Heaven help me, I like this man.
And these feelings couldn’t come at a worse time.
But thinking back on the warmth of his words. Words speaking straight to the part of my heart that longs to hear such adoration. He wants me, and not just in a superficial way. He wants my willingness to trust and give him a chance to show me who he is.
I’m confident that when Stetson wants a woman, it’s sincere—no restrictions, and no conditions applied. And I think this is the first time I can admit to myself that I want to be that woman. Even though it terrifies me.
“I never thought this day would come. I’m so proud of you!” Betsy jumps up and down, Kimber joining her shortly after. “Now, be a big girl and tell him that.”
So fucking dramatic.
“I don’t even know when I’ll see him again. We didn’t make plans. I think he just didn’t want to pressure me too much,” I press. “And now with everything going on with the house. It’s so much worse than I thought. I need to get my thoughts organized before I tell him how I feel. And that’s as long as it’s not too late.”
“It won’t be. Men don’t just crash dates they aren’t invited to and steal the girl while they’re at it. Trust me.”
Maybe she’s right. But also, maybe it’s worth telling Stetson about everything going on in my life right now. He doesn’t need to know details, although I’m not too embarrassed to tell him, but more so, there’s a reason I’ve been hesitant.
Confirmation that it’s not him. He’s been perfect.
“Maybe you’re right,” I say, the reservation in my heart starting to fade.
Everything I know about Stetson tells me he’s understanding. Surely he’d understand my situation if I just let him in. I just hope the conversation with my father goes the way I hope. That’s the kicker.
“Of course we’re right,” Kimber agrees before Veronica clears her throat, reminding us she’s still here.
“Ladies? Are we ready for some retail therapy, or what?”
Betsy links her arms with Kimber and me, unapologetically grinning from ear to ear. “Veronica, I like the way you think .”
CHAPTER NINE
stetson
“I want another s’more,Uncle Stetson!”
“That’s up to your mama, baby girl,” I tell my seven-year-old niece, Stella, as she jumps up and down with excitement.
Stella runs to my sister, sitting across the fire from me, and begs her for another sweet treat. “Fine. But only one,” Abigail tells her, sending me a sharp look to make sure I understand.
All clear.
Stella rounds the fire quickly with a one-track mind—chocolate. “Whoa. Slow down,” I tell her, worried about the fire behind her. She settles to a stop, bouncing on her toes as I lay out the ingredients for her on a paper plate. “I’ve just got one very, very, super important question to ask you.”
Bright green eyes beam up at me, looking just like her mama. “I’m ready for it, Uncle Stetson,” she tells me, her smile contagious.
I curl my finger in, urging her to come closer, andwhisper loud enough so only she can hear. “Hershey’s or Reese’s?”
“Easy peasy lemon squeezy,” Stella belts, making me chuckle. “Can’t have a s’more without peanut butter and chocolate!”
“That’s my girl.” I lean to the side to catch my sister and brother-in-law’s eyes. “I knew I raised her right.”
They shake their heads in laughter as I prepare Stella’s marshmallow for roasting. “She loves you so much, Stetson,” Abigail tells me, and my heart fucking bursts.
“She’s the best.” My eyes sweep the ranch, looking for Jensen, my twelve-year-old nephew, and find him just outside the horse stables, watching from afar. “He’s getting so big. Taller than us before you know it.”
“And he’s got the attitude to match. Fuck,” Kyle, my brother-in-law, states. “I don’t remember ever talking shit the way that boy does.”
Abigail is five years younger than me. She and Kyle have been together since college, deciding to have children later on in their marriage. It’s been encouraging to watch them prioritize each other, despite being married with young children.
