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I’ve been walkingthe rows of the vines all afternoon and am no closer to reconciling the Matthew I spent the night with, and the one Richard painted for me this morning. I’ve gone from flaming red mad to complete devastation and back again multiple times while walking. None of it makes sense.

Why would he tell me—beg me, actually—that he wanted asecond chance and then say those things to Richard about me? His actions have been sincere and honest—heartfelt even. If all he wants is the house, he could’ve just talked to me about it instead of creating this facade where he made me believe he still loved me.

I’m so insecure in my relationship with Matthew that I’m letting Richard’s words have too much of an effect on me. I know it, but I can’t do anything to stop the spiral of negativity dragging me down.

He probably exaggerated his conversation with Matthew, but I doubt he was lying about him looking for a new location for his clinic. That seems perfectly plausible. What I don’t understand is why Matthew didn’t tell me he’s looking to move himself? That seems like something we should talk about.

I turn the corner at the end of the row and head back in the direction I just came. I glance up at the setting sun and see someone walking toward me. As they get closer, I can tell its Matthew. His body looks stiff, and he keeps fisting and unfisting his hands at his sides. He’s unhappy about something.

My shoulders tense, and I take in a few deep breaths. I can’t imagine what he has to be upset about. It’s me he’s been accused of talking ill about. I stop, cross my arms over my chest to hide the nervousness coursing through my veins, and wait until he reaches me.

“What the hell, Jess?” He huffs as he comes to stop in front of me. “You decide to sell me the house and barn but don’t bother to discuss it with me? You wanna tell me what’s going on?”

I push my shoulders back. His harsh tone gives me the strength I need to hold my ground. “I thought that’s what you wanted.”

He steps closer and narrows his eyes. “Ithoughtwe agreed to work on our communication?”

“Me, too.” I poke him in the chest, causing him to lose his balance. He recovers quickly and steps into my space.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I threw my hands into the air. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe something about me being selfish by putting your livelihood at risk and forcing you to move. Why didn’t you tell me you were moving? That’s something you should’ve told me.”

His scowl drops and he takes a step back. “I’ve never said that about you. I’dnevercall you selfish.”

“Then why did Richa—” My mouth snaps shut, and my eyes widen. I spin around and drop my hands to my knees forcing myself to take slow even breaths. “Of course, I’m gonna fucking fire his ass.”

Matthew steps around me and grabs me by the shoulders. He lifts me up and forces me to look at him. “Don’t blame this on Richard. What’s your plan, Jess? If you’re selling me your house, where the hell do you plan to live?”

I push him away and take several steps back. My temper flares and I can’t stop the next words from coming out. “If this is how you’re going to act because Richard exaggerated the situation, then not with you.”

His shoulder’s drop and all the anger leaves his face. “So, it’s true?”

“Is what true?”

“You asked Adam to create living space for you at The Wine Room. I thought you wanted to keep the house?”

“Does it matter? It’s just a fucking house.” I freeze at the words I just spoke. I love that house, always have. But saying those words are so freeing. “Oh, my God. Ryan’s right. It’s just a house. I don’t need it to remember my parents.” I laugh, maybe a little too hard considering the fight we’re having. Matthew looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, and honestly, maybe I have. I push my shoulders back and smile. “Yes, Matt, I will sell you the house and the barn. I’ll start packing my stuff and be out tomorrow. Clearly, we still can’t communicate worth shit. I really don’t know why we thought this could work.”

I spin on my heels and walk away.

“Jess, stop.” He runs in front of me and blocks my path. “You cannot blame this on me. There was nothing to communicate on my end. I stopped looking for a place to move as soon as we decided to give us another chance. You cannot begrudge me the opportunity to look for a secure home for my child and business before we even got back together. Maybe you should get your facts straight before you get all pissy and judge me.”

Matthew turns around and barges off, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the vineyard. Tears prick my eyes, and my stomach feels nauseous.

What just happened?

How did everything go to hell so quickly? This morning I was ready to start my life over with him. I made plans to discuss co-owning the house together and creating more permanency in our relationship.

Now, I’m left heartbroken and alone. Again.

CHAPTER 24

MATTHEW

Islam the shot glass down on the bar. My eyes blur and my body sways on the chair.

“Another.” I nod at Parker, the bartender. He eyes me curiously before he shakes his head. He’s new around here, and I don’t know him well. But he seems like a stand-up guy. I’ll continue to think that as long as he keeps feeding me drinks.