Page 15 of Timber's Line

“Will you ever make things right with him?”

“I will in time.” Easton takes my hand and leads me back to the van. Two hours went by fast. I can’t believe we only ate ice cream.

“I hope you find what you are looking for on this journey,” he says as he helps me in.

“Me too.” But I don’t know if I will.

“One more date today?”

“Yeah. I wonder if all the guys are from the circuit.”

“Do you like MMA?”

“I do. I follow all of you.” I clamp a hand to my mouth, and he chuckles.

“I can’t believe I admitted that. I don’t want anyone to think I’m in this to find a rich husband.”

He runs a finger down my cheek. “I don’t think anyone will think that. But it’s good that you like MMA. Whoever you end up with would love the support. Most wives and girlfriends hate the sport.”

“I didn’t know what to expect with this date, but thank you for not being a creep.”

“Don’t tell anyone I was nice to you. I have a reputation to uphold.” We both laugh.

We pull back into the ranch, and I go to wait for the next date.

I feel someone watching me but don’t see anyone actually looking at me.

“How’d it go?” Memphis and Brick approach me.

“It went fine,” I say.

“Contrary to some people, he’s a nice guy,” Brick says.

“I think that someone is just upset because he dated Snow,” I say.

“He is, but there’s more to D than most know. Started way before Snow.”

“Easton said the same thing.” I look down at my feet.

“You might be able to fix animals, but some people aren’t fixable,” Memphis cautions.

“But sometimes we find light in the darkness, don’t we?” Both men go wide-eyed.

“Timber—.”

“I’m not into Dayton. He doesn’t like me. I’m just saying that maybe he needs a little more kindness in his life right now.” I stop both of them from giving me the older brother’s lecture.

Memphis laughs. “She knows you were about to give her the lecture.”

“Me? You’re the one who wanted to talk to her,” Brick accuses him.

I just laugh at them as they bicker back and forth. This is why I love this extended family so much.

“Have fun on your next date. We’ll be waiting to hear about your day when you get back.” Memphis drags Brick off in a headlock, and I giggle.

“Ready?” Carlton asks.

“I am.”