Page 55 of Wasted

Taylor relaxed against my chest. "Alright, just this once."

Inside, I set her gently on the couch and went to grab an ice pack. As I wrapped it around her ankle, Taylor caught my hand.

I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.

She smiled, eyes shining.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both acutely aware of how precious our time together was. Eventually, I glanced at my watch and sighed.

"I should start getting ready to head to the airport," I said reluctantly.

Taylor nodded, though I could see the disappointment in her eyes. "Promise you'll call as soon as you land?"

"Promise," I agreed. "And I'll let you know how everything goes with the court appearance."

As I stood to leave, Taylor caught my wrist. "Hey," she said softly. "It's going to be okay."

I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Chapter Thirty

Taylor

The bar was dark and silent. I was the only one here. Bailey had the night off, Cole had flown back to Nashville to handle something important, and all my other employees had gone home for the night.

I welcomed the quiet. It had been a long day, and I was still processing everything. Someone had made me a cash offer on my family's land for way more than the asking price, with the stipulation I would have seven days to collect all the belongings I wanted to keep. The buyer would deal with everything else, and they were willing to let my horses stay. It was a good deal.

My spine stiffened, and I held my breath when the floors creaked.

"It's just me," Bailey called out, and I blew out a sigh. "Don't shoot."

The door from the kitchen into the bar swung open, and Bailey appeared. "What are you doing here?" I frowned. "I told you to take the night off."

She shrugged. "I was bored."

"And this was your best option?"

She shrugged. "I like it here, plus I wanted to bring you this." She held out a white envelope, but I didn't move to grab it.

"What is it?" My gaze fixed on the white envelope, I narrowed my eyes.

"Take it," she ordered. "And open it."

Hesitantly, I took the envelope and opened it before pulling out a check.

$500,000

I already knew what it was, but I still couldn't help but ask. My confused gaze lifted, meeting hers. "What's this?"

"It's the money my mother took from you."

My eyes dropped back to the check. "I don't understand."

"Cole made her give it back."

I shook my head as I shoved the check back into the envelope. "I don't want this." I shoved the envelope to her. My mind flashed to River. "It should go to River."

She smiled. "Caleb left a large amount of money in a trust for River that Kylie can access if she needs it." I opened my mouth but snapped it shut when she cut me off. "And before you say it should go to Kylie, he also left her money." She pushed my hand away. "Keep it. Caleb wanted you to have this money, and honestly, it was the least he could do." I shook my head. "Buy yourself a small piece of land for you and Rodeo to make a home for yourself."

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