Page 141 of Almost Rotten

“Ready,” I answer feebly. It’s not exactly the truth, but it’s close enough.

Chapter sixty-one

Noah

On high alert, I scan the crowds, looking for danger that doesn’t exist.

The sheer volume of people on the property is unbelievable.

Luckily, I thought ahead and put Shiloh away for the night before the masses descended. Most of the staff has headed home, and Mercer suggested I stay in the house, but once he laid out his plan, I knew I couldn’t leave him to his own devices.

Try as I might, I haven’t had luck talking him out of his scheme.

He wants to scare the kid who’s tormenting Sawyer. He told me about the threats and the blackmail. About the way hedeclared her his wife in front of some important people and is now embracing that delusion.

It’s not right.

That’s not love.

That’s not anything like what I feel for her and what she deserves.

Mercer didn’t clue me in when all the bullshit started between Sawyer and her friend because he wanted to protect me. I understand his reasoning to an extent, but I’m still pissed about being left out of the loop.

He doesn’t always think clearly when it comes to matters of the heart. I blame that tendency.

Now he’s concocted a plan that involves isolating the kid from the class and deleting the damning evidence from his phone.

I’ve reluctantly agreed. Mostly because it was easier than trying to talk Mercer off the ledge. Once he makes up his mind about something like this, he’s done.

With any luck, the kid will get the message and, assuming he has some level of self-preservation, leave Sawyer alone after tonight.

And although it’s a longshot, my hope is to talk Sawyer into staying the night. The entire weekend, if I’m lucky.

I want her here. I miss her when she’s not around.

Edna emerges from the bakery shop and turns, ensuring the knob is locked. She stashes her key ring, wipes her hands on her apron, and meanders over to stand beside me. “Quite the spectacle. She did all this?”

I can’t help but grin. Sawyer can credit the class and share accolades with Mercer all she wants, but she was the ultimate driving force behind this event, and she deserves credit. “She did.”

Edna hums. “She’s special, that one. Good to the core. Don’t let her slip away.”

Fair advice. She doesn’t have to worry. I won’t let that woman out of my sight. I want her here with me. I want to be wherever she is, from here on out.

Chapter sixty-two

Mercer

I’ve been lurking in the barn for nearly an hour when I spot them.

Sawyer rounds the side of the storefront first, followed by Tremblay.

All my senses flare to life, the urge to stalk and hunt and maim overtaking my sensibilities.

I stay hidden, observing him as he grimaces every few steps. He’s injured. I don’t know to what extent, but I know he did visit the hospital, and I saw the sports highlights after the game. Apparently I follow college hockey now.

At least I don’t have to worry about him putting up a fight or resisting this confrontation.

Sawyer’s copper hair is held back with a green headband, loose curls cascading down her shoulders. Her brows are tight as she speaks to Ty, then scans the crowd to get her bearings.