I’m working on a solution that doesn’t require a human sacrifice.
Corey
Such a drama queen. Marrying me would hardly be human sacrifice.
Dove
Sorry, Corey, I’m simply not interested.
Corey
That’s too bad, because we’re going to buy that farm before it’s all over, and you’ll have to watch it all slip away.
Dove
Over my dead body.
Corey
And that’s not a sacrifice?
Dove
It’s a sacrifice I’d make before I’d ever marry you—or let you get your greedy hands on my family’s land.
My phone buzzes with another text, but I mute the conversation. I have no interest in giving that nonsense any more oxygen. It’s late, and I’m exhausted from this day. I’malso still a little jet-lagged, and I want nothing more than to take a long, hot shower and crawl under the faux-fur blanket Haddy left behind on her wonderfully comfortable bed.
The front door opens, and I look up to see the sun is setting. I was too distracted by Corey’s text and what’s happening back home to realize it’s almost dinner time.
Maverick bustles into the house, dropping his bag inside his bedroom before walking into the living room.
He switches on the lamp, then jumps back when he sees me. “Whoa! What are you doing sitting here in the dark?” He must see the story in my eyes, because at once, he circles the arm of the couch, sitting on the edge beside me. “What happened? Is your mom okay?”
The kindness in his voice makes me want to cry, but I hold it back, pressing my lips together and shaking my head. “She’s fine. Everybody’s fine. I just got a text…”
“A text from who?” His brow lowers like he’s ready to fight, and I kind of love him for it.
Maverick is always so sweet to me. He’s outgoing and fun, and he listens when I talk like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever heard—when it’s usually only facts about peach trees or soil or spirits of dead relatives.
“It’s this guy, Corey Hayes.” I shove my phone roughly into my pocket. “His family wants to buy our land, and he’s just being really obnoxious about it, saying it’s going to be his.”
I mock his haughty tone, even as the very thought makes me shudder.
“Corey Hayes… I remember that guy.” Mav almost seems as angry as I am about it. “He’s the one who dragged you away from me. Why is he saying that? Does your uncle want to sell?”
“No!” My voice is a little too emphatic, and he holds up both hands like I pulled a gun.
“Good—I love that old place.”
“I’m sorry, Mav.” I exhale heavily, reaching out to cover his hands with mine. “I didn’t mean to snap. He just sort of ticked me off, and I just… It’s a scary time back home.”
“Why?”
I quickly fill him in on what’s happening, noting the deepening concern in his eyes as I speak.
“Shit, that sounds dark.”
“Sounds like I need to finish my degree fast.” I put my feet on the floor and stand. “I came here to learn all I can so I can go back and help them fight it.”
