Page 123 of Forever By Morning

“Because you’re always micromanaging, man. As if he hasn’t worked here for eight years. He knows the fields better than you probably do.”

“No one knows those fields like me.”

“Oh, yeah? Did you know there were three collapses in the Paula Red zone? Or that the slow drip sprinklers have to be replaced in the greenhouse too? How about that we’re overdue on our inspection for the bottler?”

A horn blared behind me, letting me know the light had changed.

I gunned ahead and almost missed Brennan’s turn because I was seeing red.

“I’m not saying this to bust your balls, Beck. I’m just saying you can’t do it all. It’s not like when you took over for Dad.”

I stopped at the base of the road that led to Brennan’s offices.

When I’d seen the books from when our dad was running the orchard, I’d been gobsmacked with how behind we were on everything.

I swore that would never happen again. That I’d make sure my family was protected.

“Between the taproom, and the distribution deals, and harvest coming—”

“I’m aware!” I pushed out of my door. I needed to walk.

Justin stalked around the front of my truck. “I don’t think you are. Brothers Three is the three of us. Not the Beckett show.”

I fisted my hands at my sides.

“Want to take a swing at me? Go ahead.”

“It was only one day. I only fucked up once.”

“You didn’t fuck up at all.” Justin clamped a hand on my shoulder. “You’re supposed to have a life beyond the orchard.”

“Not with her.”

“Why not with her?” Justin’s blue eyes blazed from his tanned face. “She’s amazing.”

“Yes, she’s amazing. But she’s from the goddamn city. What’s she supposed to do here? Wait around for me to come home? When I’m dusty and dirty from the fields and fall down every night during harvest?”

I shoved my hands through my hair and stalked away from him. “How can I expect her to stay? How can I ask that of her? And hell, I’ve only known her a few days, Jus.”

“Sometimes you just know. But even if things don’t work out with Helena—”

I whirled around and Justin put his hands up in surrender.

“Look, dude, even just saying it has you ready to lunge.”

“It’s reckless to be even thinking this way.”

“Maybe it’s time you get a little reckless again.” Justin shoved his hands into his pockets. “There was a time where you were nothing but wild. It’s been good to see that part of you again.”

“Wild doesn’t pay the bills.”

“If you hadn’t noticed, we’re paying our bills just fine. We’ve expanded so much in the last few years that it’s too much for one person to handle.”

“I can handle it.” My teeth were gritted so hard, my temple started throbbing.

“You don’t have to handle it. You have us. Hayes is eager to do the paperwork with the distilleries. You hate doing that shit. He’s good at it and he’s itching to work with Ronan.”

I turned away from him and got back into the truck, slamming my door.

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