Beau is gone.
Sadie stares at it for a long second. Uneasiness flutters through me.
“We knew he was leaving.” I kiss the top of her head.
“I know. I just hope he doesn’t get sick.” She puts it down and looks at me. “What’s on for today? Trail ride?”
I grin. If Sadie’s up for riding horses, that bodes well for the prospect of more fucking, too. My stomach rumbles, and I make a face. “First, breakfast.”
Beau will be fine. He’ll come back to us in good time. I don’t know why I feel so certain of this, but I do. I am. And before too long, my instinct will be proven right. All I had to do was learn to trust it.
14
Beau
Three months later
Gravel crunches under the tires and a plume of dust kicks up behind my truck as it makes the laborious climb up the unpaved road. I hit the brakes and stare.
The Black Diamond Ranch has a new sign. It’s cool, a creative blending of slick design and nods to the rugged landscape.
“How about that,” I mutter. “Wonder how much those lovebirds spent on it.”
It ain’t my business, though. If they want to go bankrupt, that’s up to Dakota and Sadie.
I park in the shade of a fir tree. I can’t tell if it’s the way the sun slants over the front yard or the new placement of my miniature greenhouse, which has been moved away from the main house. I guess Sadie has taken that project over.
One of the Hinsons’ dogs comes bounding over. I wave at their stocky son, who’s too busy pushing a wheelbarrow to return the gesture.
“Anybody home?” I call out. Nobody answers.
I lift my duffel bag from the passenger seat of the truck and head up to the cottage. I already know I’m staying here for the next few nights. I’ve only come back to pick up the belongings I left behind. I’m busy stowing my belongings when I hear boots tap on flagstones outside.
“You’re here,” Sadie says. My eyes slowly adjust from the dim interior to the bright sun. It’s the same voice, the same posture, yet something is different about her. My vision sharpens.
“You look good, Ms. Banes.” She’s wearing riding pants, which cling to legs that are more muscular than I recall. A memory of those legs wrapped around my waist flashes over me with scorching heat. My mouth is dry.
“Thanks. So do you. I’d hug you, but...” She trails off with a shrug. “You know. Lockdown is still a thing.”
“Yeah. How are you and Dakota making out? Getting tired of one another’s company yet?”
“Not at all.” She grins. What I thought was dirt turns out to be freckles dotting the bridge of her nose and the tops of her cheeks. Sadie must be spending a lot of time outside. “You look good, too, Beau. How’s your back?”
“All better,” I inform her, twisting to demonstrate. It’s mostly true. I had a long time to focus on rest and recovery while my mother was in the hospital. She’s home now, but her health will never be the same. She needs lifetime care, which is why I won’t be coming back to live at the ranch.
No, I have my own plans.
“Great. Listen, I’m going to put together a picnic dinner for the three of us to share outside. I’d like to hear all about your new venture.”
Last month, I signed a lease on a warehouse and started work to convert it into a nursery. The pandemic cratered the commercial real estate market which presented an opportunity for me to start channeling my own ambition. I grin now, thinking about it. “Yep. I’m going into business for myself. Nursery and garden supply. Reed’s Trees & Gardens.”
Sadie grins. My breath hitches. I always knew she was cute, but now that she’s glowing with health and happiness, she’s nothing less than stunning.
Dakota Wilson, you are one lucky man.
I’m not envious though. I’ve met someone, too. A nurse from the hospital—and I can’t wait to get back to her.
“Wonderful. I’m so excited for you, Beau. We’re starting some new programs of our own. I can’t wait to tell you about them. Why don’t you go ahead and get cleaned up while I help Dakota in the barn.” She gestures behind her.
“Sure thing, Sadie.”
She steps backward, wearing a smile that outshines the sun. “I want to hear all about Jessica, too.”
I huff a laugh. “You got it.” Then, I jerk my head. “Go on. Tell your boyfriend I arrived safely and I’ll see you in a few hours.”
She runs off. By which I mean, she strides away looking as though she owns the place.
It’s bittersweet but still good to be back. This visit marks a break between my old life and the new path I have set out for myself. With my back injury—which despite my claim, will never heal completely—security work was out of the question. I had to find a new way forward. I’ll try my hand at growing plants. I’ve always had a natural talent for making green things grow. I admit I’ve been somewhat humbled by the complexity of starting up a business. There are times when I think my idea of monetizing a hobby to provide income while I care for my mother is never going to work out. I have a new appreciation for Dakota’s courage in trying to make The Black Diamond Ranch a success on his own terms. That takes more than just money. You need a lot of optimism just to survive.
But Dakota welcomes me with a big smile and an open heart. He doesn’t seem to hold any lingering resentment toward me for the way I second-guessed him. His forgiving nature is part of his success, not his Achilles heel. Flexibility is a strength. I understand that better, now.
It doesn’t take me long to load my few possessions into the truck. I need to get back to Mama Reed, but before I begin
