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“We’re there already?”
“We’re here.” She pulled into the parking lot and parked the truck.
Sawyer yawned and put his coat on, before getting out of the truck. His muscles were still sore and sitting for so long had made him stiff. He stretched as much as he could without putting too much pressure on his bruised ribs.
“Man, I feel like I’m a hundred years old.”
“Do you always feel like that after a fight?”
“No. But I usually only go a couple of rounds.”
She took his hand. “I think your body is telling you something.”
“What might that be?”
“That it doesn’t want to be abused anymore.”
He stopped walking and looked at her. “You think I should quit?”
“I’m not in any position to give you that kind of advice. But as your old and new friend, I wouldn’t mind at all if you never fought again.” She put a hand on his bruised face. “This handsome face of yours can only take so much damage before it doesn’t bounce back. And that’d be a shame.”
“Handsome, huh?”
She started walking and pulled on his hand. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
Chapter eleven
"This is the cutest horse ever."
After eating two of the best sandwiches in Montana, Sawyer and Jade continued on their trip. Four hours later, just as the sun was going down, they arrived at the ranch. As they were getting out of the truck, Jake came through the front door with a wave.
“Welcome home.” When Sawyer went onto the porch, Jake took a step back when he saw his son’s bruised face. “Shit, son.”
“Yeah. It doesn’t hurt as much as it did. But it still looks pretty bad.”
Jake pulled him in for a hug. “I’m glad you’re back. Looks like you could use some R and R.”
“Does that mean you’re not going to put me to work right away?”
Jake smiled. “I’ll give you a day or two.” He looked at Jade. “When Sawyer told me you were coming with him, I couldn’t quite believe it. How’re you doing?”
“I’m good.” She looked at the house. “It feels really good to be back here.”
He gave her a quick hug. “Come on inside. Dad is anxious to say hi. And you’ve got to meet Ember.”
“Yes. Your wife. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” He opened the door, and they all went inside. The house was warm and welcoming as always, with the smell of whatever Jacob was making for dinner, drifting out of the kitchen.
Ember and Jacob both came out of the kitchen and then stopped walking when they saw Sawyer.
Ember shook her head. “Oh, my gosh, Sawyer.” She went to him and gave him a hug, then stood back and looked him up and down. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”
He patted his side. “My ribs are a little sore.”
Jade stepped up next to him. “And he has a concussion. Self-prescribe since he refused to go to the doctor.” She held out her hand. “I’m Jade. So nice to meet you.” She nodded toward Ember’s very pregnant belly. “And congratulations on the baby.”
“Won’t be long now.” Ember took her hand. “Nice to meet you, too. Jake told me you spent quite a bit of time here as a child.”
