Page 75 of Forever After All

Linc blinked a few times. “Why would anyone want to go to a high school reunion?”

Jess pointed at him. “Exactly. That. But he wanted me to pretend to be an accountant and act like he was my successful husband.”

A rogue chuckle ripped from Linc’s chest before he could stop it. “He was that big of a loser?”

“He works at a chicken processing plant, which isn’t terrible, but he wanted me to be anaccountant. Can you imagine?”

Picturing Jess sitting behind a computer all day or doing paperwork was a huge stretch. She passed off all barn finances to Brett like money might burn her hand.

Jess pressed her ear against Applejack’s side. “You know, he’s the second date who wasn’t impressed with my job.”

“They’re in the wrong. You’re great at your job.”

She raised her head and ran her hands over the horse’s back. “Thanks. I don’t have any plans to change careers.”

Linc took a half breath. “So, you’re saying he’s a jerk?”

“Yep.”

“I thought you weren’t dating anymore,” he said low, half hoping she wouldn’t hear him.

Jess rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Huntington cornered me at church last week. To be fair, her nephew was nice before he started asking me to lie.”

Linc’s phone chirped, and he read the text. “The doc wants an update.”

Jess gave Applejack a once-over. “She seems okay for now, maybe a little uncomfortable. I’d rather be over cautious than disregard her change in behavior.”

Linc typed out the response and pocketed his phone. “Did I interrupt you before you got to eat?”

“No. I had a burger. You need something to eat?” she asked.

“I ate before I came.” The thought of another guy buying her dinner didn’t sit well with him, even if the guy ended up being a jerk.

He had to man up and tell her how he felt, or he’d have to be content watching her find her happily ever after with someone else.

But could she have a happily ever after with him? He didn’t have much to offer, and he wasn’t oozing charm or romantic vibes. What made him a good choice for her?

They took turns monitoring Applejack and doing other menial chores around the barn. As much as he loved the trail rides, working in the stables with Jess was a much better job.

Jameson walked in with a determined stride. The foreman had his hands in everything at the ranch, which was normal, but his attention had been focused on his wife lately. Ava’s pregnancy had been rocky from the start, and she and Jameson had been spending a lot of time at medical appointments.

“Heard about Applejack,” Jameson said as he nodded at the horse.

“Tucker is on his way,” Jess said. “I’ll stay with her tonight to make sure she’s okay.”

“I can stay. I’ll let you know if things change,” Linc said.

Jess shook her head. “I can’t leave.”

“Then we’ll both stay.” He wasn’t leaving Jess alone, and he didn’t want to. If she was going to dedicate her night to watching Applejack, so was he.

“Looks like the two of you have this covered. Call me if you need anything,” Jameson said with a wave as he headed toward the exit.

Linc sat on a bucket next to Jess. “You can go home. I promise I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

Jess shook her head. “Not getting rid of me.”

Linc rubbed a hand over his jaw. “In that case, I’m going to the kitchen to see if Vera has any leftovers. If we’re gonna be up all night, we don’t have to starve.”

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