Page 135 of Take My Love

If we have to keep it a secret a bit longer, then so be it, but I know she’s eager to get it out there. She hates lying, especially to her parents.

“Silas,” Ian says when he sees me. “Go to milkin’.”

“Sure thing.”

He’s never been super nice to me, but ever since he caught Posey and I snuggling under the blanket the night we watched Delia, he’s been extra short with me. Doesn’t bother me though.

According to the farm gossip, he has a thing for her.

I’m not surprised. Posey’s incredible and gorgeous, but he’s had years to tell her.

Too late now, buddy.

She’s mine.

I catch up with the rest of the employees’ tasks, do some milking, mucking, and moving goats to different pastures to graze. It’s an overall easy afternoon, but I’m eager to get home and talk with Posey.

“So I’ve been dyin’ all day to find out how the interview went,” she blurts as soon as she jumps into the truck.

I didn’t want to tell her over text, so I told her we’d talk in person.

“It went really well. It’s a dream offer, and I’m honestly wonderin’ why they want me.”

“So they hired you?”

“They said it’s mine if I want it.”

“Oh my God!” She bounces in her seat before reaching over to kiss me. “Babe, we gotta celebrate. As soon as we tell my family, we can go out. Dinner, drinks, dancin’?”

“Hold on, baby.” I drive us toward the house, then park and sit. “I’m not gonna take it.”

She unbuckles her belt and turns toward me. “Why not?”

I swallow hard, scratching over my cheek. “They’d require me to work out of state for the first year to train under another guy who’s based in Louisiana.”

“For a whole year?”

“Yeah, they have a hub down there. He said once that project is complete, he’d find me somethin’ up here, but couldn’t guarantee it.”

She’s quiet, fidgeting with her fingers as she processes what I said.

“You gotta take it, Silas.”

“No,” I say firmly.

“But you love workin’ with your hands and buildin’ stuff. You’re good at it. And it’s a great opportunity. Plus, all the benefits and?—”

“I don’t wanna leave you or my family. And I don’t wanna move out.” I finally say the words I’ve wanted to say for the past two weeks.

“You don’t?” The corners of her mouth tip up slightly. “I thought you already found a place.”

“I did, but I love being here with you, Marjorie, and evenyour creepy-ass rat. I love our mornin’ and bedtime routines and fallin’ asleep next to you. Why would I wanna give that up? Especially after waitin’ so long to be happy. You make me happy, Posey. Seein’ my mom and sisters whenever I wanna make me happy. Being close to my best friend makes me happy. I’m not tradin’ in that happiness for any amount of money.”

She scoots over until she’s able to sit in my lap, and as soon as I push the seat back, she straddles my legs.

“I don’t want you to move out either.”

“Good.” I smile wide, brushing strands of her hair behind her ears. “I think Marjorie would riot anyway.”