Cody pulls me into a hug. The sky is lighter now. The sun hasn’t risen, but we stayed out here all night.
He watches me climb up into my truck and drive away.
I yawn a few times on the drive home. Today is going to be a challenge, but I can probably grab a few hours of sleep to tide me over. It was worth it to get time alone with Cody.
I drive up the main driveway. A truck approaches from the other direction. Maybe it’s Chet. I dim my lights and slow, tugging to the side of the driveway. The truck passes.
It’s Jace.
Maybe he didn’t see me.
He keeps driving. I pull away and start driving toward the road that leads out to my cabin. I look into my rear view, letting out a breath.
Then, he does a U-turn.
He pulls up next to me. I lower my window.
“Where have you been?” he asks. His voice is tight, his brow furrowed.
“Jace, I’m twenty-six,” I say. “I don’t need a chaperone.”
“You’re my sister,” he says with a sigh. “It’s my job to watch out for you.”
“I’m fine,” I assure him.
He runs his hand through his hair. “Are you coming out to the barn this morning?”
“Yes. I just need a few hours’ sleep.”
He studies me for a beat and then he nods once.
“Thanks for looking out for me,” I tell him.
He doesn’t smile. He just says, “Always will.”
We roll our windows up and I drive to my cabin.
We’ll tell Jace. Cody’s right. And I’ll tell McKenna.
After the wedding. We need to come clean. It's time.
Chapter 30
Cody
I cannot let you burn me up, nor can I resist you.
~ A. S. Byatt
I smile allthe way home, a deep peace settling inside me like I’ve never known. It’s like something had been rattling around and now it’s a part of my bones, my breath, my being.
When I pull onto the ranch, life is underway. Trucks line the driveway, men are coming in and out of the barn, my brothers are all in the mix.
There will be no quiet entry. I sacrificed my buffer.
I yawn and stretch my arms overhead and then I hop out of my truck. I need to go home and change, but I’ll show up for now. Maybe no one will clock the fact that I’m wearing yesterday’s clothes.
The morning light is sharp and bright, spotlighting my entry.
