Page 97

A solo squad car is near the barn. Chance and Dennis are standing with a uniformed officer. My boyfriend appears to be having a casual chat with his uncle and the cop. He looks… relieved?

His relaxed posture and calm features release a knot of pressure from behind my sternum. I hadn’t realized the strain was lodged there until it’s suddenly easier to breathe. Chance’s attention is on me while I park near the house. The last thing I want to be is in the way. My steps are cautious as I approach the trio. It sounds like they’re just wrapping up their conversation.

“You’ve got my direct line. If anything else comes to mind that might be helpful, give me a holler.” The cop offers them both a handshake before turning for his vehicle. He sends me a wave and slides behind the wheel.

My mind is reeling as I lift my arm to return the gesture. Chance covers the remaining distance between us, quickly tugging me against him. His lips meet the crown of my head. I melt into him and his exhale sounds like everything is right in the world.

“Howdy, Gemma.” Dennis tips the brim of his cowboy hat at me while an easy smile appears on his worn face. He doesn’t seem bothered in the least that his brother was just arrested.

“Hi.” I glance from him to my boyfriend. “Is it true?”

Chance doesn’t hesitate or ask for clarification. “Yes.”

“How? Why?” My thoughts are spinning too fast. “You said—”

“I won’t go,” he recites. “Which is true. I didn’t. He came to me. They both did.”

“Your mom is here? Or was, I guess. Did you know she was with your dad?”

He shakes his head. “That wasn’t part of the plan, but I don’t regret it. She was just after my money too. They belong together.”

“Behind bars,” Dennis hoots. “Never thought I’d see the day. You did us all a favor, son.”

“Thanks.” Chance tucks his chin.

“Don’t be modest.” His uncle jostles his much taller frame. “You’re a hero. Family needs to stick together and stand up for what’s right, even if that means turning your mom and dad over to the authorities.”

“I just needed to put that part of my past to rest,” Chance explains.

“And we’re all safer because of it. You used yourself as bait. Byron never volunteered to do that,” Dennis teases.

“He has Ronnie to think about. I don’t blame him for keeping his head down.” His smile tips higher when he mentions his niece.

“You have a whole future to consider too. Take the credit.” The Benson patriarch stares him down, daring him to argue again.

Chance lifts his palms. “If you insist.”

“I’m sure you and Gemma have much to discuss. I’ll hit the road.” Dennis begins walking toward his pickup. “Thanks again, Chance. I’m in your debt. Let me know when you’re ready to collect.”

After we exchange a few more parting words—it wouldn’t be a proper Minnesota goodbye without them—Dennis drives away. There are many questions sitting heavy between us. I’m not sure which one to choose first. Chance makes the choice for me.

“He offered me a promotion in the family business.”

My gaze leaps to his. “Doing what?

His hand scrubs over the stubble on his jaw. “I can be in charge of trailer sales, feed manufacturing, or start my own branch of the company. He’d give me the necessary funds to get whatever that might be off the ground.”

“That’s very generous. Are you leaning in a certain direction?”

“Whichever way you’re going.” Chance bends until our lips meet. “That’s where I want to be.”

I sway into him, deepening the kiss. “Don’t let me hold you back. Dennis is offering you an incredible opportunity.”

A cavernous groove forms between his eyebrows. “Are you mad at me?”

“No,” I say quickly. “Why would I be?”

“You just made it sound like I’d make a career decision without you.”