Page 52 of Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch 3)

“I’m sorry about this mess,” Natalie said.

“I’m sorry, too,” Jana said. More than she could probably comprehend right now.

“You should call Knox.” Natalie squeezed her shoulder and offered a small smile. “Tell him it was all a misunderstanding.”

“It’s not that easy. There are other things that make this complicated beyond our fathers.” Jana sighed. “Besides, I don’t trust Dad. I’m not doing anything until I know that Dad is sticking to his word about canceling the grant request.”

“Oh, he’s going to stick to his word,” Natalie declared.

Jana raised her brows. “How can you be sure?”

Natalie smiled. “I’m not a lawyer for nothing. I know the ins and outs of Dad’s business dealings, and let’s just say that I can also influence things one way or another.” She stepped away and picked up her phone from the table. “Now, let’s call him and let him know we’ve talked. No more secrecy or under-the-table deals.”

Jana puffed out a breath. “Maybe we should talk to him in person. I want this all laid to rest once and for all. I don’t want him blowing me off by saying he has another call coming in.”

Natalie raised her brows like she was impressed. “Good idea. Let’s go.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now,” Natalie said. “I already cleared my schedule this morning, and we can be at their place in thirty minutes.”

Moments later, Jana found herself in Natalie’s BMW, heading to their parents. More texts had come in. Another one from Knox: Holt wants to talk to you, too. He followed up with a heart emoji that Jana might have stared at for too long.

A number she didn’t recognize: This is Holt, please call me as soon as you can.

Barb: Hey, where are you, hon? Stopped by this morning with muffins and coffee, but your car’s gone.

Barb: Patsy and I are going to the movies tonight. Wanna come?

Barb: Helloooo?

Jana sighed.

“What’s up?” Natalie asked.

Jana glanced over at her sister. This casual conversation wasn’t them, and Jana wasn’t used to confiding in her sister for anything. “Both Knox and Holt are texting me, wanting me to call them.”

Natalie didn’t say anything for a moment. “You can call if you want. Dad doesn’t know we’re coming, anyway.”

“I don’t know what to say to either of them,” Jana said. “I mean, Holt is probably going to tell me that the grant doesn’t matter. But it does. And I can’t make promises about Dad’s actions until they happen, even if you’re guaranteeing it.”

Natalie nodded. “All right. Call Holt back when we’re done meeting with Dad. But are you sure you want to leave Knox hanging?”

“You really want me to call him right now?” Jana asked. “According to Dad, he’s the reason behind all of this in the first place.”

Natalie reached over and rested her hand on Jana’s arm. “I wish I’d come to you first. I’ll regret that the rest of my life.” She paused. “Call Knox back.”

Jana closed her eyes. “He can wait.” But her heart was telling her something different than her mind.

And as the moments passed, her heart only pounded harder. When Natalie pulled up to their parents’ place, Jana said, “I’ll join you in a minute.”

“Okay.” Natalie climbed out of the car.

Jana pressed send on Knox’s contact. She didn’t know what she would say, but she wanted to hear his voice.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said when he answered.

Tears sprung to her eyes at the sound of his voice. “Hi.” She cleared her throat because her voice had gone tight. “I’m with Natalie, and we’re walking into my parents’ house in a second.”

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