Page 206 of That Rush

I choose you every day.

Apparently, I needed her to choose every year after that too.

Axel takes the shovel from me. “The hole is full.”

“Then we’ll reset the hinge.”

“The hinge is fine.”

I look at him. “Do you have somewhere else to be?”

“No.” He props the shovel against the truck. “I’m wondering how long you plan to punish ranch equipment because you broke up with a woman you love.”

“I’m working.”

“You’re trying to drive a gatepost into Wyoming.”

Gravel crunches behind us. Adrienne’s SUV stops beside our trucks, and she climbs out in jeans, boots, and sunglasses with a paper bag tucked beneath one arm.

“Mom sent breakfast,” she says. “Dad needs both of you to sign something, and Axel sent me a message that said you were being an idiot with heavy equipment.”

I glare at him.

“He was already angry,” Axel tells her. “I provided context.”

Adrienne sets the bag on my tailgate and studies the post. “Did it apologize?”

“I ended the relationship. It’s not like Paige did anything wrong.”

“Then why are you mad at her?”

“Because she walked away as if I’d only asked if she wanted coffee.”

Adrienne removes her sunglasses. “You told her it was over.”

“She agreed.”

“What was she supposed to do? Wrestle you onto the floor until you took it back?”

“At least it would’ve been a response.”

Axel’s expression loses its amusement. “Did Paige refuse you, or did she refuse the move you never properly proposed?”

“I didn’t ask her to move in.”

“Exactly.”

“I asked whether she saw us sharing a home and getting married. She said she could picture marrying me, but then explained that she needed a life that could survive without me.”

Adrienne leans against the tailgate. “That sounds responsible.”

“It sounds like she’s already planning her exit.”

“It sounds like a woman who doesn’t want love to erase the rest of her.”

“She knows I would never ask her to give up her work or the cabin.”

“Does she?” Axel asks. “Josie thought Paige was moving in. Mom thought Thanksgiving was settled. You were renovating an entire building for her. Everyone knew where this was going except the woman supposedly going there.”