I’ll rescue her indefinitely if it means she’ll stay. But it’s up to her to let me. I know how conflicted her heart is right now, teetering on the line of playing her role with Nate to completion, but also saying fuck it and not letting the one man who was supposed to love her unconditionally dictate her steps.
Money changes everything, and it’s a good fucking thing I have plenty of it to give. I’ll give her the world and then some.
With her head resting on the marble countertop, I step behind her, careful not to startle her. “Can’t sleep?”
She doesn’t jump, but exhales as if she’s relieved to hear a familiar voice. The moment her tired cognac eyes lock with mine, my suspicion about tears is confirmed. “Oh, sweet girl,” I sigh before taking the seat beside her and turning her body to face me. The house is quiet, and I know it wouldn’t take much to wake Austin, Nathaniel,and Aunt Marge up, but I need to comfort her. “What can I do?” I reach for her face, my thumb absentmindedly wiping tears that have since dried.
Cove shakes her head solemnly. “Nothing. I’m okay. I’ll be okay.”
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard some of your conversation. That your mom on the phone?”
She nods. “Yeah.”
“It’s the middle of the night. You should be sleeping.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call myroommatesomeone I can fall into a deep slumber with,” she deadpans, and I instantly feel anger all over again. But just this once, I bury it. “I guess I wanted to check on her. I know she’s stressed. I’m just glad work is keeping her busy while I’m away. She’s on second shift at the hospital right now.”
“I understand that. I’m sure it’s hard not to worry about her when you’re traveling. Does she always work double shifts like this?”
Another nod. “A few times a week, yes.”
She must be exhausted. My blood boils knowing my so-called best friend is a major factor in Cove’s mom being overworked just to get by. It’s not supposed to be like that. Itshouldn’tbe like this.
I need to help. But how? What’s the best way to interfere without overstepping or overstaying my welcome in Cove’s life?
But Iwantto overstay, and not only that. I want to build a life and help rebuild her mom’s. I want to plant roots founded on trust and love, a future filled to the brim with a collection of memories and moments in our lives together.
I scratch my head, trying real fucking hard not to be overbearing. “I’m struggling with how to help, Cove. I’m a fixer. So, sitting back while you and your mom suffer iskilling me. I need you to tell me what you need from me. Anything at all.”
Tears fill her eyes, but she fights them from falling. “I just need to make it through these next few days. Once the deal is made between Nathaniel and Harrison, I’ll be in the clear. Free from both of them.”
“And us?” I know this moment isn’t about me, but I need to know. If I do something savior-like and it comes back to slap me in the face, I need to know if it was worth it. Will Cove keep me? Can I keep her?
Her hand linked with mine squeezes tighter. “Do you want there to be an us?”
“More than anything I’ve worked for,” I tell her truthfully, my eyes sweeping around the custom home my father built with his own two hands. “This ranch has been my everything for as long as I can remember. Since my parents passed, and even before then. I’ve always wanted to settle down with someone, just never slowed down enough to actually do it. Come to think of it, I’ve never met someone who’s made me want to. Until you, Cove. There’s a light about you that keeps me chasing. And I think one thing I’ve learned about my feelings for you over these past few months is that I’d chase you through every clearwater beach off the coast of Florida until I found you. With only the intention of bringing you back home with me.”
“Stetson,” she gasps softly, eyes coming to life at my words. “Everything you’ve done with this place is just…breathtaking. It’s incredible. You’ve worked so hard, and it shows. The care. The maintenance. The feeling of home Coleson Ranch gives. Why would you ever want anything more?”
“Because none of this means anything without someone to share it with. Without you. I’m mentally drained, Cove. Drained from seeing my sister and herfamily visit the ranch while I sit back alone watching them and this unfailing love they have for each other. No matter who fucks up. I’m happy for her, don’t get me wrong. But it sucks because I want it, too.”
“With me? You want it with me?”
“I do.”
I don’t miss the small smile that lifts across her flushed cheeks. “But how? I live in Florida, Stetson. And you know firsthand how much of a colossal disaster my home life is right now. Besides, I could never interfere with your life here.”
“Then come live here with me. Make my life your life, too. A home for the two of us together.”
“It’s not that simple.” She shakes her head before giving me her undivided attention. “It’s rare for me to feel this deeply about someone, Stetson. But I feel that with you.” She places my palm over her heart. “In the most perfect world, all would be easy breezy CoverGirl, and we could be together. I want that more than anything, but there’s so much I need to handle before I think about myself.”
That’s the thing I want to bemyjob. She’s always taking care of everyone around her, but who has ever seen Cove worthy enough to cherish?
Me.The answer is me. Come hell or high water, I’ll be that man for her.
“Cove, I know you feel like you have to go through with this ploy to save your mom alone, but you don’t. Let me help you. We can march into Nate’s room right now and call the whole thing off. I’ll support you. I have yet to tell my best friend off, so no time like the present.”
“It’s not even about that, Stetson,” Cove exhales, and I can physically feel her inner turmoil from here. “It’s not just about the money now. Coming to Texas and seeingNathaniel for the first time in twenty-one years has been eye-opening for me. I hate him,” she bites out, followed by a pause that only amplifies her seriousness. “More than I’ve ever hated anyone. After all these years he’s been gone, I still managed to give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe, just maybe, he’s a decent person. That there was a legitimate reason I was too young to understand as to why he abandoned us. But I was terribly wrong. At this point, it’s less about what Ineedfrom him and more about what I’mowed.”
