Page 33 of Tempting Promises
Why do I not listen to myself? I know better than to keep going.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Yeah? Where was Asher’s big, tough exterior with Phoebe, or Grady when it comes to Addison? It doesn’t exist. Now you’re finally piecing together that you might have a crack in your armor when it comes to Charlotte.”
Oh, for the love of God. “I think there’s a crack in your skull if you believe that shit.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Have I told you lately that you’re a real pain in my ass?” I ask, grabbing my gloves so I can move a few tools.
“Only daily.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek. “And I mean it every day.”
She laughs. “But you love me.”
“I have no idea why.”
“Yes you do, but I’ll let you keep your tough-guy persona with me.”
“How kind of you.” I shake my head and head out of the barn.
“You like her more than you think, Row!” Brynn yells, and I keep walking, not even entertaining that one.
“You need me to do what?” Asher asks.
I shake my head at his ineptitude at having to care for the farm and turn to Olivia. “You do whatever Micah says. You shouldn’t ride Brutus if you have to go out to the pasture. Take Whisper instead.”
She nods. “I will take care of Dad too.”
Asher huffs.“I can manage for three days.”
Olivia raises a brow. “Okay, Dad.”
I love this kid.
My brother is the absolute last choice when it comes to caring for the farm, but alas, here we are. Grady is in Florida with Addison and Brynlee is heading to some meeting in California. Which leaves . . . Asher.
I sign so that Olivia gets the directions while speaking to my brother.“It’s important that you come here every morning at seven to open this door.”I place my hand on the metal gate that allows the cows into the pen.“Every morning. Micah will be moving them to this area, and they need to be able to get in.”
“Door open at seven, I can handle that.”
“I will make sure, Uncle Rowan,” Olivia assures me.
“You’re the one I trust.”I tap her nose after I finish signing.
“What time do you leave?” Asher asks.
“In a few. I just need to load the rest of my shit in the truck.”
He places his hand on Olivia’s shoulder, holding her in front of him so she can’t read lips or hear what he says. “Don’t be a fucking idiot with your camping and hiking shit. Your niece loves you and would be devastated if anything happened to you. For some reason,the women in this family love you. So, maybe don’t go out trekking where you could get hurt.”
I smile at him and sign because we do everything we can to include Olivia, which is why I’m surprised by what he did just now. “Everything will work out.”
Asher’s heavy sigh tells me he thinks I’m a damn fool, which I am, but he’ll get over it.
Olivia lifts her hands. “Have fun.”
“I will. Make sure your dad follows the rules.”
