Page 21 of Chasing Liberty

"I was embarrassed, but I did warn you," she stated while steeping her tea.

Resting against the back of the booth, Wyler's arms were sprawled over the seat's back. "You wanted to meet. Here I am," he said, holding back since learning about his impending fatherhood. Though tempted to reach out to her, he hadn't. Liberty deserved time to process. Nevertheless, he was prepared to legally claim what was his if necessary, having already contacted a lawyer, though he hoped it wouldn't come to that.

She reached for two sugar packets off the stack, ripped them open and poured the contents into her tea. “I’ve given up caffeine, but sugar will be the hardest.” Stirring, she kept her gaze down. “Thanks for coming. I know it’s a busy time at the ranch.”

“That’s not why you asked me to come.” He stretched his long legs, causing their knees to brush.

She cleared her throat.

“I’ve been thinking.” She moistened her lips then met his gaze. “I will agree to remain married to you.”

“Yeah?”

“Under one condition.”

He lowered his arms. “And what’s the condition?”

“I don’t want either of us to put too much pressure on each other. Let’s just take each day, one at a time, and stay focused.”

“That’s the condition? That’s easy.” He chuckled. He expected something a lot harder, like a specification of keeping their hands off each other.Thatwould be difficult.

“No, that’s not the condition.”

Ah, shit.

“If we enter the competition for the Harvest Picnic, then wemustwin. That includes the homemade pie competition. As you know, I like to win.” She leaned slightly forward, a new competitive gleam in her gaze.

Wyler chuckled inwardly. He couldn’t help but think he’d dodged another bullet.

"You might not know this," he said, locking eyes with her, "but I worked in a restaurant before joining the circuit. I thought about becoming a chef, but it turns out my talents lie elsewhere."

She raised an eyebrow. "You've been keeping secrets."

"It wasn't on purpose. But how do you think I got so good at making those meals for you?"

"So, you're sure we can win this?"

"Just trust me. I'll bake a pie that's out of this world," he said confidently, drinking his coffee. "Can you handle that?"

"A knockout pie? Absolutely!"

"You're okay with letting me lead?"

She gestured dismissively. "You're placing too much emphasis on this idea of control. I'm quite content to step back for the benefit of the team." Noticing his smirk, she waved her finger. "Hold on, before you tease me with 'that's so typical ofyou, Roses,'" she imitated, "You've overplayed that card and can no longer use it."

His smile was infectious. "There’s something I want to ask you about. I've heard rumors about your efforts in opening a community center."

"Aren’t you referring to the entire family's initiative?"

"I'm specifically speaking about your involvement."

"As I mentioned, stepping aside for the family's welfare suits me. It's all for one and one for all. And don't forget, Wyler, you're a part of this family too."

“Don’t you think you’re taking on a little too many side hustles these days? What about the baby?” he said in a lowered voice.

“Thanks for the concern, but I’m doing fine. In fact, I haven’t had any more morning sickness since I soaked your boots. Must have been a lucky charm.”

“I see Bruce Harper. Excuse me while I go speak to him about fixing the tractor at Sagebrush.” Wyler slid out of the booth.

---