Page 15 of Growing Into Love

“It’s a long story, apparently,” Autumn says.

“Well, nothing like a story over a cup of tea. Clive, you look peaky, have you eaten?”

Clive seems surprised to be addressed at all. “No, ma’am, I haven’t.”

“Psh, call me May,” May says. “The two of you look starved. You’ll stay for dinner.”

Clive looks delighted by this change in plans but for the first time in my life, I don’t want to stay for dinner at the farmhouse. I don’t know how to behave around Cass, much less Cass and Declan in the same room.

“I think we’ve got to check on the lambs over at the Wilkerson’s farm,” I tell her.

“I checked on them this morning,” Clive says cheerfully.

“Huh?”

“After you went to Mrs. Pritz’s to see the puppies. Thought I might as well lessen your load some. That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?”

Any other day, I’d be grateful for this news. But right now, I wish Clive weren’t so eager to please.

“It’s settled then,” May says, ushering us inside.

“Are you all right?” Autumn asks me quietly as we head into the farmhouse.

“Fine,” I say with what I hope is a natural-looking smile.

Dinner is easilyone of the worst I’ve ever had with the Wright family.

Cass is like a hornet, stinging everyone in sight. Declan is furious she took a horse without consulting him.

“You do realize summer is our busy season?”

“I know, Dec,” she snaps.

“And you’re about to leave us shorthanded for a week?”

“Yes, I’m aware of that.”

“And you haven’t won the competition yet? That was the deal, Cass. No money, no sanctuary.”

“Declan,” Autumn says.

“What? She can’t go rescuing every horse she fancies without a thought to the financial burden it causes the farm.”

Cass slams her hand down on the table making everyone jump. Lola whines and hides under my legs.

“You don’t believe in me!” she cries.

Declan’s eyes widen. “What—that’s not—”

“When are you going to get it through your thick skull that I’m not a child anymore? This is my farm too!”

May and Charles, Declan’s grandfather, exchange a significant glance.

“My name is on the deed,” Declan snaps.

“Come now, Dec,” Charles interjects. “Oak Hill is a family farm.”

“Exactly,” Cass says. “I’m a Wright same as you. I pull my weight around here and then some. Yet you still act like I’m a little girl with skinned knees who needs looking after.”

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