Page 60 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

With my arms wrapped around myself, I tried to swallow the lump in my throat.

He glanced at Garrett. “Does the quiet mean she likes it?”

Nodding, I hugged Beau. “I love her. And I can’t wait to ride.” I wiped my eyes as I backed up. “But the family part means the most. Thank you.”

He rubbed my shoulder. “Good. I’m going to head back on the Mule. Y’all take as long as you need.” Blinking, he strode out of the barn.

Garrett wrapped his arms around me. “In case you haven’t figured it out, everyone here on the ranch loves you.”

I closed my eyes and let his words sink into my bones. “When I helped you, I wasn’t trying to score points or...”

He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I know, Tessa. You were just being you.”

I kept my head against Garrett’s chest, acknowledging what made me happy. He did.

“He bought me a horse!” I clenched Garrett’s shirt in my fists. “Do you think we’ll have time to ride today?” Sorely tempted to kiss Garrett, I stepped away from him and kissed my horse instead.

“We should eat first. Then we’ll ride.” He bumped my shoulder. “Have you ever gone horseback riding in your jammies?”

“I haven’t. But there’s a first time for everything.”

Chapter 19

The week after Christmas was a blur of activity. Between running the shop and helping Delaney with last-minute details for the wedding, I barely had time to sleep, which meant I didn’t have time for friendly soaks in the hot tub or horseback riding.

It was New Year’s Eve, and I made sure everything was in place before unlocking the door. Today would likely be busy, and I’d made extra doughnuts in preparation. All that was left to do was taping up the signs that let people know I’d be closed tomorrow and all of next weekend. If I continued closing this often, I’d need to move into the cabin just to make ends meet.

After taping up a sign on the door and another near the register, I flipped the bolt on the door.

A steady stream of customers, who were getting their sugar fix for today and buying for tomorrow, had my doughnuts completely gone by noon. I taped up another sign, letting people know I’d sold out, then drove to my apartment.

Since my breakup with Skeeter, I hadn’t attended a New Year’s Eve party. I’d rung in every new year sound asleep. But tonight, there was a party at the venue, and I’d promised Delaney and Eli that I’d be there.

Garrett hadn’t mentioned it, but I knew he’d be there too.

I flipped through my outfits, trying to decide what to wear. Cami had mentioned that there would be a live band, so jeans and boots were probably the best option. After laying out what I planned to wear, I crawled in bed for a nap. If there was any hope of my staying up until midnight, I needed sleep.

“You didn’t haveto give me a ride. I could’ve driven myself.” I walked with Delaney and Eli toward the big gathering room at the venue.

“Now you can toast in the new year.” Eli tucked an arm around Delaney’s waist.

“You were afraid I wouldn’t show up.” I did appreciate that they’d gone to the effort of making sure I made it.

Delaney bounced her head up and down. “Yes. We wanted you to be here.”

“And now I’m stuck.” I was more nervous about tonight than I had any reason to be.

Eli stopped and faced me. “Whenever you want to leave, tell me. I’ll drive you home. Even if it means leaving my fiancée just as the countdown nears zero. I will leave and take you wherever you want to go.”

“I’m not going to interrupt your big moment of the night.”

He shifted so that he stood between me and Delaney. “We don’t want you to feel trapped. We want you to have fun.”

Delaney kissed his cheek. “What he said.”

“Thanks. Y’all go in. I’m going to ease into the room.” I wanted to get my bearings before feeling bombarded.

The doughnut shop was often crowded, but that was my space, and it didn’t feel the same as being here even if the room was filled with faces I recognized, people who came into the shop regularly.

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