“You’re really good at what you do, Gunner. You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“Me? What about you? You’ve been running this business on your own for months, and you’re the only one who doesn’t realize it. You don’t need Emerson, Charlie. You’ve got this.”
His words bolstered her confidence and warmed her through. “Thanks for saying that.”
They entered the clearing and the temperature cooled by ten degrees as the woods opened to the towering falls that cascaded into a clear blue pool. A fine mist hovered above the water, and a rich, earthy scent hung in the moisture-drenched air. She never tired of the sight.
They made small talk as they dismounted. Gunner tied up the horses while Charlotte freed the picnic basket and spread a blanket on the rock shelf beside the pool.
Once they were seated they wasted no time digging into the roasted chicken sandwiches, broccoli salad, and cheese cubes, mostly leftovers from Emerson’s efforts in the kitchen.
As they ate, Charlotte was ultra-aware of Gunner’s nearness—his thigh pressing against hers, his arm brushing hers. At a brief lull in the conversation, Charlotte struggled for the words to bring up her concerns.
Gunner saved her the effort. “Maybe you should tell me about that loser ex-boyfriend.Vince.How’d the two of you meet?”
She stifled a smile at his jealous tone. “Well, I’d say we met at the coffee shop, but we actually went to the same high school. He was three years older, however, so our paths didn’t cross much.”
“You dated for two years?”
He’d remembered. “Right. We became exclusive almost right away. I’d had enough boyfriends to realize he had long-term potential. He was looking for someone to settle down with eventually—at least that’s what he’d said.”
“How many boyfriends?”
“I don’t know. Several. Nothing terribly serious and nothing that lasted very long. Vince was the only one I ever discussed a future with.”
Gunner studied her. “You loved him.”
The memory of his sudden departure pinched her chest. “I did. I envisioned spending the rest of my life with him. Personality-wise we were a good match. He had a dependable job, and while he wasn’t really the ranch type, he supported my passion to keep the family business. Didn’t mind the idea of living here.”
“It’s a beautiful property. Did he and your mom get along? Did Emerson like him?”
She shrugged. “They liked him well enough, I guess. Never said anything negative about him.” Though her mother hadn’tbeen one to push her views on her grown children, and Charlotte had never asked her opinion.
“Did you ever bring him up here for a picnic?” He gestured to the falls.
She slid a smile his way. “Would it bother you if I had?”
He seemed to consider the question. “Little bit. If I’m honest.”
“I like that you’re truthful. And believe it or not, I never brought him here. He wasn’t really the outdoor type. He’d rather hang out at the coffee shop or eat at a nice restaurant—he had great taste in food. He worked at the local bank and made a pretty good living.”
“It seems Vince and I aren’t much alike.”
She chuckled. “You should probably consider that a compliment. At the time I was thinking opposites attract.” Their gazes caught and held. “But I’m finding it’s also nice to have things in common.”
“Tell me about his departure. You said it was sudden.”
“Very. It was pretty rough. He got an opportunity at a new start-up business in Atlanta, which he didn’t tell me about until he’d already made his decision to leave.”
“Nice of him to include you.”
“I was completely blindsided. He didn’t even invite me to go with him.”
“Surely he knew you’d never leave your ranch.”
“Maybe so. Still would’ve been nice to be asked though. As it was, the decision seemed to be Atlanta or me—and Atlanta won. We had a big blowup. Our worst fight ever. He moved the day after he told me.”
“No wonder you were shocked. There was no talk of continuing long distance?”
