Page 97 of Wrangled Love

A flicker of frustration runs through me, but I rein it in, taking a deep breath to keep calm. He has only just found out about the hearing being moved and hasn’t had a chance to think it through yet—or decide on his next steps.

“Have you considered staying in Bluebell… for good?” I ask, resisting the urge to squirm.

He takes my hand in his, running his thumb along my knuckles. “I have.”

A flicker of hope rises in my chest, fragile but bright.

“What’s holding you back?”

“When I left Bluebell, I had no intention of returning. I was determined to break the cycle I grew up in and create a better future for myself. New York quickly became my home, and it’s all I’ve known for the past fourteen years. I threw myself into building something I could be proud of. Something no one could ever take away.”

As a kid, he was powerless—collateral damage in the fallout of the chaos created by his parents. When they lost everything, so did he. It’s no wonder he poured all he had into making a new life and leaving Bluebell in the rearview. And I can only imagine how hard it must be to consider calling the one place he vowed never to return to home again.

I shift in his lap to look him in the eye. “What you did took courage—starting over in a big city, learning everything you could about an industry you were passionate about, and turning a simple idea into a successful business. You did all of that despite your parents, and have proven that you’re not destined to repeat theirmistakes.” I trail my fingers along the nape of his neck. “Caleb is living proof of that. You’ve become an incredible dad, standing by him through every challenge he’s faced this summer.”

“He’s come so far, and I can’t shake the worry that whatever path I choose won’t be right for him.” Jensen sighs, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve spent years proving I can stand on my own. Leaving behind everything I’ve built and stepping into the unknown terrifies me almost as much as failing Caleb.”

Part of me wants to assure him that staying in Bluebell is what’s best for them both, and that he should forget about the city and his career altogether. But how can I? He spent half his life waiting to leave Bluebell, and the other half creating a new life for himself. I can’t be the reason he gives it all up, but I also don’t have the heart to let him go.

“You should take some time to think about how you want to move forward.” The suggestion sits heavy on my tongue, sharp-edged and difficult to get out. “Whatever you decide, I agree it has to be what’s best for Caleb. He comes first always. Which is why no matter what happens, I’m coming with you next week.”

As much as I want them to stay in Bluebell, it has to be Jensen’s choice. He needs to see a future for himself and Caleb here and not feel coerced into it by me or anyone else, even if that means watching him choose a path that leads them away from me.

Jensen nods, pressing his forehead to mine. “Really? You’ll come?”

I draw in a deep breath before responding. “No way I’m missing out on trying New York–style pizza. Just don’t expect me to add pineapple to mine.” My tone is playful, wanting to lighten the mood—even though my heart is heavy.

He flashes me a charming smile. “Never. It’s bad enough that one of us puts fruit on pizza.”

I chuckle. “You’re lucky I’m the one who knows better.”

I’ll never tire of our teasing banter, especially when it gives us a break from heavier topics.

Putting the ball in Jensen’s court could be the bravest—or the most reckless—choice I’ve ever made, and it has the potential to lead to devastating heartbreak. Still, I can’t be the one to walk away, not when my heart belongs to both Jensen and Caleb. All I can hope is that he decides we’re worth fighting for.

The last thing I expected to hear today was that Dawson got my hearing moved up. The news is a catch-22—I’m eager to be granted full custody of Caleb, but it also forces me to figure out our future sooner than expected. It’s why I froze when Briar asked if we were coming back after our trip to New York, and whether I had thought about staying for good.

What I want more than anything is for the three of us to be together—I’d do whatever it takes to find a solution that works for all of us. However, instead of explaining that, I hesitated, and now I’m afraid Briar took my response as a sign that this is goodbye.

Our conversation was cut short when she had to leave to pick Caleb up from school. They usually come back to the ranch, but today, they hung out in Julie’s office doing crafts, and then she called to ask if she could take him to a new movie playing at the local theater and have dinner at the Prickly Pear Diner.

Briar knew without having to ask that I needed to think things through, and made sure I had the time to do so. That’s the kind of person she is: thoughtful to a fault and always putting othersbefore herself. It only makes it more obvious that I messed up, and all I want is to find clarity so I can make things right.

I worked late because everything took longer when I couldn’t focus. Once I wrapped up, the air had cooled enough for a long run. I hoped it would clear my head, but when it didn’t, I texted Heath to see if he was around. He replied almost instantly, telling me to meet him at the ranch house. He’s always been a voice of reason, and I’m hoping he can help me put things into perspective and sort through my thoughts.

I walk over, appreciating the fresh air. On my way, I pass by the cabins and the general store, and I’m close enough to see the lights at the ranch house when my phone pings.

Briar: Hey! We just got home. Caleb fell asleep in the car, so I tucked him into bed.

Jensen: Thanks again for watching him tonight. I’m heading to the ranch house to talk to Heath but will be back soon.

Briar: Take your time.

When I finally get to the house, Heath is waiting for me. He’s kicked back in a rocking chair on the porch, his legs outstretched.

“Trying to butter me up, huh?” He nods at the two bottles of beer in my hand. “Whatever you want to talk about must be serious.”

I shrug as I step onto the porch, leaning against the closest column to face him.

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