Page 72 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
“I know, but…”
It’s the most logical thing to do, and I went into this with such a bull attitude, determined to do this in my way because it was always his way or nothing. Foolishly, I hoped this would go my way for once.
Caldwell clears his throat. “Forgive me for offering an opinion, but giving money to that organization would bury people like mefor even longer. If they gain enough ground, even your marriage could be void.”
Stark truth, and I know it. I’m just disappointed in myself that I’ve hurt the person I care about most because of my stubbornness.
“Yeah. I’m fairly certain the divorce will wait, but I need to speak to Gabe.”
Caldwell nods in understanding. “When’s the wedding?” he asks.
Thinking of marrying Gabe the way we want always brings a smile to my lips. “June first at the ranch.” Caldwell smiles, and I recognize that sadness in his eyes. “You should join us. Nobody needs to know, Caldwell. I invited you because you helped, or for some other reason I can think of. You’ll be welcome.”
“Can I think about it?”
“Absolutely.” Standing, I offer my hand to him. “I know we met under shitty circumstances and both of us did some not great things, but…I’m willing to get past that if you are.”
He takes my offered handshake with a squeeze. “We should support each other and not fight. You give me courage, Hunter. Thank you.”
I know he means it, and he’s not a bad guy. If I get the chance to start my life over, shouldn’t everyone?
“I’ll call you after I speak to Gabe.”
After leaving the law office, I head straight to Gabe’s office. There’s no way this can wait until he’s home. After parking on the street, I walk the block up to his office. It’s a tiny wartime house nestled among all the modern business buildings, clothing stores, and boutiques. Even on a street with newer buildings, it fits in. Kind of like Gabe when he moved here.
There was a rough start as he tried to find a place, but much like his office, he’s here to stay.
My attention catches on something in one of the store windows and, I immediately head inside. A little extra grovelling won’t hurt, right?
With my purchase tucked into a cute little bag, if you’re into that kind of thing, and I know Gabe is, I finally arrive at his office.
“Hi Penny. I don’t have an appointment, but I hope Gabe is free?”
“Hi Hunter! Oh gosh, I’m sure he has time for you. He’s just on a phone call, but I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Thanks.”
Gabe’s office isn’t sterile, like the previous lawyer kept it. Over the past several months, he’s modelled his waiting room like a living room with a matching sofa and love seat. Art on the wall is by local photographers I’m familiar with. One is a herd of Mr. Bruce’s dairy cows. I’d know that barn anywhere.
A small plaque sits on a corner table, and I bend to read it.
‘Thank you for supporting our 4-H club.’
That’s my man.
It’s nothing fancy, but it warms my insides to know he keeps attending 4-H meetings without me and providing the snacks if Margie is too busy. To think he was worried about fitting in here when he came. He’s had no issue winning hearts in this town.
“This is a nice surprise.” Gabe’s voice has me turn around, and a smile fills my face even though it’s not good news that brings me here. He steps over and we kiss softly before he motions to his office. “I have to leave for a farm visit shortly, so you caught me at the right time.”
After stepping into his office, my hands suddenly feel too slick and my gift perhaps not enough of an apology.
“Hunter? Is something wrong?”
“I fucked up,” I blurt, and Gabe freezes. “I didn’t cheat or anything.”
Gabe nods slowly. “That’s…comforting. What, ah, did you do then?”
“We can’t get divorced.” Gabe’s brow furrows, and I inhale a breath so I can deliver this to him better. “I had a call from Caldwell, and someone at his office picked up on the divorce, and he didn’t file it because it —”
