Page 54 of Call It Love

“I know,” she said, her voice somehow still steady while I felt shaky. “And I understand your anger. I feel it for Jordan, like I know you do. I know your words come from a place of wanting to protect rather than hurt or control. But don’t let Mason have any more power. He’s gone. I’m not. You’re not. Let’s focus on us, okay?”

I let her words settle as I blew out a long breath.

She was right. If she could let go of the anger, the least I could do was follow her example.

“Okay,” I said. “Us.I like that.”

She leaned up to give me a kiss. “Me, too. Now, call Reid before I have to head to the bunkhouse.”

Her kiss was too quick, so I pulled her back for a more satisfying one. Then I pulled my phone from my back pocket and hit Reid’s number. He picked up after two rings.

“Chase,” he greeted. “What’s up?”

“I’ve got a question,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual. “How do you think Jordan’s doing? I mean, is he close to working off what he owes?”

“I’d say pretty close. Why? Is he giving you trouble? Do you need me to talk to him?”

“No. He’s been good. Works hard. I wouldn’t mind keeping him on, actually.”

“That so?” Reid sounded surprised. “That’s good to hear. Before school let out, his teachers commented to his social worker on a routine visit that he seemed a little more focused than he had been, but his grades were barely passing. Maybe he’s just not much of a student. I can relate to that.”

I hesitated. “I think it might be more complicated than that.” I went on to tell him about the bruise we saw.

Reid was silent for a beat. “You think someone’s hurting him.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“I don’t know what else to think. My gut says yes. He always seems hungry. Anna has taken him under her wing and finds any excuse to feed him. Even sends him home with food.”

There was another pause. “I’ll look into it,” Reid said finally, his voice low. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“He’s a good kid, Reid. He misses his mom, but my spidey sense says it’s more than that.”

We hung up. I knew Reid would keep his promise.Unlike Jordan, I had people I trusted, something I wasn’t sure Jordan had. Until now. Whether or not he knew it, he had me.

Chapter 18

Anna

“They’re here.”

A car door slammed, punctuating Chase’s holler from the living room. I smoothed my hands over my skirt, double-checking that the biscuits in the oven hadn’t burned in the last ten seconds since I’d last checked on them.

Chase’s family was coming over today, carrying on the tradition of a monthly Sunday brunch. He’d told me it used to be a weekly thing, but as everyone’s family grew, so did the chaotic schedules. Now, once a month worked better for everyone. The gatherings usually took place here at Silver Creek Farm, but last month, they moved it to Bristol’s house because her stepdaughter was sick. It hardly felt like it had been a month since I’d stayed behind, wanting his family to have time to adjust to Chase and me being a couple again. I hadn’t seen his sisters since then, but maybe the quiet was a good sign.

Chase had filled me in on who to expect—all the new husbands, children, and other family. The only one who wouldn’t be coming was Emalee’s mom, Raelyn—or MamaRae as a bunch of us called her—who would stay back to manage The Dogtrot.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. I’d gone all in, probably too far, but I wanted everything to be perfect. It would be the first time I saw Chase’s twin, Cameron, much less the entire family in one setting.

The dining room sideboard was lined with homemade jellies leftover from Marta’s reign, alongside a basket waiting for the fresh biscuits. A broccoli cheese quiche, a cheesy egg casserole, and plates of bacon and sausage sat beside them. On the table, small bowls of fresh fruit waited to be passed around.

In case anyone wanted something more hearty, I had slices of ham, homemade potato salad, and country green beans. I even had homemade chicken nuggets that might appeal to the kids I’d yet to meet but desperately hoped would like me.

Chase walked into the dining room and stuttered to a stop as his eyes swept the room.

“Wow.”

“Is it okay?” I asked.

He barely had time to nod his head before the front door swung open.

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