He looks at me, waiting to hear what I've come to say. This is the way it's been between us since the day he showed up and I let him have it. I was mad about Sara, jealous of the way he'd run off when someone called and said her name. I know I'm not supposed to care. I have Jared, who has made it very clear to Wyatt that he's my boyfriend. Something I don't like, but understand.
I'm used to Wyatt being the center of attention. Arrogant in that cold, stiff upper lip kind of way. Hell, his indifference is probably what made me like him so much.Oh, you don't pay me any attention. Makes me like you more!
And then I moved on. I think it would be easier if Wyatt was the same guy I'm used to him being. This Wyatt, this tentative, considerate, watchful man, is turning my world upside down. I don't know how to be around him. It's far safer, to my heart and my current romantic relationship, if Wyatt would stomp around and act like an entitled prick.
"Jo?" He tips his head, surveying me. "Did you need something?"
I lean sideways until my shoulder hits the wall with a thud. "They all think I'm crazy."
Wyatt glances out the bathroom window, but Mike's truck is long gone. "Is that what he said?"
My head shakes and I turn so my whole upper back rests on the wall. "He didn't have to. It was obvious. And he also doesn't think the people I'm building this place for are worth it."
Wyatt's voice has an edge as he repeats his previous question. "Is that what he said?"
"Not in those exact words, but yes."
Wyatt taps his head. "Small mind."
"Mike has a small mind?"
"Why else would he say young people who need help aren't worthy of receiving it? The future of our species depends on the next generation, and it'ssmall-mindednot to want to give them the best chance."
I love that Wyatt can see beyond his own little corner of the world. "I told him that for his sake, I hope his grandkids won't ever need this ranch."
Wyatt laughs and winks at me. "That's my girl."
The smile on my face dies. My entire body turns to ice, and somewhere deep in my core, a little fire ignites.
Wyatt forces out a fake cough. "What's next for this place?"
I find my voice. "A visit to the county recorder's office. Followed by a permit, hopefully."
13
Jo
The tripto the Verde County recorder's office was far less eventful than I thought it would be. The woman who helped me, Nina, is brisk but friendly. She gives me what I need and tells me my next stop will be the zoning office, just to make sure there are no restrictions that would prevent me from building.
"I'm not building a skyscraper beside a runway," I say, genuinely perplexed at all the red tape. Nina gives me a withering look and points me where I need to go.
The zoning office gives me the all clear. Warm tears prick the inner corners of my eyes, the relief so tangible I can taste it. On my way out of the building I pass framed pictures of wildflowers, and suddenly I know what to name the ranch.
Wyatt is there when I get back, working on the cabinets. Apparently sanding and refinishing cabinets is more time-consuming than it looks.
I feel light, buoyant, for the first time in weeks. I have cleared my first hurdle.
"Hi," I say brightly to Wyatt when I stick my head around the open door into what will be my bedroom. Wyatt has set up a workstation for himself. He stills, his hand on the sander.
Surprise flares in his eyes, and he regards me cautiously. I guess I have been a bit grumpy.
"I have good news," I continue, coming all the way into the room. "Everything is good to go. I can build on the land. And I've decided to name it Wildflower."
A grin fills up his face. "That's great, Jo. Congratulations."
His excitement mingles with mine, coaxing it out from where I've been keeping it. Before now, it wasn't safe to feel excited. I look around, seeing the same layers of grime and dust and not hating them quite as much. "I know I've done this in the wrong order." My hair falls into my eyes and I push it back. "I've done everything in the wrong order. I wasn't ready when the Circle B came up for sale. It was sudden, and Jericho said she had a lot of interest already, and… I just couldn't stand the thought of someone besides me buying this place. I felt like it was supposed to be mine…" My voice trails off. The back of my neck grows hot. "Anyway. Here we are. I don't know why I said all that."
Wyatt smiles crookedly. "You don't have to explain yourself to me."
