“They report it?” Owen asks.
“Knox didn’t say.”
“And the Sheltons?” Cal asks.
“They’re considering it,” Gus confirms.
“They can’t cave,” I say, pulling the garlic bread out of the oven and placing it on the stovetop. “If these pricks get their hands on any of the properties, it’ll only be a matter of time before they scare the rest of the community into selling.”
“I won’t let that happen, sis,” Knox says, entering the room, his arm around Mom.
“Mom!” I exclaim as I hobble to her as fast as I can with this stupid boot on.
I try to pull her into a hug, but she grabs me by the shoulders and takes a step back to look at me. “Look at you. Who could do this to you?”
“Long story, but I’m fine. How was your trip?”
“It was wonderful, but your brother filled me in on what happened to you. I don’t care what happened here at the ranch. The fence and the fires. I care that someone pushed you off a cliff.”
“Mom...”
She finally pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay, sweet girl.”
“I’m fine, really. Just some bumps and bruises.”
“Nonsense.” She reaches for Owen, who is hugging his mom a couple of feet away from us. “Owen, Knox told me everything you’ve been doing to keep Daisy safe while she recovers. Thank you.”
She pulls him into her arms and whispers something in his ear that I can’t hear. When he steps back, his cheeks are red. He catches my eye, gives me a small smile and moves back to his mom’s side.
Mom claps her hands together. “Okay, take me to see the damage and then we’ll eat.”
The guys leave with Mom and Heather, and I stay back with the girls.
“Is everything okay with you and Owen? He seems quiet,” Charlie asks.
“I thought they were, but everything changed once we got here.” I shrug as I place a salad bowl on the dining room table.
“He seemed pretty upset at the bar last night, too. You sure?”
Well, shit. Is this him turning the tables on me? Is this how he felt at the bar last night? Because it feels shitty. All I want is him to lean on, yet he seems so far away.
“I messed up last night. I told him I wanted us to give it a shot, and then, on our first time out of the house, I panicked. I went right back to pretending we weren’t anything more than friends.”
“Ouch.” Charlie frowns.
Mia sticks out her bottom lip. “Poor Owen.”
“I know. I’m a dick. But we worked through it. I’m ready. I thought he was too.”
Mia wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You’ve given him hope before, and your actions didn’t match your words. He’s being careful. Protecting his heart.”
“I’ve disregarded his feelings for so long it’s a miracle he even speaks to me.”
Mia and Charlie stay quiet. What can they say when they know I’m right?
Just as we’ve finished setting the table, the guys are back with Mom and Heather. Mom puts on a brave face, insisting we all sit and eat.
Mia makes sure I’m seated next to Owen while Knox explains who the additional security team is and that they’ll be around for the foreseeable future. He also fills us in on his plan to purchase the land from the Sheltons. Their dire financial situation is the only reason they’re contemplating selling, so he’ll help them out and let them remain on the land.
