Page 52 of Tame Me Daddy

My father's gaze darted between us, understanding dawning like a thundercloud. "You? What kind of operation are you running here, Warwick?"

"A place where people can be their authentic selves," Grant replied evenly. His voice carried across the yard, ensuring everyone heard his next words. "And for the record, your daughter and I are in a relationship. One based on mutual respect and acceptance—something you might want to try."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the watching ranch hands. I felt a moment of panic at our secret being revealed so publicly, then profound relief as Grant's hand found mine, fingers intertwining for everyone to see.

"You're her boss," my mother said, scandalized.

"I'm her partner," Grant corrected. "In all ways that matter."

He turned to address the gathered staff, his voice carrying easily across the yard. "For those who haven't figured it out yet, Cherry and I are together. It doesn't change how this ranch operates or her position here. Anyone who has a problem with that can come see me directly."

The ranch hands exchanged glances. I braced myself for judgment or derision, but instead noticed smiles breaking out. Maya gave me a thumbs up from nearby. Even Ryder, the most cynical cowboy on the ranch, offered what looked suspiciously like a nod of approval.

Mrs. Hernandez crossed herself, then broke into a wide grin. "Gracias a Dios," she called out. "Now maybe he'll stop being so grumpy all the time."

A ripple of laughter broke the tension. I felt a blush spreading across my cheeks, but Grant's hand remained firmly in mine, an anchor in the storm.

He turned back to my parents, his expression serious once more. "Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, you have a remarkable daughter. She's skilled with animals, respected by everyone here, and loved by me. If you can't see her worth exactly as she is, that's your loss. But she has family here now too."

My father's face had reddened to a dangerous shade. "This is ridiculous." He fixed his gaze on me, eyes hard. "Charlotte, this is your last chance. Get in the car or don't bother coming home. Ever."

The ultimatum hung in the air, heavy and final. Six months ago, it would have crushed me. Even yesterday, it might have broken my resolve. But standing there with Grant's hand in mine, surrounded by people who accepted me—all of me—I found the threat held less power than I expected.

"I am home," I said simply.

My mother began to cry, bringing a handkerchief to her face. My father turned away in disgust, grabbing her elbow to steer her toward the car. His back was rigid with anger, shoulders squared with the indignation of a man whose authority had been challenged and found wanting.

Only Amber lingered, tears in her eyes but a small smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, stepping close enough that only I could hear. "I didn't know this would happen."

I pulled her into a quick hug, feeling both the familiarity of my sister and the chasm that had opened between us. "It's okay. Maybe someday they'll understand."

"I understand," Amber said softly. "And I'll always be your sister, no matter what."

She pressed something into my hand—a small piece of paper with her number written on it. "My new cell. Dad doesn't have access to this one. Call me, okay?"

I nodded, tucking the paper into my pocket. "I will."

My father called sharply from the car. "Amber! Now!"

With a last squeeze of my hand, she turned and walked away. I watched as they loaded into the car, as my father backed out with more speed than caution, as the vehicle disappeared down the long ranch road in a cloud of dust.

The finality of it hit me then—the choice I'd made, the family ties I'd just severed. For a moment, I couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't process the magnitude of what had just happened.

Then Grant's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close against his side in full view of everyone.

"You okay?" he asked softly, his breath warm against my hair.

I looked around at the ranch that had become my home. At Maya, who grinned and mouthed "Proud of you" before turning back to her work. At Mrs. Hernandez, who was already heading back to her kitchen, muttering something about making my favorite apple pastries for dessert. At the other hands, who were returning to their duties with knowing smiles and casual acceptance.

And finally up at Grant, this man who had seen all of me—the strong and the vulnerable, the adult and the little—and had chosen to love every part.

"I am," I answered, and meant it completely. "I really am."

Grant kissed me then, right there in the yard, not hiding anything anymore. When we parted, his eyes held mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

"I meant what I said," he murmured. "I love you, Cherry. Every part of you."

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