Page 110 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

“As much as Lucky Spurs Ranch is my heart, my soul, and my home—it’s a business. And sometimes big risks lead to great rewards. It often takes upfront losses to see a return back on new investments—such as bringing a farrier in-house. Decisions at the ranch are solely my responsibility, but if you’d like to discuss it with James and my folks, they’d be open,” he offers.

I think it over, fiddling with shit on the desk. I know what I want, but I’m afraid to ask for the help. Stop being a pussy.

I clear my throat, sit tall and meet Reid’s attention.

“If it’s my choice, if my opinion matters in your decision making, I’d like to focus full-time on the farrier program and help train a new stable manager and staffer.” I gulp.

“Done.” Reid pushes off from the door frame, widening his stance. “What else?”

Is he serious? I can’t ask for anything else. Can I?

When I don’t say anything, Reid speaks up.

“The two of us have kicked ass on your house build. Haven’t had to rely too heavily on contractors, but we’re on the final push. If you’ve got the cash to burn, I’d suggest we hire out a few of the remaining jobs.”

I cringe. I wanted to build Delilah’s home with my own hands. Maybe asking for help doesn’t negate the work I’ve done…

“I’d also suggest—if you’re comfortable—letting the rest of the family in on the plan. You’re so close to the finish line. If you’d be willing to tell James, Grey, my folks, Isabelle, Olivia, and your sister, we could knock it out of the park. I know you told CJ. He ain’t exactly a builder, but based on your elopement, he’s proven he can herd cats like a pro, which we’re gonna need.” He chuckles.

My hands have tangled themselves in my hair, tugging painfully. Fuck. If I want to pass my farrier program and not let Reid and the ranch down, I need help.

God, how I wish my dad was around. I’d give anything to have his hand on my shoulder and his gruff voice encouraging me. But maybe I could convince Quincy. Being out on Sam’s land would be hard on her, but maybe it’d help her grieve and heal as well.

“This close to the end, no one’s going to blow the secret. Everyone will want Delilah to be surprised and happy. Ain’t no one in the family going to fuck that up for you,” he chastises.

“Shit. You’re right. I didn’t mean to come across as distrustful. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone,” I say, before promptly receiving a slap upside the back of my head.

“Come on loverboy, we’ve got troops to wrangle,” he says, walking away expecting me to follow him like a puppy. Which I do.

“You can’t be serious.” Delilah wails as Iz and Liv take off her pajamas and dress her like a Barbie doll.

“Deadly,” Liv says—damn that girl’s fucking terrifying. James must have balls of steel to deal with that one.

“Chop, chop, twinie,” Izzy says.

“I can’t go vacationing right now! I graduate in two weeks! I don’t have time for this!” Delilah shrieks, expecting to me to save her from her sister and best friend.

“Connorrrrr!” she whines.

“You owe me, Lilah. I didn’t get to come to your wedding, you’re giving me a girl’s trip,” Liv says lightly, but completely serious.

I usher the girls out of our bedroom and sit my wife on the bed. Kneeling in front of her, I gently brush her silken hair out of her face and run my thumb over her bottom lip.

“Dollface, you deserve this. You need a break. You’ve worked your cute little ass off and are so close to finishing. You told me yourself you only have one more session with Tanya, and you’ll be observing, not running the workshop.”

She objects but I cup my palm over her mouth silencing her.

“Take a deep breath and have some breakfast. Izzy brought Mrs. Andersen’s lemon-cream cheese Danish you love. Let the girls pack for you and you’re leaving your phone and laptop with me.”

Panic floods her eyes. I don’t like taking her phone any more than she does, but she needs to disconnect to relax. Plus, I can’t risk anyone spoiling the secret.

“We can communicate through Izzy and Liv. You’re going to the new library lake house Izzy themed for Swift Property Management to do nothing other than read, relax, eat, laugh, and sleep. Okay? I’m not taking no for an answer, baby,” I say with no room for argument.

She gives me the cutest stink eye but melts under my stare. The minx licks my palm, and I remove my hand from her mouth, wiping it on her face.

“Connor!” she squeals, wiping at her cheek.

“Don’t lick me if you don’t like the consequences.” I chuckle.