Page 70 of Brands

“Bastards,” Clay spits. “Serves ‘em right.” His lips flatten. “Makes me glad we’re getting out of the cow business.”

“You are,” Libby blurts. “I’m sticking with them until the day I die.”

Shit. She’s poking the bear.

But Clay doesn’t seem to notice. He waves his hand idly. “Whatever you want to do. I’m done with all of this.”

“Well, I think I have a solution. Just a few more pieces to fall into place.” I parrot what Libby and I have already discussed.

She’s the one who suggested it come from me.

Clay might take it better.

It’s frustrating he’s so stubborn when it comes to her. Maybe that’s what put the fire in her veins, she has to fight for everything she wants.

Damn.

He made her fierce.

I can feel her watching me closely. We’re both on edge over how this is all going to go down.

“That would be a helluva good news,” Clay grunts. “Sooner the better.”

“I’ll get everything in place.” I nod, but it’s not to him.

Libby returns the gesture from behind his shoulder, meeting my gaze.

This is a step in the right direction.

“Shit, Blue. I owe you big.” Clay claps my back. “That’ll be such a relief.” He turns to his daughter.

I can tell she’s struggling to hold in her frustration. Her fists bounce off her thighs as she holds herself rigidly in front of him.

“After the herd is gone, we can put this place up for sale. You’ll be free, Lib. You can finally get out there and live your life.” Clay shuffles past her towards the door. “Anddon’t give Blue a hard time,” he calls out before the handle clicks shut.

She slumps against the wall, sliding to the floor, and tilts her chin towards the ceiling. “I like my life,” she sighs.

Her Muck boots and overalls bunch as she rests her elbows on her knees.

“You know, I don’t really know what he could give me.” I give her a sideways smile. “I already have his firstborn.”

She snorts and a flicker of a grin dances over her lips. “Yea, you do.”

Dropping her nose down, she buries her face in her palms. “What am I going to do if he sells the building out from under me? Do you think Mason would go for a land lease as well?” When she looks up, her eyes are red from rubbing them. “Fuck, that’s a lot of money. He’d be crazy to invest that much in me.”

I’d give anything to see her happy.

“If he doesn’t, I will,” I say quietly.

Am I jumping in with both feet?

Yes.

Are my hands shaking like a leaf?

Also, yes.

Yet in all of my forty-one years, I’ve never felt this way about anyone.

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