Page 88 of Someone to Hold

I walk back to the house with the kids, a small hand in each of mine. There’s a knot in my chest I can’t explain. It doesn’t exactly hurt, but feels full in a way I’m not used to. Is it possible for a heart to expand as much as mine feels like it has since becoming a part of Molly’s life? More importantly, what am I going to do if it ends up broken?

27

MOLLY

I’m still walkingon a cloud the next morning, as much from another night spent in Chase’s arms as the success of the event.

I know my happiness shouldn’t be tied to a man, but I can’t help how Chase makes me feel. I don’t want to. It’s more than just sex, although how am I supposed to go back to a nightstand drawer of toys after becoming spoiled by the way he insists on drawing every bit of pleasure from me before taking his own?

He makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the world when he looks at me. Like every little thing I do matters.

I know I should pull back. I have an appointment with the doctor on Monday. If all goes well, I’ll have the boot removed, which means I won’t need Chase.

Except I can’t imagine our lives without him.

But I have to stay grounded. There are bills to pay and kids to raise, and I won’t let myself get so caught up in this feeling that I forget my goals—my bucket list challenge.

“How’d things go?” Frank, the older man in chargeof the rental company crew, asks me.

“It was perfect.”

“It’s a nice setup you’ve got here.” I follow his gaze around theproperty, which has never looked better. Even the barn looks like it got a fresh coat of paint. “Will you host other sorts of events? The flowers make it something special.”

“I hope so,” I say, then shake my head. “I mean, definitely.”

“I’d be happy to share your business cards with our customers.”

“And I’d love to return the favor by recommending you to my future customers,” I say as if I’m a businesswoman with future customers. It feels good to speak as though I’m already the person I’m working to become.

He nods. “Appreciate that.”

I start to turn away, then hear him suck in an audible breath.

“Everything okay?”

“Is that Chase Calhoun?” He gestures to where Chase is securing hail cloth to the posts around the far field.

“Yes. He’s a…um…friend of the family and has been helping me with the farm since my accident.”

“A hometown favorite,” Frank adds. “It’s hard to believe he’s retiring. I hoped I’d see his name on the entries for the spring exhibition.”

“The what?” I ask, trying not to sound like I have no idea what he’s talking about.

Chase hasn’t talked in detail about his career or his life before the accident. Or even after it. I’ve been so focused on my own problems that I haven’t asked enough questions, and that needs to change.

“It’s a charity rodeo they hold every year before the season gets going. It’s not a sanctioned event, but a lot of big names participate because it’s for a good cause.”

“I’m not sure about his future plans,” I say, and realize how true that is, especially if I manage to convince Linda to sell me the farm. Where does that leave Chase?

One of us is bound to lose. As much as I don’t want it to be me, I want him to win as well.

“I’m sure another rider will take his place on the leaderboard. But some people are unforgettable, you know?”

I breathe out a small laugh. “Yeah. I know.”

A gust of wind whips up, and Frank turns to the two teenagers working with him.

“Get everything strapped down, boys. We have a couple of other stops to make before the storm rolls in.” He points to the dark cloud forming above a far peak. “They’re forecasting a doozy.”