Page 11 of Wildest Forever

Scrubbing my face, what the hell was I going to say to my mom?

I had only ever loved one woman, unfortunately, she never loved me back.

And now she is my sister-in-law.

I knew she loved Riggs. Always loved him and I knew it would never be more than what it was.

Friendship.

But if that's all I could have, then I would take it with both hands.

Starting the engine, I put the truck into reverse before swinging it into the turning point and boot it down the long, winding drive like a bat out of hell.

Times like this I would have gone to The Boot, but I couldn’t do that, so I head for my office in the lazy town of Lovelock Bay and sink a glass of whiskey to calm my nerves.

I had agreed to marry a girl so her grandfather knew she would be safe, so he knew his ranch would live on, his legacy somehow.

But the fear soon crept in, swallowed by anxiety.

What if I had made a huge mistake?

What if I couldn't keep her safe?

What if I lost it all?

What if...

CHAPTER THREE

MORGAN

Ipaced up and down the hallway, I had no idea what to do.

I could run? Pack my bags and start fresh, but let's be honest, it would break my grandfather’s heart.

He has arranged for me to marry a Rivera.

It could be worse, I mean, it couldalwaysbe worse.

He wasn't bad looking, but the family had a reputation... and not a good one.

They've been so wrapped up in the land scandal and murders for a while and now my hand was being given to him.

The sheriff of Lovelock Bay.

“Morgan,” I hear the sound of my pops’ voice, and my heart shatters inside my chest, the aching makes it cave in on itself and I find myself catching my breath as I stop, turning to face him.

I let my eyes roam over his tired face. Wrinkled, pale skin and dull eyes. Hated it. Hated that the only man who ever loved me and I have loved back is getting old.

“I am doing this for you,” his voice trembles and I know his words are meant to make me feel better, but they don’t.

“I can manage by myself,” I snap at him and look out of the window at the low sun and the rolling green hills that wrap around the bottom of the mountains and I sigh.

“What about the horses? The heifers? What about all of this?” I stammer.

“Sheriff Rivera will take care of it all, you don't need to worry.”

I laugh.“Oh good, so because you said I don't need to worry... I shouldn't worry!?” and my stomach knots almost instantly as the words leave my lips.

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