Page 85 of Trust Me With Forever

As I pulled into her family’s place, it was hard to miss the giant banner over the door that said, “Bon Voyage!”

I asked, “Is someone going somewhere?”

Abby shook her head. “I don’t know. Let’s find out.”

As she exited the car, I thought I saw worry cross her face. However, by the time I walked to the other side and took her hand in mine, she smiled at me.

I was tempted to pull her close and kiss her, but the door opened and Emmy rushed out. She glanced at me, then Abby, and asked, “How did it go?”

Abby raised an eyebrow. “You knew about us going to the Sakamoto place?”

“Yes. Rafe told me he was thinking of buying some horses, and I thought maybe you could help him.”

For a second, my sister searched Abby’s gaze. But then Abby released my hand to hug Emmy. “Thanks for suggesting it.” She leaned back and released her. “I spent so many years thinking that if I ever went near a horse again, I’d only remember my parents and be bombarded with grief. But I was wrong. Yes, I was a little sad at first. But then the happy memories flooded back, and once I jumped back into the saddle, I felt as if I’d regained a piece of myself.”

Emmy took Abby’s hand. “It was like that when West fixed up the calving barn.” Her gaze moved to me. “Sometimes, we need to revisit the past to fully be able to move toward the future.”

I knew what my sister was hinting at—I’d avoided visiting most of the property that had been my parents’ and then mine before I’d given it to Emmy.

Maybe it was time to walk through the fields, visit my dad’s office, and maybe even the calving barn. West was even bringing cattle back to the ranch for the first time in a long time.

Abby took my fingers and squeezed. “I’m up for some exploring, whenever you’re ready.”

She smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but do the same.

West’s voice ruined the moment, though. “Do you really have to make doe-eyes at each other?”

Abby stuck her tongue out at her brother. “Considering I’ve had to watch you and Emmy do much worse for months and months, you can’t complain.”

“What? Like this?”

West tugged Emmy to him and kissed her. Not a peck, but a deep kiss that definitely had tongues involved. Instead of being upset like when I’d first learned of their relationship, I tried not to laugh at the outrage on Abby’s face.

Abby turned around and shook her head. “Ugh. I really don’t need to see my brother and best friend pretty much having sex with clothes on.”

I turned in the same direction as Abby and murmured, “If you ever want to surprise them with an even better kiss, then just say the word.”

She laughed. “I’m tempted.”

Just as I was about to suggest it, someone whistled before Zach’s voice reached my ears. “So many free shows these days. Too bad it’s with your ugly ass, West.”

Turning, I saw West flip off his brother. “Better than your face.”

Zach placed a hand over his heart and put on an exaggerated sad face. “You wound me, brother. So much. I may never return home now.”

Abby frowned. “Where are you going, Zach?”

Zach shook his head. “Nowhere yet. Not until we deal with your asshole ex.” He glanced at the sign. “Aunt Lori put that up without my knowledge.”

We all walked closer toward him as Abby asked, “But based on that sign, you have a plan, right? Why didn’t you mention it to me?”

I took her hand in mine and squeezed. Given how many times people had left Abby in her life, I wanted her to know that I was here and would stay here as long as she wanted me to.

Zach replied, “I’ve been keeping it quiet because I wasn’t sure if Beck would agree to it.”

“Agree to what?” Emmy asked.

He gestured us inside, and we followed. “I’ve been putting together a six-month-long business trip, one that will take me to various vendors, fairs, festivals, and trade shows. While the subscription boxes are doing well, I want to expand our reach beyond mostly the west coast. And for that, I need to make the pitches in person. And since summer is the high point for fairs, festivals, and other outdoor events, it’s the perfect time for a big push.”

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