Scarlett sinks into the chair beside me. “I’m really sorry, Romy. I shouldn’t have sprung this on you. I was just so excited when I got the call. Out of all the ranches, they picked ours. And you were always such a big fan… I thought I was doing something special, but it was wrong of me to keep you out of the loop and make a big spectacle of it.”
“I appreciate that, but it’s okay. I was just taken by surprise.” Little does she know the surprise I’m referring to is the one I had before walking out to find Zander in the venue. One day I’ll be able to explain myself. “I’ll be fine. Honestly.”
She looks out the windows that face our iron archway at the gate of our ranch. It’s been in our family for years. First our great-grandparents, then our grandpa’s, then Uncle Bruce until my mom and Aunt Bette decided to build businesses on their parts of the land. Now, we’re all fortunate to live together and work together. Sure, sometimes we don’t all get along, but I love being close to my family and would never want to be anywhere else.
“This is going to be really good for us,” she says, her eyes not leaving the dirt road into our farm. There seems to be more she’s not saying. “Four generations.”
“No worries on my front and thank you for the apology. I just…”
A knock lands on the conference room door.
We turn to see Beau. I should’ve known he was on the ranch. He’s never very far from Zander.
His usually easygoing persona is absent. He seems tense. Beau might be the most attractive male I’ve ever seen, although I like mine a little edgier—like his best friend, unfortunately.
For a moment, I wonder if he’ll be an uncle to my child. If Zander decides he wants a relationship with his son or daughter, will Beau be the one who gets them juice boxes and sneaks snacks to him or her? Will he make them laugh, and they’ll come back from visiting their dad telling stories of Uncle Beau?
“Sorry to interrupt,” he says, flashing a smile I want to punch off his face. I don’t want his sympathy.
“I was just leaving,” I say. I hug Scarlett tightly, wishing I could whisper I’m sorry for all the work she put into this only for me to blow it up.
Beau steps in front of me, blocking the door. “What? No hello?” He opens his arms.
“I’m sorry?” I pretend to not know what he’s getting at, but his eyebrows scrunch.
Sure, Beau was the guy who arranged for me to come and go. We stood on the side of the stage together, and I thought we were building a friendship. Back when I was delusional about what was transpiring with Zander.
He pulls me into a hug, and I wonder what Scarlett is thinking. This isn’t good for my secret. “I love the guy, but he can be an asshole.”
I pat his back, hoping he’ll let go, but he hugs me tighter.
“C’mon. You’re making me feel creepy,” he says.
I give him a real squeeze and blink away the sob clawing its way up my throat.
“You were too good for him anyway,” he whispers.
“What am I missing?” Scarlett asks behind me.
I stiffen. Beau looks at me, then her. Realization dawning in his blue eyes.
“Well, shit,” he mutters. “Seems I’m the asshole.”
I circle back around to Scarlett. “I’ll explain later.”
Scarlett’s face goes pale, but she nods.
“I’m sorry,” Beau tells me. “I assumed?—”
“Not all women brag about having him.” I give him a caustic smile.
His expression softens, eyes dimming. “I should’ve known.”
“Welcome to Plain Daisy Ranch,” I say, a hollow laugh escaping me.
He smiles. I’m assuming he’s as surprised as the rest of us. He’d never put Zander in this spot. “It’s amazing.”
“I’m sure I’ll see you around.” I squeeze past him.
