Page 62 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“When I started at the ranch, I only knew Grayson. You remember him, right?”

“Yeah. I remember him. I actually bumped into him the day he realized Daisy was the one, so I called him a goober head and told him to go after her. He comes into the shop every so often.”

“It wasn’t until my grandmother died and I felt so alone that I realized what I had here at the ranch. Grandmother kept people at arm’s length, and I think maybe I learned to do that from her. You were the only person inside those walls for a long time, Lettie.”

“Thanks for letting me back in.”

I pull into the ranch and take the road to the main house.

Lettie lets out a low whistle. “Nice place.”

“Yep. Mess hall and game room are around the back. I’ll finally get to sit next to you at dinner.” I walk around and open her door. “Want me to carry you?”

Her head starts shaking before I finish the question. “Nope. I have crutches.” But then she tugs me close and gives me a quick kiss. “But thank you for asking.”

I will never tire of kissing this woman.

* * *

I crawledinto bed an hour ago. It’s not all that late. I should be exhausted, but I’m awake and reaching for my phone. I plan to leave on my errand in the morning before breakfast. I just have to tell Lettie I’m leaving and somehow avoid spoiling the surprise.

Since sleeping isn’t working, I’ll just send her a text and leave tonight. I slide out of bed and shove clothes in a bag. The guys did a pretty good job shopping. Most everything fits. Although, I’m not sure I’ll ever wear the tie-dyed T-shirt with the happy face plastered on the front. It’s not really my style. I’m not sure whose bright idea that was.

Once I’m packed, I hop into the shower.

When I get out, there is a message notification from Regretful-Raccoon. I’m not the only one awake.

Regretful-Raccoon: Your grandmother said that if I loved you, I’d let you go because you didn’t need a houseful of little brown kids keeping you from following your dream or a girl like me pulling you into a life of crime. And because I loved you more than anything and I knew how much you loved your grandmother, I broke up with you but didn’t explain why. I’m sorry.

My mind was made up before reading this message, but now I’m in a hurry to leave. I send back a short message. The only words that are truly important.

Crocheting-Cowboy: I love you.

After hitting send, I knock on her bedroom door.

“Come in.”

“Hey there. I’m going to make a quick road trip. I was going to leave first thing in the morning but decided to go ahead and leave tonight. Lilith said she’ll be around to help you. So if you need anything at all, just call her. And I should be back late tomorrow.” I sit on the edge of the bed. “Will you be okay without me?”

She shakes her head. “I won’t have to find out because I’m going with you.”

Telling her she isn’t invited will land me in the doghouse, I think. “That won’t be comfortable with your leg all bandaged.”

“It’s not like you’re dragging me on a hike, Archer. I’ll be sitting if I stay and sitting if I go. I want to go.”

“All right, but no questions. Okay?”

Her eyes narrow. “Should I be worried?”

“That’s a question. I’ll grab a bag. Tell me what to pack.” If she wants to go, of course, I’m going to take her with me, but I’m really hoping I can keep a lid on my secret until the last minute.

CHAPTER23

LETTIE

Archer hasn’t said a word about the message. But I know he saw it because he responded. The radio is playing, and he’s been quiet for the last two hours.

Based on the direction we’re headed, I’m guessing he’s going to our hometown, but I don’t ask why because I promised. But I have so many questions.

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