Page 16 of His True Mate

“I’m not. I’m ready to find my own path.”

He nodded. “I know better than to argue with you women when you set your mind to something. Promise you’ll call from time to time and let us know how you’re doing and where you are?”

I nodded and sniffed. “I promise.”

“We’re going to miss you around here, baby girl,” he said.

“I’ll miss you both too, but this is something I have to do.”

I smiled through watery eyes.

“You weren’t going to tell us, were you?” Dad asked.

“It’s easier that way,” Mom said joining in for a family hug. “This conversation never happened.” She kissed my forehead. “You go live your life, sweetheart.”

“But we’ll always be here if you need to change course and come back home,” Dad added.

“Thanks. I love you both so much.”

“Enough of that. I already did my makeup and you’re going to make my eyeliner run if you keep this mushy stuff up,” Mom said as she dabbed at her eyes. “Besides, it’s a very special show tonight and you have chores to do.”

“Okay,” I said.

I left the two of them alone, stopping to shove the additional cash into my bag after I was certain no one was around to see and then I headed over to the stables to tend to the horses.

“I wish I could take you with me,” I whispered softly to Denver a few hours later.

The whole day felt so surreal as I walked around seeing people I’d known my whole life for the last time.

Clay

Chapter 5

The day went far better than I imagined. I had secured the necessary dairy cows we needed at a fantastic price before the auction even began. Thomas and Ruby were going to be thrilled, but I was a little concerned that they just might make this part of my duties as needed. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

I picked up my phone to call Thomas and tell him the good news. He answered on the first ring.

“Clay, how’s it going in Nebraska? Are you ready for the auction today?”

“Everything’s going great actually, and I won’t be attending the auction.”

I relayed the information and cost. I had been given full permission to make the best decision as I saw fit anyway so this was only a courtesy call to let him know it was done.

“I just have to finalize the arrangements to get these girls home,” I finally said.

“Wow, man, that’s incredible. You did good. Do you still have the number of the transporter I gave you?”

“Yup. I’ve already called them and I’m heading back over to the stables to confirm on that end now. They should be picked up within the hour.”

“Great. But you aren’t rushing back, are you?”

I groaned. “You know damn well you booked two nights here. Why in the hell would you do that? We could be heading back tonight.”

He chuckled. “There’s no need for that.”

“And you ensured that by promising Brady and Cruz two nights here.”

When he didn’t deny it and only laughed harder, I huffed.