe you’re right that I should sell out, take the money and run, Zach. I’ve always had bosses. Rules. The ranch doesn’t come with an instruction manual! I haven’t even done a lick of work on it for years!”

Zach stroked his fingers over the back of her hand. “Mr. Brooks, would you mind coming back another time? I think Opal could use a small break.”

“Of course. No problem at all. I know how overwhelming this all is, especially after a loss.” In moments, the man was gone, leaving her alone with Zach.

The sounds of Rainie’s little-kid show came from the other room.

Opal scrubbed her hands over her face. “Oh, Zach. I’m such a mess. I can’t even handle one meeting about the ranch. How am I ever supposed to run it like a business?”

He stepped forward and took her in his arms. Like he’d done it a million times and would do it a million more.

He felt big, good and safe. She buried her face against his broad chest and drank in gulps of air. “I never wanted to get the ranch this way. I don’t know what to do!”

“You said the ranch doesn’t come with an instruction manual.”

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “It doesn’t!”

He pointed to the living room. “You didn’t have one for Rainie either…but you figured it out. You’re a great mom, Opal. And if you want the Springvale, you’ll make a great ranch owner too.”

She couldn’t resist cupping his jaw, and she couldn’t stop the tingles that ran through her at the rasp of his stubble against her fingers. “Thank you, Zach.”

“I’ll be with you every step of the way…until you tell me that you’re ready to fly alone.”

As she stared into his dark eyes, she tried to imagine a time when that would happen—that she wouldn’t want this man by her side.

* * * * *

Rainie came running into the room in a blur of messy pigtails and polka dots. “Momma, I’m hungry!”

Zach released Opal and stepped away. “I’ll leave that to you.”

She nodded and gave him a wobbly smile before turning to address her daughter.

He hurried out of the kitchen and rushed outside. If he hustled, maybe he could catch the attorney before he drove off.

Boots thumping on the steps, he lengthened his strides. “Mr. Brooks!”

The man turned at his call, and Zach jogged over to him.

“Is everything all right?” Brooks asked.

Zach gave him a nod. “I have a question if you don’t mind sparing a minute of your time. It’s a personal question not pertaining to Opal’s situation.”

“Of course. I hope I can answer it for you.” Using his index finger, he pushed his glasses up his nose.

Now that he had the man’s attention, he floundered for how to start. “I’m thinking about buying some land. But I wonder…is there a way to hide who purchased it? Does my name need to go on the record?”

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