Page 85 of When We Break

“She came to Bitterroot Valley on her own because she likes it. Who she is has little to do with her parents’ investment portfolio. Don’t be a dick about it. Enjoy her. If she’s the one,” Ryan continues, “love her.”

I blow out a breath and nod.

Ryan makes it sound simple, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was a confirmed bachelor. Just as Polly said, however, love looks good on him.

Is that what I want? To love Skyla and have her love me back?

Fuck, yes.

“I’m not letting her go. I’ll do charity events if she wants me to, and then I can go back to my cows. She does like the ranch, so that’s something.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Polly laughs at that. “It’s beautiful. Also, FYI, I need ice cream for all the summer parties we’re about to host since we’re opening the pool soon.”

“I’ll hook you up.”

“We’re having a house party in a couple of weeks,” Ryan informs me. “Bring your girl.”

“Sounds good, thanks. We’ll be there.” My eyes skim the space again, and I find Skyla talking with her father and another man who looks to be her father’s age. Her body is relaxed, her mouth in a smile. She’s fine. “Hey, how is the ranch merger going between the Wild River and Lexington ranches? Is it final yet?”

Ryan’s family ranch borders the Lexington ranch. They were always bitter rival families, but Ryan’s younger sister, Millie, married Holden last year, and they’ve decided to combine ranches, making them the biggest cattle ranch in Montana.

It’s impressive.

“It is,” Ryan says with a satisfied grin. “And so far, it’s great. Everyone’s happy.”

“Even your father?” Everyone knows how much John Wild hated the Lexingtons.

“He’s come around,” Ryan says with a nod. “It’s been a good thing for both families.”

“I’m glad. I hear Holden broke ground on the house he’s building for Millie. He showed me the plans. It’s going to be an awesome house.”

“Yeah, there’s never a fucking dull moment.” Ryan laughs and leans down to plant a kiss on his wife’s head, and I search the crowd for Skyla. She’s moved farther away, almost on the other side of the room, but I can feel it as soon as I spot her.

Something isn’t right.

Her shoulders suddenly stiffen, her eyes go wide, and every ounce of color leaches from her face. There is no universe where my woman should look like this.

What is it, Irish?

“Excuse me,” I murmur as I make my way to her.

Whoever just put that fear on my girl’s face is going to fucking pay.

I move quickly through the crowd, and when I see Connor, I put my hand on his shoulder. “With me.”

“Excuse me,” he mutters, falling in behind me. “What’s up?”

“I’m about to find the fuck out.”

ChapterTwenty

SKYLA

I’m already exhausted, but tonight’s going so well. Everyone seems to be having fun. I know we’ll bring in a lot of money for the foundation, and that’s the most important thing.

I’ve just moved away from a woman whose name I can’t remember when, suddenly, someone’s hand slips across my lower back, caressing me.

Oh God. No. It can’t be.

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