Page 27

She shakes her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I mean, I knew you were successful, but this is next level.”

I chuckle. “Comes with the job, I guess.”

She studies me for a moment. “It must be exhausting.”

I pause, caught off guard by her insight. “Yeah. Sometimes.”

She nods, looking out at the property, then turns back to me. “Thank you.”

I frown. “For what?”

“For taking care of me. For letting me stay here. For… being you, I guess.”

Something tightens in my chest. I step a little closer, looking down at her. “You don’t have to thank me, Laney.”

She searches my face like she’s trying to figure me out. “Not many people would do what you’ve done for me.”

I huff out a breath. “Then they’re idiots.”

She laughs softly, shaking her head. “You’re something else, Eddie.”

I grin. “Get used to it.”

She meets my gaze and, for a moment, the world stills. Then she looks away, clearing her throat. “So, what now?”

Now, I tell her the truth. But not yet. “For now,” I say, leading her further onto the path, “we walk.”

And for the first time in a long time, I feel something I haven’t felt in years.

Peace.

I lead Laney out of the house and across the yard toward the barn, the crunch of gravel under our feet the only sound for a moment. The air is fresh, carrying the scent of hay and leather, and the distant sound of birds settling in for the evening. She walks beside me, still a little unsteady, but stronger than before. I steal a glance at her—she looks better, there’s some color in her cheeks now, but I don’t miss the way she keeps rubbing her arms like she’s cold or uncertain.

The barn doors are already open when we step inside, warm light spilling over the stalls, casting long shadows against the wooden walls. The familiar scent of horses and hay fills the space, comforting in its own way and filling me with a sense of home. Laney hesitates at the entrance, her eyes widening as she takes it all in.

“You have horses?” she asks, surprise lacing her voice.

“Seven of them,” I say, motioning for her to follow. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

As we walk down the row of stalls, I point them out one by one. “That’s Daisy, she’s a sweetheart. Then there’s Titan, he’s a bit of a troublemaker. Over there is Belle, and next to her is Gunner. The last two aren’t mine, I just board them here.”

Laney looks at me with curiosity. “How do you manage all this with your career?”

“I have someone who looks after them when I’m away,” I explain. “They get the best care. But when I’m home, I like to spend time with them. Helps keep me grounded.”

She seems to take that in, watching as a large, dark horse pokes his head over the last stall. I grin. “And this here is Blaze.”

Blaze snorts softly, his ears pricking forward as I step closer. He nudges my arm, and I chuckle, reaching into my pocket. “Alright, alright, I know what you want.” I pull out a sugar cube, letting him take it from my palm. He crunches happily, rubbinghis velvety muzzle against my arm in thanks. I stroke down his neck, my touch firm but gentle.

Laney watches, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “You’re really good with him.”

I glance at her. “He’s my boy. Had him for years now. He’s been with me through a lot.”

She doesn’t press for details, just nods, and I lead her over to a hay bale near the back of the barn. I sit first, giving her space and, after a moment, she follows, perching on the edge like she’s still not sure how long she belongs here.

I exhale, rubbing the back of my neck. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

She frowns slightly. “That sounds serious.”