Page 81 of Levi

“Of course,” she said playfully. “What else would it be? So, tell me, did this woman break your heart?”

Levi let out a sigh and proceeded to tell Scarlett all about Kinley and their complicated relationship and about his past.

“And you want to marry her but not have kids?” Scarlett prodded further.

“I...can’t,” he confessed, feeling a weight on his chest lift as he confided in her.

“Okay, explain that one to me,” Scarlett insisted with a smirk.

Levi narrowed his eyes at her playful tone but found himself opening up even more.

“I love her more than anything,” he admitted with a heavy heart.

“More than that whiskey?” Scarlett asked with a raised eyebrow and a nod at the drink.

“Definitely.”

“Then push it away and go to her. Marry her, Levi. Have kids. I believe you’ll be just fine,” she encouraged.

He couldn’t help but smile at her warmth and genuine concern. “You don’t even know me, Scarlett.”

“I know a lot of men like you. My husband swore he’d never get married because of past relationships failing,” she replied confidently. “And if you want her more than that drink, then you know what you need to do. Do you know of anyone who had a childhood like yours?”

Levi frowned, then nodded. “Yes, a friend of mine. Why?”

“Just curious, and what is his life like now?”

Levi grinned. “Married with two kids.”

“See? It can happen. Maybe talk to him.”

Levi considered her words for a moment before looking back at the shot glass in front of him. Slowly, he reached out and lifted it, taking one last sniff before setting it down and pushing it away. He met Scarlett’s gaze with determination.

“I don’t want it,” he declared before standing up from his stool. “Thank you, Scarlett.”

“You’re welcome,” she said with a smile.

Levi touched his hat at her in gratitude before maneuvering his way through the lively crowd once again and stepped outside into the warm summer night. He had some thinking to do. He just hoped he came to the right decision. He honestly didn’t know what he was going to do.

The only thing he knew at this minute was he would never pick up a drink again. All he really needed was Kinley. She was much more intoxicating than any whiskey could be. His emotions overwhelmed him as he hoped she would take him back.

Starting his truck, he drove home as a tearrolled down his cheek, knowing that he really didn’t need that whiskey to numb his pain.

Tomorrow he would have a talk with his friend. If he could do it, why couldn’t Levi?

Chapter Fourteen

Levi drove onto Ryder Wolfe’s property and pulled up to the house, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Though he considered Ryder a friend, he had never been to his place before. He couldn’t help but admire the log home, as he had always loved that style. It reminded him of his own place.

He got out of his truck and walked up the steps to knock on the door. Kelsey, Ryder’s wife, answered with a smile while holding a little girl in her arms. Levi couldn’t resist smiling back at the child when she waved her hand at him. Then he noticed a little boy clinging to Kelsey’s leg.

“Levi! What a pleasant surprise. Would you like to come in?” Kelsey asked.

“Thank you, Kelsey, but is Ryder around?”

“He’s in his workshop,” she gestured toward the barns. “It’s the one on the left of the middle barn.”

“I appreciate it. I don’t want to bother him if he’s busy.”

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