Page 58 of Redemption

She looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Your brother and Nicole. They’ve been dancing around each other for years.”

I frown in confusion. “But...”

Becca smiles. “But she wasn’t technically single? Oh, sugar, I’m talking way before that. This has been going on for many, many years. I’m fairly certain they hook up whenever she’s not datin’ someone else, but they keep it low key.”

No way. I would’ve known about that, right? I know Nicky and Clay fooled around when we were younger, but that was back when Nicky was a tolerable human being. Clayton can’t stand her now, and from what I’ve seen, the feeling’s mutual.

Becca laughs as I set the drinks on her tray. “Don’t underestimate the power of a good hate fuck. Just ask him about it. Maybe he’ll come clean with you, considering you’re related and all.”

Oh, don’t worry; I plan to.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Beckett

“Where are we going, Beckett?”

I look at Presley out of the corner of my eye as I switch the blinker on. “We’re almost there.”

The construction crew just finished paving the new driveway for the lodge. I wanted Pres to have the full experience the first time she saw it, which is why I’m taking her down this route instead of riding across the property. She gasps when the building comes into view. Only the framework is done so far, but it’s obvious it will be larger than the average house around here.

“What is this? My parents didn’t tell me they were building a new house.”

I shift my Ford into park and kill the engine, but I leave the high-beams on so she can see better. I’d prefer doing this when we had daylight, but I had to work past sunset, and I didn’t want to wait any longer to show her.

“Technically, it’s a lodge.”

“For what?”

“Get out, and I’ll tell you.”

Presley meets me at the front of the truck. “So? Spill.”

“We’re starting a program—an equine-therapy program for people suffering from PTSD, to be more specific. Unfortunately, insurance companies won’t cover an expense like this, but we’ve secured some private funding for veterans and victims of abuse, which will be earmarked for people who can’t afford to pay out of pocket. They’ll come here for a retreat-like experience, but it’ll be focused on helping them develop coping skills that will allow them to function better when they get back home. Horses have been proven to be effective therapy animals, so the program is being designed where the guests will have daily interactions with them. The new indoor arena is going to be part of it.”

Presley stares up at the bones of what’ll eventually become an impressive structure. I can practically see the thoughts racing through her head, but it takes her a good minute before she says anything.

“This is incredible, Beckett.” When she turns to me, her eyes are glassy. “Really, truly incredible. Who thought of this?”

I adjust the brim of my ball cap. “Uh... I did. I mean, the concept, in general, isn’t new, but I’m spearheading the whole thing. Your folks have been incredibly supportive from day one, though.”

Presley’s eyes bounce between mine like she’s having some sort of internal debate. I grab her hand and place it on my chest. She used to always do that when we were younger... place her hand over my heart to feel its beat. She said it soothed her.

“Talk to me, Pres.”

Her tears spill over before she quickly brushes them away. “Lord, I feel like I’m always crying around you. I really need to stop doing that.”

“Honey, if you need to cry, then cry. Don’t hide from me. You’re safe with me. No matter what, Pres, you’ll always be safe with me.”

Presley’s blonde hair spills over the side of her face as her head drops to my chest. Her body starts shaking violently, right before the most gut-wrenching keening sound escapes her lips, and she completely loses it. Shit, what did I say that caused this?

“Shh, Pres.” I smooth my hand through her hair. “What’d I say? I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s not you.” She hiccups a sob. “I think what you’re doing is amazing, Beckett. Absolutely amazing.”

My brows draw together. “Then, why are you crying?”

“I don’t... I can’t...” She loops her arms around my waist and squeezes.

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