Page 91 of Brands

Mason claps him on the arm. “One day you’ll figure out it’s more than just the diamond, son. It’s whatever makes you both happy.”

“Sure wouldn’t be more cows,” Sawyer groans.

And to think my dad thought he’d be a good match for me? We might be close in age, but very different in our plans.

“Devon’s like you. He does what needs to be done, but I know his heart isn’t in it. I do appreciate you helping though.” I hope Sawyer can find something he loves.

“I don’t mind the work. I just hate always smelling like shit.” Sawyer’s crooked smile reminds me of his dad’s.

He’s certainly cute.

But I’m glad to have Blue, who supports me in my goals.

Fuck, Iamlucky to have a man like that.

I didn’t know when I saw him on stage last winter that he’d be so perfect for me.

My determination paid off.

“Well, I can understand wanting to have the wedding as soon as possible. I felt that way when I met Lori.” Mason shoves his bag with his tools into the backseat. “Hell, I felt that way about his mom, too.” He gestures at Sawyer crawling into the other side of the truck. “I don’t regret for a second saying ‘I do’ as fast as humanly possible with either of them.”

“That’s so freaking romantic.” Warm fuzzies burst in my chest seeing the love pouring out of Mason.

“So, let me know when and where, we’ll all be there.” He waves, then slams the door.

“Two days ago would have been the right time,” Blue says quietly.

He starts to reach for me, then freezes, dropping his arm. His focus is locked across the parking lot.

“Clay’s coming.” He shifts into a nonchalant position, even though I can see the tinge of frustration in his eyes.

“Libby? Was that the new owner that just left?” Dad glances at Blue. “All done with the transfer paperwork?”

Blue holds up his clipboard. “I’ll be filing this afternoon.”

Dad extends his arm, still moving a little stiff as he shuffles closer to Blue. “I can’t tell you how much Iappreciate all your help. Guess this means we won’t be seeing as much of you now?”

That makes me snort. “Yea, Blue. Are you sick of me yet?” I blink innocently up at him.

His light eyes fix on me. “I’ve enjoyed it here much more than I initially thought I would.” A smile flickers over his lips.

Then he startles, scratching at the gray edge of his mustache. “Clay, what do you say I pick you up for a beer the day after tomorrow? We can celebrate the sale. A toast to big life changes.” Fire licks at his gaze as he watches me, ignoring my father.

It makes a flush of heat run through me. I can’t wait to get out of here and meet him at his house after he’s done in his office. It’s been our only chance for alone time, a few fleeting hours before I come back to make sure Devon and Dad are taken care of.

“I’d like that. My treat. You’ve done more than enough. And whoever the dumbass was who bought this place overpaid me.” Dad winces mid laugh.

But Blue focuses on him. “Maybe they heard you were sick and wanted to make sure you were taken care of?”

Dad rolls his eyes. “Yea, right. No one does that.” He looks past us towards the barn. “Lib, you got them all lined up on how it runs?”

Shit.

I’m on the spot now.

“I, um, I’m going to be the new manager. They’re taking on the whole crew.” Why is it so hard to just tell him?

“Really? Well, shit. Hope the owner isn’t an asshole. But I guess I’m not surprised,” Dad grumbles. “At least you can quit and move on if it gets too much.”

---