Page 9 of Haystack

“Don’t worry about it. Youarehere now. That’s what counts. I kept telling him you were coming. We both knew you’d get here. He knew, I know he did… I’m going to step out now and call Travis. I text him already and he won’t admit it, but I know he’s worried. He couldn’t get anyone over to cover the tavern, but as soon as he does, he’ll be here too. We’ll stay as a family, all of us until he’s better.” Archie nods.

“Family… all of us.” I blink back tears and nod, pulling up a chair next to Trent’s bed as Archie makes his way out of the room. I clutch his unbandaged hand. It feels cold, especially for a man who is always warm. "Trent, I’m here.”

His faint squeeze on my hand brings a flood of tears from my eyes. I exhale, relieved to see Trent gazing up at me, his eyes glassy but focused. “Hey, doll.”

"Trent." I clutch his hand to my chest, tears of joy and relief spilling down my cheeks. I cling to him like a lifeline. “I’m sorry I didn’t get in the ambulance with you. I froze. But I was never not coming. I love you so much. I only want to be where you are forever. I love you. I love you. And I don’t give a shit if you can’t say it back right now.” My words come out through tears.

He doesn’t say anything. But he squeezes my hand and the ghost of a smile plays on his lips. The tick-up in his heartbeat on the monitor feels triumphant. I know there's still a long road to recovery ahead, but we'll walk it together.

Trent clears his throat, gazing at me with eyes full of warmth. "Well, ain’t that something. I knew you’d get there, Liv. I never doubted you for a moment.” His eyes widen, then crinkle at the corners as his smile deepens. “I love you.”

I shake my head, brushing his hair back from his forehead. "I was afraid, but nothing is scarier than the thought of losing you."

“Hey now doll, I’m right here. It’s gonna take a lot more than a little zap to get rid of me.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself.It's time."There's something else you should know." I place his hand on my belly, my heart pounding. "We're going to have a baby."

As soon as the words leave my lips, I regret them. For a long moment, he just stares at me, stunned into silence.I’m being selfish. What kind of person puts the pressure of an unplanned pregnancy on a man in the hospital? I shouldn’t have said anything. I—I look down and study Trent’s face.I should’ve given Trent more credit.

His face splits into a full grin. Tears well in his eyes and he makes a feeble attempt at pulling me down toward him for a kiss. Even with his injuries, the man is sexy as hell.

"A baby, we’re going to be a family.” He cups my face in his hands and I watch his bottom lip tremble. “I’m gonna give this kid everything I never had and you are gonna be one hell of a mom.” Trent whoops then winces. But not even cracked ribs can dim the delight in his eyes. "This is the best day of my life.”

CHAPTER7

OLIVIA

The sweltering heatof summer has given way to a gorgeous, crisp, fall at Findlay Farms. I’ve moved in with Trent and he’s made a full recovery. He doesn’t live on the farm, but we’re together and that’s what matters.

Thanks to the help of my siblings, the inns are officially up and running. The additional revenue we’ve earned so far was enough to put us in the clear with the county, at least for the time being.

With Robinson Ranch temporarily off of our backs, Trent and I have been able to think about becoming parents. Today, he’s sent me a mysterious text asking me to meet him out at the last cottage in the row of inns.

The rusty hinges of the white picket gate creak open as I step onto the cobblestone path leading to the last cottage in the row. My heart flutters at the sight before me.This doesn’t even look like the same place.

Trent has done a good job of keeping me away while he transformed the last cottage into an inn. It’s just like him to take this rough old cottage and polish it into something spectacular. But now that I’m standing in front of it, it’s even better than I imagined.

The once crumbling stone wall out front has been restored and is dotted with bright, yellow and orange flowers. The rotted wood beams on the porch have been replaced with rich, solid oak with a deep stain. Pink spray roses climb trellises on either side of the front door.

My heart leaps in my chest. My hand comes to rest on my baby bump.This is a home you could bring a baby into. Too bad it isn’t my home.

I turn the brass handle and step in through the doorway. The smell of burning wood washes over me. A fire crackles in the stone fireplace, casting a golden glow over the polished hardwood floors. Handwoven rugs make the room cozy.

It’s all I can do to stop myself from grabbing a book off the shelf and curling up on the couch. But as I take a closer look, my eyes go misty. The cottage is a heart stopping combination of old and new.

A new mustard yellow leather couch is draped with the old quilt from my childhood bedroom. A modern picture frame holds an old photo of me and Trent from our high school days. The personal touches make my heart skip a beat. Trent has captured the best parts of our history and made them a part of this new life. I swallow the lump in my throat and blink back tears.

When I step into the kitchen, he’s there waiting for me with open arms and a massive smile. “Welcome home, doll.” Trent shrugs too casually then runs a hand across the stubble on his jawline. “My home is wherever you are. But your home is here, at Findlay Farms. I know that, so Jameson came to an agreement. This place is ours so long as we are running the inns. Then I talked to Dakota and she helped me get a few things in order from your mom’s place. But I saved the baby’s room for you to do yourself. This is my version of a proper welcome home party.”

Tears well in my eyes and I fall into his arms. "Trent, this is...perfect. Beyond perfect. You’ve given our family so much more than a home. You’ve given me your heart and I love you so much.”

EPILOGUE: OLIVIA

“Babe, what kind of kid has their first birthday party at a tavern?” Trent lifts his cowboy hat and wipes the sweat from his brow.

“The kind who has an uncle that owns the only tavern in town.” I laugh. “Besides, where else were we going to find a space big enough to house the entire Findlay Family?” I keep my voice even, but the secret I’ve been keeping has joy bubbling up inside me, spilling out in a laugh.

“You’ve got a point. Can’t do anything small in this family.” Trent's mouth pulls sideways into a smirk. “I wouldn’t change it. He’s a lucky boy growing up knowing that all the adults in his world care about him.” Trent runs a hand through our son Jake’s wild hair. “You ready?”

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