Page 5 of Longhorn Findlay Farm

She lays, draped across my chest with her eyes closed. But her heart beats an erratic rhythm that matches my own. I run my hands along her spine.

The candles burn low but the moonlight illuminates her body with a glow that bathes her in white light. I roll onto my side and take her with me, drawing Carly in close to my chest. She sighs and I tighten my hold around her waist. I keep her there until the sun comes up.

Carly and I fall into a similar pattern over the next few days. I can’t get enough of her.

CHAPTER6

CARLY

When the nightof the party finally arrives, we are more than ready. Every detail has been meticulously planned and it’s a good thing too. This party is standing-room only and I’m so happy that the turnout is everything Archie hoped it would be. He put his heart into this event and he deserves to see it come to life. Even Jameson is walking around with a smile on his face.

“I wonder if there will be any available ranchers here that I’m not related to,” Dakota hands me an ice-cold beer.

I clink my bottle with hers. “Cheers to hot, available ranchers. Although, I have to say I feel bad for the guy already with those brothers of yours.”

“Ugh, that’s the story of my life,” she laughs. “I’m gonna go check on Travis behind the bar.”

As Dakota makes her way across the party, I take it all in. The courtyard in front of the row of inns is unrecognizable. The yard in front of the barn has been transformed with an enormous white tent filled with string lights and a wooden dance floor. The lights sparkle like thousands of fireflies at dusk. The round tables are covered with linen cloths and topped with jars of wildflowers arranged in mason jars. It is an elegant and breathtaking sight.

We’re an hour in and one thing’s for sure, the Findlays know how to throw a party. The drinks are flowing compliments of Travis who set up a mini version of his famous tavern right here. And of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without the tinny sound of the fiddle playing in the background. Even Hagrid is bounding across the dance floor wearing his bowtie with pride and soaking up every bit of attention with the wag of his tail. This night is pure bliss and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be a permanent member of the Findlay family.

“Look what you did,” Archie growls in my ear as he wraps his arms around me from behind. “This place is stunning.” He plants a kiss on my cheek.

“I had some inspiration from a certain rancher.” I turn into his embrace and he holds me against his chest.

Warmth radiates from him and fills me with an overwhelming sense of belonging that no one else could ever give me. I’ve never felt so at home. Archie makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

“Archie, can I steal you for a minute?” Olivia appears across from us, one hand on her belly.

“You aren’t gonna have that thing right now are you?” Archie asks with a chuckle.

“No, of course not.” She shakes her head. “We need you to give a quick welcome when the band is done with this song.”

“Not a problem.” He’s already glowing, the mere mention of being on stage lighting him up.

Archie lets me go with a quick peck on the top of my head and strides purposefully toward the microphone. It’s as if he alone holds the fate of the party in his hands and he relishes every minute of it.

His enthusiasm is infectious. The man has enough charisma for the entire family, though the other Findlays aren’t exactly lacking. When the band stops playing Archie takes the stage and all eyes are on him including mine. I can’t help but wonder if I’m the only one whose heart is thudding in their chest. As he approaches the microphone, I beam with pride.

Archie leans in, tipping his hat to the crowd. “I want to thank y’all for coming out tonight to celebrate the greatest farm in Texas.”

Cheers erupt in the crowd and I can’t help but join in. Everything I’ve ever wanted is finally within my reach.

He continues, “I’ve got to start by saying thank you to a few people who have gone out of their way to make sure we could throw a party this classy because you know the tent and the lights sure as hell weren’t my idea. Have y’all had a chance to meet my beautiful assistant Carly? If not, please say hello. She’s there hiding in the back…”

I can’t believe he chose me when surely he could have anyone he wants.

As eyes turn to meet mine, I wave, then exhale when Archie moves on and turns the attention of the room to thank his siblings. But when a pair of familiar eyes land on mine, they are out of place. I have to blink to make sure I’m not seeing things.

It isn’t possible.

Yet, no matter how many times I look away and look back, he’s still standing there. My blood runs cold. Waylin Stanley is standing in the tent staring right at me. His lips are curled into a sarcastic smirk. He points a finger at me from across the room and then beckons me toward him.

My throat runs dry and I can hardly breathe.Shit. I can’t do this. Not right now in the middle of this beautiful night. Not when everything is finally starting to make sense in my world.He cuts his eyes and I’m transported back in time. Then a single, chilling nod has my feet responding before my head can think it through. I’ve seen what he does when he doesn’t get his way and I can’t let that happen here in front of everyone.

As I get close enough to smell the whiskey on his breath, Waylin's lips move into more of a snarl than a smile. “Hello lovely, it’s been a while.”

CHAPTER7

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