“Yeah.” I smile. “We’re getting the business appraised and bringing in lawyers to iron out all the details.”
“You’re really staying. I know you were seriously considering it, but I was afraid to get my hopes up.”
“Why didn’t you say something, Fey?”
She shrugs sheepishly. “I didn’t want to sway your opinion one way or the other.”
“I’ve always wanted to leave Sugar Hills and see the world. I did that. I traveled, built a life, and discovered the world out there didn’t have as much to offer as I originally thought. Many of my friendships were superficial, and life was so fast-paced that I had no time to enjoy the wins. James changed as we acquired wealth. The determined, funny, humble man who stole my heart turned into a pompous, entitled prick. He was the worst kind of an asshole, passive-aggressive and manipulative. James became a master at spinning things, making me wonder ifIwas the problem.”
“Why didn’t you say anything, babe?” Fey whispers.
“At some point, I started to believe him. I had no one to give me perspective. To make matters worse, I didn’t have many people giving me an honest perspective. When I expressed my concern or unhappiness, they told me I should be grateful to have a man who provided so well and that things would work out in the long run. I learned quickly not to voice my discontent.” I admitted as shame washed over me.
“Ellis said this?” Fey’s brow wrinkled.
“Oh, no. Ellis was the exception to that rule. She encouraged me to tell him how I felt and hold him accountable.”I should’ve listened.
“It all fell apart when I realized I kept quiet because I feared his response. I already knew he wouldn’t be open to change, and that was when I confronted him, and he dropped the kid-free bomb along with his plan to expand Novel Grounds instead of allowing me to pursue my own dream. I felt like I’d been duped.”
“What a piece of shit,” Fey whispers, careful to keep the boys from hearing her swear.
“I used to blame everything on him, but I allowed it to get to that point. Taking ownership for my actions took months of counseling.” I cringe.
“It was a tough pill to swallow.”
“I’m sorry, babe.” Fey squeezes my arm.
“I accepted my part in the mess. The current main goal is to create a life I’m happy to live.” We reach the sign and the boys scramble up the hay mountain unoccupied by families and couples taking photos. “I learned first-hand that money can’t buy happiness. But the bookstore and a new home I can decorate and make my own are good starting places. I love my parents but don’t want to share the house with them for much longer. I want to feel settled, and they deserve their space.”
“You’re house hunting?” She whispers.
“I was browsing, but then I saw one that caught my eye. It’s a white farmhouse with slate gray shutters and a wraparound porch with a swing. It has recent upgrades inside, an amazing kitchen with an open floor plan, and it sits on five acres.”
“It’s your dream home,” she whispers.
“It really is.” I grin.
“You have to go see in person.”
“I contacted a realtor. I’m doing a walkthrough in the middle of next week.”
“Braxton! Over here.” Noah and Ethan wave their arms as they stand on the top row of the hay, and I laugh.
I cup my hands around my mouth. “I think Brax heard you guys.” Laughing, I turn to watch Brax run-walk toward us. His father trails behind in a delicious pair of faded Wranglers that fit like a second skin and a five o’clock shadow that makes him look even more rugged. His muscular body, sculpted by manual labor, is highlighted in his long-sleeved grey shirt. A black Stetson adds to his rugged aesthetic and tightens something low in my belly. The man is like a fine wine; he ages well.
He smiles, and the flash of even white teeth nearly makes me forget my resolve to keep things platonic and move slowly. Fey snickers beside me.
“You guys keep looking at each other like that, and all this straw might go up in flames.”
“Shut up.” I nudge her with my elbow.
“Hi Mrs. Fey, Hi Ms. Daphne,” Brax yells his greeting as he zooms by like the wind. We're already an afterthought as he climbs up the bales to meet his friends.
“As you can tell, Brax is excited about today.” New hooks his thumbs in his belt loops and strikes a casual pose that has me wanting to climb his long limbs. Heat settles in my cheeks, and I glance away and wrestle my inner vixen.
“Noah and Ethan too. They look forward to doing this every year. Fey nods her head toward the boys. “How are you today, New?”
“I’m good. Happy to enjoy a weekend off. It’s been busy with winter coming. Many people need repairs and upgrades finished on their ranches and homes.” He angles his body toward me. “Afternoon, Daph. You look beautiful in orange.”