Page 26 of Wine, Whiskey, & Lipstick 2

Ben raised a brow in disbelief, “That’s half of her asking price! How did you pull that off?”

“Promised Suge Honeysuckle’s second born and a discussion with you about breeding Whisper.”

“That’s a nonstarter, “I’m not breeding Whisper.”

“I know that. I said a discussion. Suge thinks he’s got a silver tongue. Dude thinks he can sweet talk anybody out of anything.”

“Just as long as we’re clear.”

“We’re clear. Whisper is part of the family.”

Ben was super impressed. “Congratulations! Again, pretty damned impressive. I thought your good mood was due to . . .” Ben almost said Palmer, then thought better of it. “Something else.”

Lucas knew what Ben wanted to ask. “That philly is a little trickier. Palmer’s being stubborn, but I’m up for the challenge. I was right though.”

“About what?”

“She’s afraid of my age.”

“Should she be?”

“Nah. I’ve been playin the field since I was sixteen. I could settle down for the right one, and she’s the right one.”

Ben agreed, “When you know, you know. So how do you plan to get around her concerns?”

“Not sure yet. I’m still analyzing the best way to deal with it.”

“Whatchu got so far?”

“I think Palmer is so used to seeing me as your little brother and not the man I am that she can’t imagine me as a husband and father.”

Ben had to admit even he had a hard time seeing Lucas as a husband and father, but he was sure most likely for different reasons.

“I need her to see all of me, not just my washboard abs.”

“Baby abs. Those things aren’t even close to washboard.” Ben laughed.

“More like King Kong. The way I see it, Palmer has no idea I run shit. Maybe she needs to see me, the businessman. For example, I run this entire ranch. Wyatt’s been off doing his best Jason Bourne impersonation and you’ve been doing your Tony Stark bit in conservation. I’ve been here ensuring the family business runs smoothly and is profitable. You and I both know that shit ain’t easy.”

“True.” Lucas’ words hit Ben in the gut. His guilt was real. “We did put a lot on your shoulders. But you know we’ve always been here when you needed us, right?”

“I know that. I ain’t mad about it. I love what I do. It doesn’t feel like work to me. This land is in my blood. I just said all that to say Palmer doesn’t know me as a man. The hundreds of lives and livelihoods I’m responsible for. She sees your little brother.”

“You might be on to something.” Ben also saw Lucas as just his little brother.

“I’m guessing a woman needs to feel safe and protected before they take you seriously. Like you and Dillyn.”

“Me and Dillyn?”

“Yeah, it’s no secret she’s been through some shit. So have you, but somehow, you’ve managed to break through her walls. I guess you make her feel like she can depend on you. After everything with Selah, it seems like you two have gotten even closer.”

Dude more than you know.“We are.”

“I want that with Palmer.”

“I’m curious. Why her? She’s an extremely attractive woman, but she ain’t your type.”

“What’s my type?”

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