Page 9 of Butter My Biscuit

“I hope you know you’re theonlywoman I spoon with.” I think I feel her smile. “Good night, Gracie.”

“Night, Harri.”

And then I’m left wide awake, holding her, until her breathing slows.

Tomorrow, she’ll be with her boyfriend with hopes of moving their relationship forward.

In six months, she might move to the other side of the state.

While I’m exhausted, I lie awake. I take it all in, knowing that we’re growing up, but hoping we’re not growing apart.

It’s in the silent moments when I hold her like this that I wish things were different.

* * *

I wake up without an alarm because I’m sweating. I don’t know when I rolled over in the middle of the night, but Grace is holding me, lightly snoring like a Disney princess in my ear. She’s also sleeping in the middle of the bed, hogging all the space, with her leg wrapped around mine, like usual.

When I slide out from under the blanket, it feels like the middle of July. I grab my phone, noticing it’s a few minutes before five. Of course it is. Working on the ranch all my life has ruined my internal clock.

Going back to sleep won’t happen, so I get up and curse the thermostat before turning it off. Guess it’s not broken; it’s just cranky.

I grab a cup of water and chug it, needing this headache that I can feel coming to go away. Probably dehydrated, but it doesn’t stop me from brewing a pot of coffee. I pour a cup of coffee, leaning against the counter as I glance at notifications on my phone. I didn’t check anything yesterday while we were driving.

The first person I text back is my brother. Beckett is several years older than me, and we’re business partners. We’ve been training horses and teaching people to ride them since we were young teens. After he purchased the Horseshoe Creek Ranch with the love of his life, we built a large training facility. I called in several favors and did tons of begging to be able to join Grace on this trip.

Once I press Send, his text bubble immediately pops up. Of course his ass is awake. His internal alarm clock is like Old Faithful too.

Beckett

Oh, looky, you’re actually alive. I texted you yesterday and heard jack shit from you.

Harrison

Sorry about that. I was occupied. You know, driving across the fucking state.

He loves to give me a hard time, but it’s a two-way street with us.

Beckett

How’s Houston?

Harrison

The traffic makes me want to never drive again.

Beckett

Sounds about right. So, today is the day? You gonna meet him?

The situation was heavily discussed before I left, and he knows exactly why I’m here—to make sure Grace is safe. She met this fuck on a dating app and has seen him a few times over the year. He’s practically a stranger.

Then, I think back to our chat last night. I didn’t realize how serious she was about this man, and none of it is sitting well with me. While I want to meet—threaten—him, I don’t want to do anything to influence her relationship.

Harrison

Nah, I’m gonna drop her off, then head to the bar.

Beckett

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