Page 83 of Live, Ranch, Love

When all I want is for it to be ours.

Heavy storm clouds darkened my mind for a while after that. But when she mentioned opening the retreat up properly once Jake’s gone the other day, bright white hope finally kindled in my chest.

Because she does want to stay—and that’s what I keep reminding myself each time I get annoyed. That even if it irks me every time she talks about the goddamn universe sending him here, she made the decision for us. Because she thinks we can only be strong if she’s strong. Personally, I think she’s the strongest fucking woman I’ve ever met in my life.

“This ranch, the retreat,” Jake gestures around us, “going along with whatever silly, impulsive idea she’s latched on to for the time being to make herself feel good. Until she realises that there’s bigger and better back home.”

My chest heaves almost to a point of pain with the deep breath I try to take in. No wonder Aurora’s confidence took such a hit from this guy—it doesn’t sound like he ever gave her the belief she deserved. I flex my hands beside me, because as much as I’d like to, I really can’t punch him again. Not in front of everyone.

“This isn’t just a silly idea.” I turn, eyes narrowed, and step forward to emphasise the few inches I have on him. “She’s built something incredible here and everyone knows it. Besides, if it’s such a silly idea, why did you bother coming?”

“Hey.” Jake holds up his hands, still looking far too relaxed for my liking. “I’m only warning you. It won’t last.”

I’m not sure if he’s talking about the retreat or me and Aurora now, but either way, ire starts to seethe in my bones. My words come out through gritted teeth, rumbling loudly. “Just because it didn’t last with you, doesn’t mean it won’t with me. With Sunset Ranch.”

“What makes you think you’ll get any longer with her than I did?” Okay, so the little snake is talking about our relationship. The rush of blood in my ears starts to drown out our surroundings. “What do you have here that me or someone else can’t give her back home, where she belongs?”

I don’t know, is the first answer that pops into my head, because that’s always been my response.

I don’t know what else I could’ve given Holly to have made her choose me over Easton, when he had so much more to offer. I don’t know why Aurora chose me… but I’m determined to give her everything she wants in life, every single picture on that vision board she made, so if I’m part of that, then I’ll give every inch of my soul to her. Forever.

And I won’t let anyone get in our way.

“Don’t be blind, mate.” Jake pats me on the shoulder.

Wrong decision.

“Well,” I growl louder than expected, and give him a shove with one hand. “One thing I am certain of is that at least I’m not a massive cunt like you.”

“Wyatt!” Aurora’s voice rips across the road, followed by a cacophony of gasps from the others.

Jake’s features slide into an unexpected, superior satisfaction. His eyes sparkle with amusement. “Nice one, mate. You just got caught on video shoving me and calling me a cunt.”

Nodding to behind me, I catch how Priya has her phone pointing at us, one hand smacked over her gaping mouth. The rest of the group, including Aurora, all stare at us wide-eyed. Even Luke’s paused midway through hefting Elio’s suitcase into his cab, arms trembling.

But my eyes immediately seek out Aurora again as she marches towards me, hazel eyes lit with golden, thunderous fire.

She pulls me away from Jake, tugging me by the bottom of my T-shirt. Her voice comes out like a whispered shout, cheeks blazing red. “What the hell, Wyatt?”

“I’m sorry.” I run my hands through my hair. “I shouldn’t have called him that… or shoved him. He just riled me up, saying that this retreat was a silly idea, that it wouldn’t last, that we wouldn’t—”

“It doesn’t matter what he said, Wyatt,” Aurora cuts in. Her brows are drawn together, and she lets out a shaky breath. “All that matters is this retreat. That people say good things about this place and the people working here. And when you let your anger get the best of you, you’re jeopardising our future.”

That makes me wince.

She’s right. I said I would give her everything she wanted, the glorious future she deserves, but if people start saying that I’m rude or violent, or if that video gets out, then making those dreams of hers come true will be even more difficult. And I can’t lose her.

I really, really can’t lose her.

“I’m sorry,” I concede with a sigh. “I should leave you to finish the goodbyes. It’s probably best if I’m not around him anymore. I’ll be at mine, promise you’ll come by later?”

Aurora gives me a soft, exhausted smile. “I promise.”

***

The knock at my door is music to my ears, especially since it’s earlier than I expected. But when I yank the door open, ready to embrace my favourite girl, she’s not there.

Instead, it’s Holly.

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