Page 51 of Choose You

“Nothing, yet. But I think we need to be proactive. Jess still hasn’t agreed to sell me the house. And honestly, at this point I’m not sure I’d take it from her even if she said yes. It just doesn’t feel right. Doyou think you could start searching for an alternative location to run the clinic?”

Naomi eyes me cautiously before she speaks again. “No chance you two are going to work things out?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’d like to, but I’ve made so many mistakes. Unless she can find a way to trust me again, chances are slim.”

This is the first time I’ve said those words out loud since Jessica returned. Now that they’re out, I want to take them back and forget I ever said something so awful.

“Can do, boss. But I don’t imagine I’ll have an easier time now finding a place ready with a house and a barn to use as a clinic. Not much has changed around here over the past couple years.”

“I know. If we have to, we can build a barn. I’m more financially sound than I was when I started. So, I don’t think our options are as limited as they were three years ago. Besides, it may not be necessary. Like I said, I think it's best we’re proactive, weigh all our options. I don’t want to be stuck without options if she decides to evict us.”

Naomi nods and I spin on my heels and walk away before she can say anything else. Having this conversation feels a little too much like an admission of failure where Jessica is concerned. But I have to be realistic and think about my business and my child. No matter how much I want to let my heart rule all my decisions right now, I have to be smart.

And the smart thing to do is to be prepared for the worst possible outcome—losing Jessica forever.

It’slate afternoon and blazing hot outside. I’m working in full sun, which doesn’t help. The fencing on one side of the corral was rotted and needed to be replaced. It’s hard work, but by the time I’m finished, I feel better. Sometimes all I need is some hard manual labor to work the stress out of me. And Lord knows, I’ve been dealing with my fair share of stress lately.

I wipe the sweat from my brow and gulp down some water. I only have about thirty more minutes of work and then I can call it a day.

I start packing up my tools when I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. I look up, and Jessica is walking toward me.

“Hey,” I say. She looks like an angel floating toward me with the way the sun shines behind her. Her blond hair has a golden glow around it and her pale blue sundress flows around her legs in slow wisps that show off her sexy curves. She smiles and my heart stops. If I wasn’t a sweaty mess, I’d pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless.

As she nears, her eyes rake down my body. The heat in her expression is evident, making me rethink my decision to keep my hands and lips to myself. I tossed my shirt hours ago because it’s hot out here. I may be sweaty and dirty, but based on her reaction, I’m guessing Jessica likes the look of my bare chest.

“Hey.” She clears her throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping we could talk without little ears around to hear.”

I nod, not sure if this is a good or bad conversation. She doesn’t look upset, but if she doesn’t want to risk Emmie overhearing it, it could be bad.

“You look busy, so if you want to tell me when would—”

“Now’s fine.” I point to the bench behind the barn. “I could use a break anyway.”

I grab my water and lead the way. She sits down next to me and sighs. She doesn’t look at me and fidgets with the skirt of her dress. She opens and closes her mouth at least three times but still doesn’t speak. Whatever is on her mind, it’s not easy for her to say.

I reach over and squeeze her hand. She shifts her eyes to mine, and I smile. “Just spit it out, Jess. Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it.”

She swallows hard and nods. “I talked to Adam a few days ago. He told me something about you, and I’d like to know if it’s true.”

“All right.” I look away and my breathing increases. I can’t imagine what Adam would tell her that would cause her to come here like this. “I’ll be honest with you. Ask me whatever you want.”

“That weekend of my graduation, the one where you saw me with David and assumed I was dating him.”

She pauses, and I tense. I know where this is going. Adam had no right to tell her what I think she’s about to ask me. He and I will have words later.

“Is it true you bought a ring?” she asks.

I drop her hand and push up from the bench. I never planned on her finding out about that. This isn’t a conversation I ever thought we’d have. But I told her I’d be honest, and I meant it. “Yes, I did. I saved every penny I’d made for two years to get it for you. I even asked your dad for your hand in marriage.”

I turn around to face her. She’s still sitting on the bench, watching me with sadness in her eyes.

“I waited in the hallway for you to exit the stage after your graduation. I planned on dropping to my knees as soon as you saw me. Your parents were waiting outside for us to come out together so we could celebrate.”

“And when you saw me with David, you assumed I’d moved on.”

“I did. My heart dropped out of my chest. I couldn’t propose to you if you were happy with someone else. And trust me when I say you looked over-the-moon-happy.”

“Of course, I was. I just graduated. It was a great reason to be happy.”

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