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Wyatt glances at me, the glow of his laptop screen catching on the straight slope of his nose, the fullness of his lips. “Somebody’s happy.”

Do I tell him what I just did? I could. I probably should. But part of me wants to surprise him with a grand gesture. Wyatt went to enormous lengths to ensure our first date was one to remember. It was cute, how big of a deal he made it. And he lost his mind when I gave him theLittle House on the Prairiebooks. I also know my adviser is going to freak out when he gets this letter, and I might have to wade through some very unpleasant shit before my resignation is official.

And, yeah, I have to tell my parents. I feel like it would help lessen the blow if I came up with a plan, however preliminary, for my future employment.

I decide not to tell anyone my news for the moment.Tonight, I’m going to celebrate having a great day, filled with great people, by doing what I love—my cowboy.

I could go for some true-crime TV, too, just because.

“Very happy,” I say, and I mean it. “Wanna watch someForensic Files?”

“As long as I’m not your next victim, sure.”

CHAPTER 29

Wyatt

DESPERADO

I clear my throat. “So…”

Sawyer glances at me over his shoulder and smiles. “So…”

Ordinarily, I’d want to slap that stupid, knowing smile off his face. It’s early—the bright orange ball of the sun is just breaking over the horizon—and so cold that I can see my breath. I wouldn’t say I’m cranky at this time of day, but I sure as hell don’t feel like dealing with my brothers’ bullshit.

But today?

Today, I just smile back, even though my stomach is a knot of nerves. “If y’all wouldn’t mind me takin’ a minute of your time, I have something I’d like to talk to you about. All of you.”

The five of us are on horseback. We’re bringing the herd out to graze in a pasture not far from the New House. I once heard someone give Sawyer parenting advice, saying that you should talk to your kids about tough topics in the car. No one can escape, and you’re also driving, meaning you don’t have to look anyone in the eye as you bring up horrifically uncomfortable shit.

Figure the same applies to being on horseback. I canpretend to be busy keeping an eye on the cows, while telling my brothers the news.

Cash reins in his big black horse, Kix. “Everything all right?”

“Everything is great.”

Duke drapes his forearms over the pommel of his saddle. “You knocked up Sally, didn’t you?”

“Would you hush?” Ryder turns to me. “But I bet it’s twins. We do run in the family.”

I roll my eyes. “Y’all?—”

“Sally and Wyatt, sitting in a tree,” Sawyer singsongs. “First comes friendship, then comes boning, then comes baby in the baby carriage and maybe marriage?”

Even Cash is grinning, which I take to be a good sign.

“What happened to growling at me?” I ask him.

Cash splays his hand. “John B and Patsy ain’t left yet. You’re still showin’ up to work. And, yeah, I see how happy you and Sally are when you’re together.”

I just stare at him.

“I’m allowed to change my mind,” he says with a shrug. “Sometimes, people surprise you.”

I shake my head. “Mollie teach you that?”

“She’s taught me a lot of things, yeah.”