He dropped back and held up his hands in defeat. “I think I’m gonna leave now. When should we meet back up?”
Glancing back at my brother, I said, “We’ll check back here in an hour and a half.”
He laughed. “Sounds good. Have fun finishing this conversation!” He started to get out of the truck, then stopped and looked back at me from over his shoulder. “This isexactlywhy I’m never getting married—or serious—with anyone.”
I rolled my eyes. “Never say never, man.”
Laughing again, he slipped out and shut the door. He started down Main Street, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to. Then again, it was probably better I didn’t know.
“Viv?” I said as she pulled her eyes from the stores.
“Oh my gosh! Look at how cute this little town is!”
“The climbing?”
Turning her head, she exhaled a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I have no right to tell you what you can and can’t do.”
I reached for her hand. “You’re a part of my life, Viv. The last thing I would ever want to do is make you worry about me.”
She nodded. “I know, but I still had no right to react that way. It just…well…it scared me. You’re all I have, Ladd. You’re my life, and I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. I don’t want to lose you.”
I laced my fingers with hers. “Viv, I’m not planning on going anywhere, and this relationship is going to have moments where we have to compromise. If my scaling the side of a mountain scares you, then I won’t do it.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really?”
“Yes. I won’t do it again. Truth be told, it’s really David’s thing, not mine. I wasn’t a big fan, but I’m glad I’ve done it. I want to be able to know what I’m talking about if I’m selling mountain climbing equipment.”
She blinked a few times before her mouth opened, then shut again. She closed her eyes, then opened them to stare at me. “I would honestly never demand that you stop doing something, Ladd. I had a knee-jerk reaction. I’m so sorry. I’m not, nor will I ever be, the type of person who tells you that you can or can’t do something. I wouldn’t want you totell me I couldn’t do something, so it isn’t fair that I do that to you.”
I kissed the back of her hand. “There was a reason I never told you about the mountain climbing to begin with. I didn’t plan on doing it again. But I appreciate you saying that. I’ll never tell you what you can or can’t do either. I hope you know that.”
She nodded. “I do. And the whole ring thing…I’m not trying to pressure you.”
Leaning over, I slid my hand around the back of her neck and drew her closer to me. “I love you, Vivianne.”
Grinning, she replied, “I love you more, Ladd.”
I kissed her, forcing myself not to devour her right there in the middle of town in my father’s truck.
Drawing back, I leaned my head against hers. “I’d be lost without you.”
Her hand came up to my arm, and she squeezed it. “I feel the same.”
Someone knocked on the passenger window, causing Vivianne to jump and let out a small scream. When I looked over her shoulder, I grinned.
“It’s Jessie. Her office is right here.”
Vivianne turned and gave a small wave of her hand.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Once we were both out of the truck, I walked over to Jessie while Vivianne looked all around us.
“There are so many cute stores! I don’t even know where to start.”
Jessie laughed. “Here’s a little map of our historical downtown,” she said, reaching into her messenger bag. “MayI suggest popping into River Falls Café for a slice of their pumpkin spice bread and hot coffee?”
“Wait for me to do that,” I said.
