Page 46 of Deceit & Desire

His jaw worked as he digested that, his gaze flicking between me and the colt. “Okay, but why the hell didn’t you tell me? It’s not about the money, Zoe. I don’t give a damn about that. What’s messing with my head is that you didn’t think you could tell me about it. We’re supposed to be a team, remember?”

My lips trembled as I fought back the tears threatening to spill over again. “I didn’t want it to change things between us. I didn’t want it to make things weird, like I was the one calling all the shots because I had the money to back them up. I like us, Rome. I like that we’re equals, and I didn’t want this to unbalance things between you and me.”

His frown softened, the confusion giving way to something gentler, something achingly familiar.

“Zoe… you having money doesn’t make us any less of a team. And it sure as hell doesn’t make you the boss of me.” He paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’ve been bossing me around since we were kids, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

A startled laugh escaped me, a mix of relief and lingering nerves. “I just… I didn’t know how to tell you without it changing everything.”

Roman reached out, cupping my cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing away another tear I didn’t realize had fallen. “It doesn’t change how I see you, Zoe. You’re my wife. That’s what matters to me. But next time you’re sitting on something this big, do me a favor and tell me before I hear it secondhand from your dad, okay?”

I leaned into his hand, nodding. “Okay. I promise.”

His gaze searched mine for a long moment before he pulled me into his arms, his warmth chasing away the icy knot of guilt lodged in my chest. “We’re in this together, baby. Always.”

The colt nuzzled my back, and I let out a shaky laugh, turning to gently scratch the side of his neck. “Even he’s on your side, huh?”

Roman chuckled, resting his chin on the top of my head. “Smart horse. I think he likes you, though, darlin’. Knows a good thing when he sees it.”

I closed my eyes, letting the tension drain out of me as I stood there with him, the weight of his understanding lifting some of the burden I’d been carrying alone.

I sighed, leaning into him, my fingers stroking the colt’s mane. “I wish Dad saw things that way. He thinks I blindsided him. Like I was trying to take control of everything without consulting him.”

Roman adjusted his arms around me, his voice softening. “Your dad’s a proud man, Zoe. You know that. This ranch is his legacy, and right now, he probably feels like he’s losing control of it.”

I pulled back slightly to look up at him, my brow furrowing. “I’m just trying to help, Rome. I don’t want him to feel like I’m taking over—I just want to make things easier for him.”

“I know that,” Roman said, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. “But maybe he needs to feel like he still has a say. Like he’s still the one steering the ship, even if you’re the one keeping it afloat.”

I tilted my head, considering his words. “You think I should talk to him? Let him feel like he’s making the decisions?”

Roman nodded. “Yeah. Ask him what he wants for the future of the ranch. Let him tell you his vision. That way, he feels included, not sidelined.”

I pressed my lips together, my gaze dropping to the colt’s curious eyes. “I hate that he’s mad at me. I just want him to see that I’m trying to do the right thing.”

“He’ll come around,” Roman said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Once he realizes you’re not trying to take anything away from him, he’ll see that you’re just looking out for him. But you’ve gotta give him time, Zoe. And maybe a little grace.”

I let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Grace, huh? I’m not exactly known for my patience.”

“Maybe not,” Roman admitted with a teasing smirk, “but you’ve got enough stubbornness to make up for it. Use it to fight for him, not against him.”

I leaned back against the fence, letting his words sink in. “You really think this will work?”

Roman’s hazel eyes met mine, filled with quiet confidence. “I know it will. Your dad loves you, even if he’s too proud to show it right now. And we’ll figure this out together, okay? No more carrying the load by yourself.”

I nodded, a flicker of hope sparking in my chest. “Okay. I’ll talk to him. But you better be ready to back me up if he starts shouting again.”

Roman grinned, leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead. “Always, darlin’. Always.”

Chapter18

Home to You

PLAYLIST: “WARRIOR” BY BETH CROWLEY

ROMAN

As we walked backtoward the house, my heart sank. Two Blackwell Sheriff’s Department SUVs were parked outside the big house, lights on but sirens off, and Landon Blackwell was striding across the lawn to meet Roman and me.

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