“This is not the daughter I raised,” Mom snaps.
The lawyer’s eyes are bouncing back and forth. No doubt he is eating up the drama.
“No, but this is the person I am. So take it or leave it.”
She leans back in her chair, not saying another word.
“Mr. Tartt. Please draft the paperwork to make all of this final and send it to me, and I will sign it as soon as I receive it.”
“I’ll make sure it gets done quickly,” Paul says.
At least he’s good for something.
Getting the company he wants for a fraction of what it’s worth? It’s not worth the headache of going back and forth. I’ve been taking care of us, and as long as Poppy is set, I’ll be happy.
“Thank you.”
I grab my purse from the chair next to me and leave the office without a look back.
Tension gathers behind my eyes. I’ve lost my family. They never supported me, but it hurts. All in the hopes that Kade will stay here in Pinecrest.
It’s something we haven’t talked about. It’s always been there—the elephant in the room. He hasn’t made a single mention of going back to Seattle. He has a life there, but now he has a daughter here.
And hopefully me.
He told me he’d be out on the ranch all afternoon.
I don’t think I’ll be settled until I talk to him. Throwing my purse into the front seat of my truck, I rip off my blazer and toss it into the front seat before pulling the pins out of my hair. I already feel more like myself.
I don't know what’s going to happen, but at least if I see Kade, I’ll feel better. Today is a day of asking for what I want. No,demandingit.
I want Kade, Poppy, and me to be a family.
And I will fight like hell to keep what we have.
Chapter Thirty-Four
KADE
Fuck. I forgot how good working on the ranch could feel. How it can work out all the emotions I’m feeling.
Because Presley is meeting with her attorneys today. It’s the day they’re finally settling her father’s estate.
I have no idea what the outcome is going to be, but the anticipation is killing me.
I was ready to tell her I’m staying in Pinecrest yesterday, only for her to drop that bomb on me.
I crack the axe against the tree that’s crowding the fence. Taking this down will help with the new one that’s being installed now. It’ll keep the cows in without any issue.
The vibrations radiate up my arm. I keep thwacking away until I see a truck barreling up the road.
Fuck. Resting the axe on the side of the tree, I wipe my face off and wait. I watch as she turns off the truck and sits and stares at me from where she is on the road.
Come on, Pres. Come to me.
It’s like my words call her to me. Presley steps out of her truck in a skirt, untucked blouse and a pair of cowboy boots. Her long hair blows in the wind.
She is fucking perfect. Everything about her. I don’t knowhow I’ve lived without her for so long. I only hope what she tells me is good news.
