“It’s finished.I was hoping you might inspect our work today.”
That was a nice surprise.“I’d be happy to.”
“First, what else do you need done?We can put Theo and Stanley to work before we go over.”
“There’s a long line of fencing along the western edge that needs repairs.That’s what I was planning to take care of after the cabin.Do you think they’re up to that?”
“I expect so,” Brennan said with a nod.“They did good work yesterday.”
Two hours later, after getting the men started on the fence on the opposite side of the estate, Trent stood in awe.The cabin was like new.“You have no idea how much I appreciate this.”He blew out a long breath.“This would have taken me at least a week on my own, and I wouldn’t have been able to start on the fence until after that.”He chuckled.“What will I do when you leave?”
“You’ll continue just like this.Stanley and Theo will still be here.”
Trent nodded.Apparently, Ash had agreed to have them take over the little house Trent had lived in with Maggie.
“If you need more help than that, you’ll hire it.”
“I hate to cost Ash more money when I’m perfectly capable of the work.”
“I know Ash better than you do.”
“I imagine that’s true.You’ve certainly known him longer.”
“This cabin, that fence, the money it costs to pay someone to do the repairs.Those things don’t matter to him.Not really.But do you know what does?Samantha, Maggie, and you.”He counted each one of them on his fingers.“Don’t work yourself into the ground and neglect the things he cares about because of some misplaced guilt.”
“It isn’t misplaced, Brennan.”
Brennan rolled his eyes.“Are you sure about that?”
“I was the one who made that robbery happen at The Raven’s Den.”He pointed at his chest.“I was the reason he was shot!”
Brennan’s brow dipped.“Does he know that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m sure he had a good reason to forgive you then.”
“His own misplaced guilt, I imagine.”
Brennan shook his head.“That’s not the reason.I can promise you that much.He trusts you.Not only enough to oversee his estate, but enough that he has sent not one, but two women up here.And Daisy is special to him.Hence my ongoing penance.”
Trent wanted to argue, but Ashhadsent them here.And Daisy was special to him.Like a little sister in a lot of ways.But he didn’t feel deserving of Ash’s trust.
“Well now that I’ve shared,” Trent said, “it’s only fair for you to tell me what it was you did that landed you here.”
Brennan shrugged.“I left my post at the back door of Raven House… repeatedly.On one occasion, Daisy slipped out and wandered into the darkness alone.Apparently, she was barely sober enough to stand.”He breathed a quiet laugh.“I’m probably lucky I didn’t sustain a beating for it.”
“I’d like to see him try.”
Brennan raised his brow.“You really don’t know your brother.Ash might be smaller than me, but he’s skilled, and doesn’t hesitate to fight dirty when necessary.Not that I would have fought back, but even if I did, I’m pretty sure he could best me.Or at least he could have before you had him shot.”
Brennan gave him a goading smile and laughed, but it wasn't funny.Trent would never forgive himself for that.
“Come see the inside.”Brennan turned and walked to the cabin.
When he’d told Bennan the truth, and his brow had dropped, a part of Trent had hoped he’d punch him.Hoped he might finally have some kind of consequences.But once again, he’d been spared.
And so you punish yourself.
