Chapter 2
TWO
“Iwas fine.” She adjusted her tone to be less angry, though she couldn’t relax her jaw enough to do it with anything near success.
“He’s a cop, Connor. I was fine. I was more worried about the guy looking for his boat. I’ve only been running a half-dozen times, mostly on the Wayside trails, but it seems like I should’ve seen him before if he’s out there as often as he made it sound.”
Lacy’s brow furrowed as she rubbed her husband’s arm. “Connor, she’s an adult. Not only that, she’s been through more training than you when it comes to police work. Give her a little credit.”
Ferd wouldn’t have ever been that point-blank, but Lacy could get away with it as his wife.
“Thanks. I’m serious though. Duke seemed like he was trying to make sure I was safe.
I think he noticed my limp and wanted to make sure I hadn’t hurt myself.
Boater dude, I think his name was Bailey, he would’ve had me worried if I’d been alone, but I wasn’t. ”
Connor made a sound deep in his throat that she couldn’t accurately decode.
“Are we good?” she asked.
“You came here to heal, not get chased around.” His jaw took on a stubborn line.
Lacy grinned. “Would it be so bad if she met someone out here and had a reason to stay?”
Connor pulled away from Lacy’s touch and frowned. Ferd held her breath, waiting for the storm to explode. He thought Wayside should’ve been enough to keep her here. Trouble was, Wayside was Connor’s dream. She’d only known him for five years, and while Wayside was amazing, she wasn’t as invested.
“That’s not happening. I’m heading back to Cody the moment I get the okay from my doctor.”
“What if our counselor says you’re not ready?” Connor’s chin rose and his blue eyes pierced hers.
He’d assumed she’d chosen the one he’d told her to use.
“You do realize there’s a conflict there, right?
He’s the counselor for Wayside and your friend.
Of course he’ll say I need to stay. I’m seeing one in town, but thanks for the offer.
” She raked her nails across the back of her neck.
Why had she wanted family connection again? Right, for the whole connection thing.
“I want you to run with someone,” Connor ordered in his don’t-you-dare-disobey-me voice.
Dad walked through the door and glanced between his two children. “What are you two arguing about now? I thought both of you were too old for that.”
Ferd couldn’t keep the grin off her face, though she didn’t feel especially happy. “We didn’t know each other when we were young enough to squabble. Got to do it now to make up for lost time.”
Lacy laughed and rolled her chair right next to Connor’s, leaning against his shoulder. Her eyes were a little swollen. Drat. Likely another negative pregnancy test. She’d ask her about it later.
“Well, now that we’ve established my rules for living here, I’m heading back over to The Haven. Mom is waiting. Lacy, she said you wanted to learn how to make those lemon cookies, so she got all the ingredients yesterday.”
Lacy gave a weak smile. “It will take a few hours. We have a new arrival today, so there’s a tour and I have a few other things that need my attention right away.”
Yup, definitely a negative test.
Ferd quickly hugged her sister-in-law. Connor’s eyes widened as he watched the exchange.
She grabbed her keys off his desk where she’d dropped them earlier and headed out to her car.
Connor had told her to pick a horse to ride between the properties.
He’d been right. A ride would’ve been a great way to cool off and faster.
Stubborn man. Always had to win. A great brother, but stubborn.
She climbed into her car and flipped on the local radio station.
They were right in the middle of the weather forecast. Rain for the next four days.
She let her head fall back against the headrest of her car.
Did she miss this? Not really. Not that she missed life in Cody, either.
Where did she belong? I’ve never felt at home anywhere.
Her phone buzzed at her side and she grabbed it. “Lo.”
“Don’t you ever answer like a normal person?” Anna Barlowe laughed softly. “Sorry I had to leave after you just got back. I’ll be flying into Rapid City, then driving the rest of the way. I wanted to take it easy. You’ll still be there when I reach Wayside, right?”
Ferd took a deep breath and released it. Anna herself was a good enough reason to choose Wayside to heal from her gunshot wound. No stress from her. Connor wouldn’t force her to work, but he’d also stopped trying to understand her. “Yeah, I’ll be here for at least another few weeks.”
“Great! I’ll see you then.” She hung up and Ferd tossed her phone back onto the seat next to her.
At least nothing ever happened at Wayside.