Page 80 of More Than a Helping Hand

Archer shifts his hold on the steering wheel. “There is something I want to say, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be open to listening.”

“I’m happy to. What’s up?” I shift my brain into counselor mode, ready to give my friend advice.

He turns the radio down. “I’m not sure exactly what happened, but you were really happy. And then you weren’t. Lettie said that you haven’t been ordering lemon-filled donuts, and she wanted me to check on you.”

“I’m happy.”

He rolls his eyes. “Don’t become an actor. The fake smiles are obvious from a mile away. But after thinking back over the last few months, I’m guessing this is related to Parker’s sister. A couple of weeks ago, you went away for the weekend and returned with a dark cloud over your head.”

“You can tell Lettie that I’ll be fine. And I’d rather that others not know about me and Primrose.”

“Then you probably shouldn’t look at her like a man finding an oasis in the middle of the desert.”

“Well, I’m working on that part too.” I shift the seat belt and stare out the window. “Thanks for checking on me.”

“Can I give a bit of advice?”

“Sure.” I’m not expecting to get any tips that will change the situation, but letting people give advice makes them feel better. Like they’re being helpful.

“You are all about being helpful. Since you stepped up to take care of your sister, that’s defined you. And I’m making an assumption, but my guess is that you haven’t told Primrose how you feel.”

“I think that will only make her feel worse about the breakup, and I don’t want to make this harder on her.”

“Maybe she needs to know. Knowing how you feel might help calm her fears. I don’t know what she’s afraid of, but fear stops a lot of relationships from finding a happy ending. Be honest with her. It’s not like you’ll feel any worse than you do now.”

“I thought I was covering well. I guess not.”

“Ava has made your favorite dessert three times a week since you returned. That’s not a coincidence.”

I laugh. “She’s awesome. I’ll give some thought to what you said. And I might try to talk to Primrose. It’s just hard because I don’t want Bailey to hear, and getting time alone with Primrose involves a lot of coordinating.”

“You’ll figure it out. But making it easier for her to break up with you might not be the wisest choice.” He turns into the ranch. “Thanks for riding with me. I got you a plate too. Hopefully, it’s still warm.”

“Thanks.” I climb out, grab my plate, and go inside, thinking about what he said.

Before I even get the takeout container open, there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Dallas steps in, looking determined. “I know what you should do.”

“About?”

“The thing we don’t talk about. Well, she’s not a thing, but you know what I mean. Hear me out. You need to tell her that you are thankful for her. Be honest about how you feel.”

“Were you just talking to Archer?”

“No, why? Did he tell you that too?”

When Archer and Dallas are giving me the same advice, the universe is flashing a neon sign in my face.

“Yeah. She’ll be busy with family tomorrow. But sometime this weekend, I’ll see if she’ll meet me so that we can talk.”

“No. Bad idea. Don’t wait. Send her a text.” Dallas crosses his arms. “All these other ranch hands with their wives and kids or kids on the way, they are all happy. And you were like that before she dumped you. Don’t prolong the pain. One text might fix everything.”

“I can’t tell her I love her via text.”

“Sure you can. The words are easy to type.” He reaches for the door. “I’m leaving so you can figure out what to say.”

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