Page 80 of Brands

“And who’s this?” Her tongue darts out as she extends her hand to me.

“That’s mine, um, my dad’s friend,” Libby stammers. “Blue.”

“I like that. Is it a nickname?” Stasia’s focus shifts entirely to me.

“I’m taken,” I grumble.

Clay snorts. “Yea, right.”

I’ve never felt the desire to pop him in the mouth before this moment.

“Well, she’s a lucky lady.” Stasia turns to Clay. “Let’s get your paperwork signed, shall we?”

I can feel Libby’s gaze, so I sneak her a wink when Stasia moves between Clay and I, blocking his view.

It doesn’t take long for him to fill out all of the forms.

Stasia gives me one last furtive smile before she leaves.

“Libby, one day you’ll understand.” Clay stretches to the bedside table to put his wallet away. “I don’t want to strap you with the same life I had.”

“Was it so awful? Raising babies, loving Mom, living within your means? I’m sorry I was such a burden that you’ve been miserable.” Her chin quivers, but her jaw sets. “But you won’t have to worry about it anymore.”

Clay runs his palm over his grizzled cheeks, then turns to me. “Blue, you’ve got a great life. Traveling, playing bars, free as a bird. Tell her how amazing it is.”

Her big sapphire eyes land on me.

I meet her stare, never wavering.

“Clay, I’ll gladly trade it all for the love of a good woman.” I hope she can hear in my voice how earnest I am.

Clay scoffs, breaking our spell.

“You never struck me as a romantic. I get outta here, we’ll need to celebrate the change. Maybe find you that lady,” he chuckles.

Needles stab into my chest when I see Libby wince.

“There’ll definitely be changes,” I agree with him.

He just doesn’t know how life altering some of them willbe.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Libby

I stay quiet untilwe’re back outside.

As soon as Blue slides behind the wheel, I take a deep breath. “I have so many questions and comments. But first, what’s the trust? I fully expected Dad to see your name on the paperwork.”

He starts the engine, then pats my leg. “I did that so I could put you down as the beneficiary. That way if anything happens to me, you still get the farm.”

I feel like I’ve been hit in the chest with a bolt of lightning that’s radiating heat through my limbs.

“Blue…I don’t know what to say.” A knot forms in my throat.

His eyes sparkle as he laughs. “You just said you had so many things.”

“Yea. I, um, I didn’t expect that.” My mind is spinning.

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