“Hey,” Sage started.
I stepped between them, trying to stop the fight before it started. “Let’s go out to the ranch so you can visit Shy and the colt.”
They both perked up at the idea, racing for my SUV. And while they were distracted with baby horses, I would ask Gabe for his blessing to marry his daughter.
46
Hadley
“Thankyou for driving us out here,” Addie said as we headed up the trail.
“Of course. Any excuse to get out and enjoy these mountains.”
Addie surveyed the forest around us as Birdie and Sage led the way. “I love the silence out here.”
“Me, too.” A bird called to another overhead, and the wind rustled through the leaves and pines. Even the girls were quieter than usual, seeming to enjoy nature’s soundtrack. “I feel peace here that I was never able to find anywhere else.”
Addie nodded as she stepped over a fallen tree. “Growing up, I spent as much time as possible outside. There are so many hidden gems all around here.”
“You’ll have to show me some of your favorites.”
“I’d like that.”
I side-stepped some brush that had grown onto the path. “How is Hayes’ house treating you?”
“It’s a beautiful home. I keep offering to find an apartment, but Hayes always says that he doesn’t want to sell, and he likes someone living there.” She paused for a moment, looking over at me. “Is that the truth?”
“I know he doesn’t want to sell, so that much is true. I also know he’s a born protector. He likes looking out for people, and you’re important to him because you’re important to Everly.”
Addie flushed. “They’ve already done too much. I never thought I’d get out of the house I grew up in, but Hayes and Ev made it possible. That’s enough.”
I was quiet for a moment, searching for the right words. Ones that gently prodded but didn’t push. “Have you seen your dad much since you left?”
Addie’s fingers drummed a beat on her thigh. “A few times in town. If I see him, I go in the other direction.”
“Probably smart.” I wished there was a way for us to kick certain people out of the town’s limits. Two people at the top of my list were Addie’s father and Everly’s brother. “I’m sorry you have to deal with them at all.”
“It’s so much better now. I’m free.”
“Are you?” The question was out of my mouth before I could stop it. Because I’d seen how Addie lived her life. She worked for Calder a few days a week, she’d go to the library and the grocery store, but that was about it. Mostly, she stayed cooped up at Hayes’ house.
Addie didn’t say anything.
“I’m sorry. That was overstepping.”
“No, it’s okay.”
“Addie, look!” Sage shouted.
We hurried over to where Sage was bent over a cluster of flowers.
“I think those are Pentstemons.”
Addie crouched down to examine the blooms. “I think that’s exactly what it is.”
Sage beamed. “I’ve never seen them before.” Her smile fell a little. “I can’t pick one for my book, can I?”
“Not out here. If everyone picked one, there’d be nothing left,” Addie told her.