Page 116 of The Convict Gets His Girl

She wondered if he was referring to being cooped up behind bars or if he referred to being stuck with her and Destini.

She frowned, shaking off the negativity. He was probably thinking about the situation with Andre. "Have you heard anything else from Goldie?"

Chase shook his head and continued brushing Gladys, explaining that Gunner had called but nothing new had come out of it. She'd sent him a copy of the report that had been filed, and he'd had to sign some paperwork that she'd put together to get his record cleared. With a therapist, lawyer, schoolteacher, Marine, and several other witnesses all verifying that Andre had admitted guilt and swung first, it was only a matter of time until he could get his license back, his life back. There'd even been a video that had surfaced of Andre's confession, although it conveniently got cut off right before the fight.

As he talked, his methodical movements spoke of years of practice, of muscle memory built from countless hours in barns just like this, yet he was obviously still stiff and in pain from the fight.

Jewel leaned against the stall door, watching him. The barn smelled of hay, leather, and something distinctly masculine—sweat, horse, and a familiar comfort that wrapped around her like a warm, old blanket.

New wood reinforced the barn's structure on one side, as well as support beams and fresh wood patches. It wasn't just a repair—it was a restoration, slow—but still good progress since she'd first been here a few weeks ago.

"We're gonna need to replace that east wall soon," Chase said, catching her looking. "Landry's got a plan."

"The wood is new."

"I did all that two weeks ago. Don't tell Jade or the previous owner that I was out here working on it before we even signed the papers."

She shook her head in amazement. "You moved into the house, got it looking like a home, and had time to work on the barn? Are you Superman?"

He chuckled, wincing in pain. "Nope, just a man who wants to give his family the best."

Her heart thundered in her chest, and her eyes swung to him, searching for a deeper meaning. Did he see a long-term relationship with her? She was slowly coming to realize that's what she wanted, but she didn't want to force him into it too.

"Do you still see this as a rehabilitation center?"

She brightened. "Yeah, it would've been nice to have ready. Got a call from a backyard breeder this evening who's ready to downsize into a semi-retirement. He's looking to unload a six-year-old paint who's taking too long to sell."

Chase glanced at her over the back of the horse, his eye-patch already smudged with dirt. "Is it a spirited animal or a gentle one?"

She shrugged. "I didn't talk to him, just saw the message at the clinic on my way home."

Chase frowned and looked around the barn. "Well, Destini's going to need a horse, so if it's well-trained, maybe we should take it in. Hell, call him back tonight. We'll figure it out."

He continued brushing and rattled off a number that he'd already earmarked for Destini for a horse or car, and her heart melted. He'd thought of what their daughter would need too. He knew how she felt about animals and supported her dream, both the things she said and the things she didn't say.

He hadn't told her no, but offered a solution that might work for everyone. She watched him, noting how carefully he moved, how deliberate each brush stroke was with Gladys.

"I'll call the breeder when I go inside," she said softly.

Chase nodded, then winced as he shifted his weight. The bruises from Andre's attack were turning deep purple and angry on his face.

Raul walked into the barn, wiping his hands on a shop towel. "Dinner's almost ready," he announced. "Chase, you need help back to the house?"

"I'm fine," Chase muttered, though his movements betrayed his discomfort.

Jewel stepped forward. "Let me help you," she said, sliding her arm under his good shoulder.

He started to protest but shut up when she pressed her hip to his. He glanced at her, and the heat in his gaze made her cheeks flame without even looking at him. Together they walked slowly back to the house, Raul following behind and closing the barn door.

As they walked up the stairs, a car pulled up the drive. The three of them paused as Lola and Ana walked up, their hands full of bags and aluminum foil pans.

Jewel waved, her smile softening. "Oh, hey, what are y'all doing here?"

Lola held up two bags. "Granny started a meal train for y'all, although I'm not sure if it's because of the new house without a housewarming party or because of the fight."

Ana lifted her casserole dish high as she came up the stairs. "I think she's just after gossip about the fight. We're supposed to gather intel."

Chase chuckled as Raul opened the door for them, bowing his head slightly as he said, "Ladies."

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