Page 71 of Brands

For months, every thought and action has been for her.

And now that I’ve finally given in and made her mine, I never want to lether go.

That’s worth everything to me.

“Are you serious?” Her lower lip trembles. “I’m a high risk investment. That’s what the bank called me.”

“You’re a damn hurricane, baby. But I also know that you never give up once you’ve set your mind on something.” I unfold from the worn chair and squat in front of her so my knees frame hers.

Cupping her jaw, I wipe a tear off her cheek with my thumb. “This is me, promising I’m in for the long haul. At least if I have a stake in this place, I can replace the office furniture without feeling guilty.” I twist on my toes, glancing to the far wall. “Maybe we can put a futon in the corner for ‘entertainment purposes’.”

“When Devon was a baby, Mom used to have his playpen there.” She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth.

I turn again, appraising the space. “Ah, yea. I can see that. We might need onebecauseof the futon.”

Her laugh makes a wave of heat roll through my chest. It’s my second favorite sound, only falling behind her screaming my name.

And a million times better than any crusty old tune I can belt out. But those songs have given me a pretty substantial nest egg. It’s not like I’ve had much to spend it on.

My legs start to protest. Standing, I offer her my palm. “You take your crotchety dad to the hospital, I’ll finish working on this proposal while you’re gone. That way, when we go pick up your cows, we can talk it over withMason.” I point at the tiny stack of papers on the desk. “I’m all caught up. The numbers are in your favor.”

“Now I just need Dad to agree.” She slips her fingers into my hand and lets me lift her easily to tuck into my side.

Where she belongs.

“He won’t be able to resist the package deal. Once he signs, he won’t have a say. He’ll have money, the house, and he can focus on healing.” I drop a kiss to the top of her head.

Why is it, as I watch her leave, that the unspoken question is if she’ll keep Taylor on the sign out front, or change it to Pierce once I really make her mine?

Easy, big boy. Things are already moving fast.

Except it makes me sick knowing I won’t be able to hold her tonight. And I hate this feeling.

I’ve never experienced it before.

For the first time, it’s like a piece of me exists outside of my body.

She’s carved it out and taken it with her.

Chapter Twenty-four

Libby

I wish Blue couldride along. It would make this trip easier.

Everything is going to change while Dad is in the hospital. Hell, it already is changing.

So I have to fight to stay quiet. Not like he’s ever been that great of a listener.

Mom was the one who would let me rattle on. Maybe that’s why Char and I are such good friends? She lets me talk about whatever I want.

I wonder what Mom would say about Blue? She’d hug me tight and tell me she just wants me to be happy.

A knot forms in my throat and the road gets a little blurry through the tears welling.

“Everything okay?” Dad asks.

It isn’t like him to notice.

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