Page 17 of Wrangle Me

That’s okay because I know I have a lot of work to do if I’m going to bring Maisie back into my world.

CHAPTER 15

MAISIE

I wakeup to another brutal morning with my head hanging over the toilet. I dry heave until there’s nothing left in me but regret. Even then, my stomach churns. But it’s not just the hormones. I’m sick about the way I left things with Callum.

Walking away from Callum the way I did was reckless and cruel. I told myself I needed space, but in truth, I was scared. Scared of what it would mean to lean on someone. Scared of letting him in. The distance I forced between us aches, sitting heavier on me than anything physical ever could. Now I’m heartsick over him.

I make my way to the kitchen for a cup of tea and press a hand to my stomach. It’s still flat and quiet. It’s strange to think that there’s a future tucked inside me when I feel so utterly unsure of my own footing right now.

It settles me. I lay on the couch with heavy eyelids. As I drift off, I try to picture myself as a mother, but the image that comes to mind doesn’t feel quite right. I don’t know how to do this. The only version of motherhood I’ve seen was built on fear and control. It was shame dressed up as love, and that’s a pattern I’m determined not to repeat.

I don’t have a blueprint, so this is going to be trial and error. But I will not bring a child into a world of smallness, silence, and limits. This baby will grow up with room to breathe and space to dream. Even if I have to build that world from scratch.

Even though it scares me, I know Callum is going to be at the center of that world. The truth is, I want him there. He’s only ever tried to do the right thing, even when I didn’t make it easy. I can see that now; it’s all much clearer now that it doesn’t feel like everything is closing in around me.

An hour passes while I’m crashed out on the couch. When I wake up, the nausea has dulled to a hum beneath my ribs, and my thoughts finally feel steady. I get the clarity I didn’t have before.

I need to find Callum and apologize before I lose him for real.

The morning air is cool against my skin as I head across the property to Callum’s place. Thankfully, it’s too early to run into guests on my way over. But I pass all the usual suspects: Patty June, Pa, and Thrusty the goat.

Cheers to making another unforgettable appearance on that damn podcast.

My heart is in my throat by the time I arrive at Callum’s place. It’s a tiny ranch tucked right in the middle of the old employee cottages. It’s simple, tidy, and with Lord Pawldemort patrolling the porch, it’s unmistakably his. I knock once. The old door creaks open beneath my hand. It’s unlocked, and I announce myself as I step through the threshold.

Inside, I find Callum sitting at his kitchen table. His shoulders are hunched, and his laptop is open in front of him. Empty mugs clutter the table, and there’s a tired sort of energy around him. I wonder if his body gave up trying to rest the same way mine did.Has he been sitting here all night?

But the second he sees me, he’s on his feet and moving toward me with open arms.

“Maisie.” His voice is hoarse with exhaustion and something softer. He crosses the room in two strides and stops just short of touching me. “Are you okay?”

I nod, unsure what to say, my throat thick.

“I’ve been up all night,” he says. “Trying to figure this out. I think… I think I finally did.”

“Wait, figure out what?” I ask, wary.

“Here… Take a look.”

He turns his computer to face me. On the screen is a grainy but detailed mockup. It’s a blueprint with lines and digital renderings. They are grainy but detailed.

“It’s a pole barn,” he explains. “They come in a million different styles, but this one has everything you need. Or at least, what I think you need…”

He clicks to the next image and continues. His eyes are lit with something quiet and determined. “I talked to Alex. We could get it up fast, real fast. I’d want a big master suite and the nursery just off of it. I figure we can make it as easy to hear the baby at night as possible. You know?”

My breath catches. I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand.

“I know what you’re going to say, but hear me out. Those things are what I want. But, if they aren’t what you want, there are other options. Take this one, it has a completely separate entrance. I won’t lie to you, Maisie, if you don’t want to live with me, that’s gonna break me. It’ll kill me not to wake up with you. But at least I’d be close enough to see my kid every day. You could have your own space. Your own freedom. No pressure. No strings.”

He pauses, finally turning to face me fully. His jaw clenches like he’s holding back emotion. “I’m not trying to trap you or fixeverything overnight. I just—I want to be a father. I want to be there for you and for the baby. Whatever that looks like for you.”

I stare at the screen, then back at him, my chest aching. Tears prick the corners of my eyes because I don’t deserve this incredible man, and here he is, showing up for me.

Even after everything.

“I’m so sorry I ever doubted you, Callum. I’ll never do that again.” I take a shaky breath, blinking fast. My heart is raw and open and still somehow intact in his presence. “This is such a beautiful plan, but all I really need is you.”

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