Page 61 of Whiskey and Wildfire

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thanks. You’re not looking so hot yourself.”

She shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. Then, without any ceremony, she glanced up at me and asked, “So you and Dakota are in love, huh?”

Her question surprised me and made my heart race. However, I managed to nod because after all, it was the truth. “Yeah,” I said. “And I owe him an apology.”

She nodded. “We’re gonna lose the ranch, aren’t we?”

There was no judgement in her voice, no malice, but it still made my stomach twist into knots.

“I don’t want to lose it, Caroline,” I said quickly. “But I can’t let them treat Kota like that. It’s not right.”

“I know,” she said, putting her cup down. “And I think you’re making the right decision.”

“You… You do?”

“Of course. Dakota is family. Even more so now than before.” She stepped forward, pulling me into a tight hug. “I love this ranch, but it’s not worth sacrificing family for. We’ll get through this even if things are… are never the same.”

“I’m sorry, Caroline,” I muttered, squeezing her back. “I tried.”

“It’s not your fault. Daddy should’ve told us about this a long time ago. Mama didn’t even know. You savin’ this place would’ve been a miracle.” She pulled back, tears in her eyes as she patted me on the shoulder. “But don’t lose that cowboy of yours, alright?”

I nodded. “I’m gonna do everything I can to keep him.” I took a step back. “And Lucas says he’s gonna try to find anotherinvestor… but… if I’m being honest… don’t get your hopes up I guess.”

“I know,” she replied. “It was a long shot to begin with. And I’d rather this place get sold off than turned into somethin’ distasteful.” Picking up her cup, she headed for the porch. “I’m gonna just breathe for a while and enjoy this place while I still can.”

The tone in her voice nearly broke my heart. “Me too,” I said. “Can you do me a favor, Caroline?”

“Sure.”

“Can you tell Mama about all this?” I said quietly. “I… I don’t think I have the heart to do it.”

“She knows,” my sister nodded. “I already told her.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know if I felt relieved or horrified. Maybe both. “Well, can I ask you one more favor then?”

She let out a long, sarcastic sigh. “I suppose.”

“When Kota gets back… tell him… tell him I’m in my usual spot and that I’d like to talk to him.”

She smiled softly. “I’ll do that.”

As she stepped out into the night air I turned and headed for the stairs. There was nothing to do now but wait for Dakota to come home.

Chapter 23

Dakota

It was well past midnight by the time I pulled into the driveway once more, Caroline’s SUV running on fumes after driving all night searching for Logan. I was exhausted and empty-handed. No matter where I looked, he wasn’t to be found. I even tried the bars, hoping I wouldn’t find him there. And, with bittersweet results, still came up with nothing. In the end I decided that going home was the best idea because I knew, sooner or later, he’d have to come back. I just hoped he’d give me a chance to speak when that time came.

The moment I stepped out of the car, I saw someone sitting on the front porch. But as I headed up the stairs, I realized it wasn’t him. It was Caroline.

“I see you brought my car back,” she said, sounding exhausted. “Took you long enough.”

“Is he back?” I asked, my voice full of hope.

She just sighed, shaking her head. “Yeah. He’s here.”

“Where?”

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