Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
Daisy
After our middle of the night make-out session, we ate our grilled cheeses, then lay in bed and talked as updates from local police came in. Eventually, we fell asleep in each other's arms.
This morning has been full of touches and small kisses. No more hiding. No more pretending we don’t want the same things.
Aside from the constant niggling fear in the back of my mind, it’s been a perfect day.
Until an hour ago when we got to the ranch.
Cal, Charlie, Angus, Mia, and the kids beat us here.
The sight of them switched something in Owen.
He helped me out of his truck and has kept his distance since.
If I go one way, he goes another. I’ve wanted to reach for his hand as we surveyed the damage done to the land I grew up on, but he's kept so much space between us that isn’t an option.
The hay barn is gone, but luckily the bunkhouse isn’t a total loss. The fire started in the back, and our ranch hands kept the flames at bay until the fire department arrived.
“Knox went to the Shelton’s and the Robles’ this afternoon to ask if anyone had contacted them about selling their properties,” Angus says as we set up dinner in Mom's kitchen. “They’ve both been approached. Which we figured. The Robles family refused. Two nights later, someone cut their fence line, and their bison got out. Sound familiar?”
“They report it?” Owen asks.
“Knox didn’t say.”
“And the Sheltons?” Cal asks.
“They’re considering it,” Gus confirms.
“They can’t cave,” I say, pulling the garlic bread out of the oven and placing it on the stovetop. “If these pricks get their hands on any of the properties, it’ll only be a matter of time before they scare the rest of the community into selling.”
“I won’t let that happen, sis,” Knox says, entering the room, his arm around Mom.
“Mom!” I exclaim as I hobble to her as fast as I can with this stupid boot on.
I try to pull her into a hug, but she grabs me by the shoulders and takes a step back to look at me. “Look at you. Who could do this to you?”
“Long story, but I’m fine. How was your trip?”
“It was wonderful, but your brother filled me in on what happened to you. I don’t care what happened here at the ranch. The fence and the fires. I care that someone pushed you off a cliff.”
“Mom...”
She finally pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay, sweet girl.”
“I’m fine, really. Just some bumps and bruises.”
“Nonsense.” She reaches for Owen, who is hugging his mom a couple of feet away from us. “Owen, Knox told me everything you’ve been doing to keep Daisy safe while she recovers. Thank you.”
She pulls him into her arms and whispers something in his ear that I can’t hear. When he steps back, his cheeks are red. He catches my eye, gives me a small smile and moves back to his mom’s side.
Mom claps her hands together. “Okay, take me to see the damage and then we’ll eat.”
The guys leave with Mom and Heather, and I stay back with the girls.
“Is everything okay with you and Owen? He seems quiet,” Charlie asks.
“I thought they were, but everything changed once we got here.” I shrug as I place a salad bowl on the dining room table.
“He seemed pretty upset at the bar last night, too. You sure?”
Well, shit. Is this him turning the tables on me? Is this how he felt at the bar last night? Because it feels shitty. All I want is him to lean on, yet he seems so far away.
“I messed up last night. I told him I wanted us to give it a shot, and then, on our first time out of the house, I panicked. I went right back to pretending we weren’t anything more than friends.”
“Ouch.” Charlie frowns.
Mia sticks out her bottom lip. “Poor Owen.”
“I know. I’m a dick. But we worked through it. I’m ready. I thought he was too.”
Mia wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You’ve given him hope before, and your actions didn’t match your words. He’s being careful. Protecting his heart.”
“I’ve disregarded his feelings for so long it’s a miracle he even speaks to me.”
Mia and Charlie stay quiet. What can they say when they know I’m right?
Just as we’ve finished setting the table, the guys are back with Mom and Heather. Mom puts on a brave face, insisting we all sit and eat.
Mia makes sure I’m seated next to Owen while Knox explains who the additional security team is and that they’ll be around for the foreseeable future.
He also fills us in on his plan to purchase the land from the Sheltons.
Their dire financial situation is the only reason they’re contemplating selling, so he’ll help them out and let them remain on the land.
I rest my hand on Owen's leg under the table. He stiffens under my touch, and the knots that have been in my stomach since we arrived twist tighter and tighter until I’m about to scream out to everyone that we’re together, but the sadness in my mom's eyes reminds me there are much more serious things happening.
My love life can wait.
You know what? Call me selfish, but maybe it can’t wait. I’m miserable, and it hurts my heart to see Owen so disconnected. I keep my mouth shut during dinner and dessert, but after we’ve cleared the table and are saying our goodbyes, I reach for his hand as we turn to leave, but he pulls away.
Enough.
Bringing my fingers to my lips, I whistle.
Heads turn in my direction along with puzzled looks.
I saunter up to Owen, slide my hand in his and place a kiss on his lips.
“I’ve watched all of you fall in love with the people you were meant to be with.
Well, I found my person years ago but told myself I didn’t get to have the same happy the rest of you have.
I was wrong. I’m tired of denying myself, and I’m tired of hurting the man who makes me happy along the way.
So, let me be very clear. Owen and I are together.
I’ve wasted years, and I refuse to waste another second. ”
I sneak a peek at the man who no longer simply holds my hand but has interlaced his fingers with mine in solidarity. I follow his stoic expression aimed at his best friend.
“Cal, if you have a problem, talk to your wife because I don’t want to hear it. Gus. Knox. Same with you. The girls know everything and can explain it to you. Frankly, I don’t have the energy tonight.”
Our moms are beaming, and I’m not surprised in the least. It’s like they have some sort of maternal superpower that allows them to see the future. I’m just glad to see them smiling. In fact, Mom is signaling for us to leave.
She doesn’t have to ask me twice.
My first tug on Owen’s hand to direct him to the front door with me doesn’t work. He’s still locked in on Cal. The second time I walk out of the room dragging him behind me, not giving him a choice. “C’mon, baby. Let’s go home.”