“No, I’m just relaying what he said. I didn’t say that I didn’t believe you, I said that we had bigger things to worry about.”
I inhale slowly. “That’s what I heard.”
“He asked if I’d call or text him the next time they show up out here so he can ask some questions.”
“I can let you know if he shows up at my dad’s, too.”
“Sheriff thinks there’s someone on the inside that they’re working with, or just town gossip is letting them know things they shouldn’t, so he doesn’t want anyone else to know.”
“Okay, well, I won’t tell Dad then, but I’ll make sure he thinks I need to talk to Dr. Reed.”
“Perfect.”
Wade starts eating.
Is he serious right now?
“Wade, it’s sweet, and all that you brought me this food, but I’m not in the mood for forgiveness, and this doesn’t excuse your behavior. I have other things to worry about right now, and this is an intrusion.”
His eyes are wide with surprise as he looks back at me, a french fry halfway to his mouth.
“I’m sorry that I acted in such a confusing way earlier and that I also talked down to you. It wasn’t my intention. I was so happy that you were okay, and then…then I was upset that you put yourself in danger. I love you, and I can’t stand the thought of you getting hurt.”
Did he just say I love you?
I misheard him.
“Wade,” I start, trying not to show the panic in my voice.
He puts his hand up, before he stands up and crosses over to me.
“I’m sorry. I’m a work in progress. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, and it’s all new to me. I don’t want to keep messing up, and I’m trying not to, I promise.”
“I need to figure some things out. I don’t have time to…” I can feel the panic from those three words starting to rise, and I need to get out of here before I freak out in a way that I can’t take back.
“I’ll go,” he offers. “You’re right. I intruded by not telling you that I brought food and needed to tell you something. I assumed that you’d be available.”
He starts gathering his things. And I immediately feel bad for not stopping him. At the same time, I can’t open my mouth to say anything.
I can feel my breathing starting to quicken just as he’s out the front door.
How can this man tell me he loves me?
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Wade
Maybe I shouldn’t have just blurted out I love you the way I did. I don’t regret saying it, because she needed to know, but I definitely could have thought of a better delivery.
I’m frustrated with myself. I need to take some time to figure out what my next steps are, though, because at this point, I just keep sticking my foot in my mouth with her.
I’m usually so in control of my emotions, but with her, it’s like…I don’t know… I’ve never been so quick to blurt out my feelings.
I love her, I really do, but I’ve never been in a real relationship before either. Caleb’s mom was a high school fling, and I’ve been so busy raising Caleb and running the farm that I didn’t really take a lot of time to get serious with a woman. Sutton also has relied on herself for so long that it’s going to take some time and patience for us to not continuously butt heads.
I take the food and go back to my house. Caleb is sitting at the kitchen table, eating the takeout that I brought him. He cocks an eyebrow at me, a smirk playing on his face.
“I see your plan didn’t go all that well.”
