Page 81 of Where the Blacktop Ends

Inside the main living space light filters in through high, wide windows, casting everything in a warm, calming glow. A few staff members are tending to the birds, some collecting freshly laid eggs with care, others checking feed bins filled with a mix of grains and organic supplements. I see bags labeled with things likeNon-GMO CornandAlfalfa Mealand the whole facility looks spotless.

Further back, there’s an area sectioned off for the older chickens. Instead of being discarded or processed once their egg-laying slows down, they roam freely, pecking at the grass or lounging under the shade of a tree until they pass away of old age. It’s a reminder of the facility’s philosophy that Troy filled me in on the flight over—they give their eggs, we give them a nice retirement and a peaceful end of life.

I can’t help but admire the way it all comes together—natural, humane, and sustainable. It feels like stepping back in time, to a way of farming that respects both the land and the animals and allows nature to just… be.

“What do you think?” Regan asks proudly as she rounds me to the edge of the building where a few folding chairs are set up.

“It’s incredible. You manage this yourself?”

She nods. “When Colt was home, he ran the distillery, and Cash ran the egg farm. I floated between the two. With him gone…” her voice trails off and a sadness washes over her expression as her eyes slightly glaze.

I nod. “Troy filled me in. I’m so sorry.”

She turns her head slightly, locking eyes with me again. “Normally, I’d say I’m surprised that you know. He’s a pretty private guy, but honestly, I can tell he treats you differently.”

I swallow. “Differently? How?”

“Well, I can see that you’re not just Liam’s nanny. He talks about you with a lot of respect and warmth. I like to think I know Troy better than anyone. There’s a fourteen-year age gap between us, so growing up, he was more like a father to me than our actual dad.”

“He shared that with me…”

She nods. “After Max’s mom left, Troy just kept moving forward without looking back. He became both a single father to Max and a bonus one to his siblings. He never treated anyone differently. That’s who he is. He carries everyone on his back like it’s nothing, but I see the weight of it. I see what it’s cost him. So, yeah, I’m just glad he has you now.”

“Has me?”

She smiles knowingly. “You might not realize it yet, and maybe he hasn’t outright said it, but he’s got you. And he’s not going to let you go.”

I pause, recalling something Troy had said: that he wouldn’t sleep with me because once he did, he’d never let me go. “I’m not sure about that,” I reply slowly. “He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to go there. Besides, he’s about to run for governor. What would I even do if he won?”

Regan leans back, her brows furrowing as if I’m missing something obvious. “Move here with him, of course.”

Like that’s the easiest decision in the world. The idea of being the governor of North Carolina’s hidden affair—his “nanny” that he’s sleeping with—makes my stomach churn. If the paparazzi or press ever found out about me and Troy… the scandal would crush him.

I chew on my lip nervously. “I’m not sure that’s what the future governorof North Carolina wants.”

Regan waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, please. People trust politicians more when they’re married. It’s practically a rule.”

Marriage?

Is that what Troy is thinking about?

That word tightens something in my chest. Troy never married Max’s mother, but I’m guessing that had more to do with her than him. Maybe he’s marriage adverse. I’m certainly not, but I’ve only known the guy for a month unless you count the first time we met.

“I think you’re misunderstanding our relationship…”

She chuckles softly. “You’ll see. Troy doesn’t do anything without a plan. Every move he makes is calculated, thought out from every angle. If he’s brought you here, it’s because he’sserious about you. He wants us to meet you so that we accept you. You’re it for him. He doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already planning to propose.”

She gives my arm a reassuring pat before hopping up. “The length of time has never mattered to Troy, when he knows something, he’s all in becausehe knows.Come on, let’s head back to the golf cart and I’ll take you to see the distillery.”

I follow her silently, but my mind is spinning. I have no idea what Troy’s thinking or where I stand with him. All I know is that I want to be more to him—and we need to talk.

Chapter 31 – Troy

Georgia needs to be punished for her little stunt tonight. Telling Liam to call my dad “Big Papa” is about as wicked as it gets, and she knows it.??

The worst part? She enjoyed it. I could see it in her eyes—she was daring me to react, practically begging for me to spank her until she’s raw.

So, when she strolls into the distillery a few hours later, with Regan on her arm like they’ve quickly bonded and become best friends, hips swaying in those tiny cut-off jean shorts like she was made for the farm life—and dammit, shelookslike she belongs here—I know exactly how I’m going to make good on my promise.

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