Page 93

One of the many steps in their plan to settle in Blackwater for good included an attempt to mend fences. Brett had visited her uncle Bruce’s diesel repair shop this morning with a white flag of peace.

“Not really, but I have no idea how to read the guy. He looked like he wanted to rip my head off, but he also didn’t try to whop me over the head with a wrench.”

“You’re right. That sounds like progress.” Anything that didn’t involve bloodshed was a good sign, but they had a long row to hoe if there was any chance of patching things up between their families.

Brett looked over his shoulder toward the main house. “I have to go. Mr. Chambers is probably waiting on me. But I saw Everly on her way out just now. She was headed to Sticky Sweets for a cake tasting or something, and she said she’d bring you back a cupcake.”

Thea melted into a warm puddle of happiness. “Are you serious? She didn’t even mention it at lunch. I would give my left pinky toe for a cupcake.”

Brett pulled her close to his chest and made a show of petting her head. “Shh. Don’t be selling off body parts. I promised to give you all the cupcakes you wanted, didn’t I?”

She looked up at him as moisture clouded her vision. What did she ever do to deserve him? “You did.”

He sealed his lips to hers, and she drew in a long inhale, breathing in the happiness she still couldn’t believe existed. Each brush of his mouth against hers was a promise, and she met his sincerity match for match.

She reluctantly pulled away and sighed. “I have to go.”

“I know.” The pad of his thumb brushed against her cold cheek. “Be careful.”

“I will.” The only time she’d left the ranch since the attack was to visit the doctor in Cody, and he’d gone with her every time. If his chat with Bruce worked, maybe she’d be able to go into town without looking over her shoulder.

His hand slid down her neck, over her shoulder, and all the way to her hand. He lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “Let me know what the doctor says.”

“Hopefully, I’ll get the go-ahead to fly.”

After spending the early morning on the phone with Misty, her old job was wrapped up. Thea had signed the last of the paperwork to accept her new position at Wolf Creek. She’d continue to help Ava in the office until the doctor released her for physical work, then she would move to a full-time position at the barn with Brett and Jess.

Brett took a few steps backward, letting Thea’s hand fall slowly from his. “I’ve never been to Alabama. Maybe you can show me around your old town.”

Pell City, Alabama was slightly bigger than Blackwater, and it had a completely different vibe. First off, the draw was the lake, bringing in bass fishermen and families who spent weekends goofing off in pontoon boats and kayaks.

Brett would love it.

She waved as he slowly backed toward the main house. “Sounds like a plan.”

The plans they’d put into motion yesterday and today gave her at least a semblance of control over the mess in their lives. At least they weren’t sitting around waiting for trouble to knock on their door.

Once she was in the car, Hadley didn’t waste a second before jumping in.

“How did it go?”

Thea shrugged. “He said he thought it went well. Everyone walked away unscathed.”

She hadn’t hid her concern when Brett said he wanted to visit Bruce. Talking it out wasn’t something the Howard and Pattons had ever subscribed to.

“Gage wasn’t a fan of the idea,” Thea added.

Hadley pulled out of the ranch and turned toward Cody. “He said Bruce has been strangely quiet today.”

Thea propped her elbow on the passenger door and studied Hadley. “So, what else did Gage say?”

“That he hopes your plan works. He’s really missed you.”

“What about you?” Thea asked.

“What about me?”

“Does he miss you too?”