“Me too. I guess we share the same affliction.”
“But you found Daisy. You talked to her without your nerves impeding you.”
“Yes.”
“Then go get her, Asher. However that has to happen. Go see her.”
He smiled. “Now? It’s nearly eleven o’clock at night. Shouldn’t I plan it out and get the money and…”
“Go. Now. You’ve wasted way too much time as it is. Just go to the airport and fly to her.”
He stared at his dad and AJ tilted his head. Was he for real? “What about you?”
“What about me? I’m going to my new ranch. I’ll start making a list of all the things I want to do with it. If that’s what you want, of course.”
“Yeah… yes. Okay. But just so you know, half of why I came here was to be alone. Hunter was staying there and pretty much likes it now, although he says he hates it. So, I don’t know how that fits into your plans but—”
AJ shrugged. “Eh. Fine. Hunter’s a good guy. He can stay.”
“He doesn’t do ranch work. Or physical work in general. So, he’s pretty useless there.”
“Is he good company?”
“Yeah.” Asher grinned. “He’s decent company.”
“Works for me.”
“This is for real?” Asher had butterflies in his guts. Due to excitement? Yeah. To just go and do this? Could he win back Daisy? Could they make this work? The plan was not insane but far-fetched, although he had a strong, strange urge to act on it now.
AJ smiled and waved a hand. “Go now. I’m cold and need to get back to your ranch.”
Asher rose to his feet and realized something. “You sat here because you couldn’t face the house, could you?”
AJ got up. “No. I could not stand that empty house. I much prefer your ranch.”
Asher handed him the keys. “It’s yours.”
AJ took the keys and hugged him. Startled, he squeezed his dad’s big frame and let it engulf him. When they released each other, AJ repeated, “Now, get out of here.”
Asher ran, he freaking ran for no reason except he had a plan. He was more than excited… He wanted Daisy back.
Daisy’s phone woke her up with a series of incoming text signals. Groggily, she rolled over and grabbed the phone, nearly flinging it across her bed until she caught the name. That got her full attention.
Asher?
He ignored her for months. Now he contacts her? At freaking midnight?
Sitting up, she opened her messages. His words melted her heart and she practically devoured them. Oh. My. God.
I was wrong about everything. Mostly, I was scared. Scared to lose you now, or a month from now, or years from now. Thirty-seven years, like my parents had. I was afraid to end up all alone standing in front of everyone and talking about the love I lost with you. I was terrified of becoming my dad. That’s why I refused to even discuss it with you.
I’m sorry now for running and being scared.
I know you enjoy being a lawyer. In a city. I get that. I support it. I want you to have it.
Dad offered to switch houses with me. He’s giving me his house and taking my ranch. He said he’s not retiring yet and wants to work on my ranch. It frees us to live on Rydell land or sell the house and move anywhere you like. I could buy another ranch, or a ranchette to give me something to do during the day and you could be a lawyer in a nearby city. You’d be amazing. You could still be just as ambitious and fabulous. I swear. Whatever you need, we’ll find a way.
I love you, Daisy Rydell. And I don’t want to wait another day for you. Whatever you want, is what I want for however long we can be together. I’m all in.
She blinked.
He texted his declaration of love.
Smiling and laughing, Daisy shook her head as she gripped the phone.
It dinged again.
She looked down.
I should have come to you in person, but Dad told me to quit waiting and do it now. This was the fastest way. I can come to you and talk as long as you need… just give me a chance… let me know…
She waited a moment before texting back.
Stuff to finish here. I will meet you at three o’clock on Saturday, at 555 Main Street Brewster, WA.
That had to confuse him. Sure. But she had her own plans and this time, an equal say in the matter. She needed a few days to know that Asher Reed was finally seeing them as lasting forever. And she wanted to let him know that she was all in too.
Ok. That’s not what I expected. But I’ll be there. Do you agree with what I said?
Oh. Asher was nervous and unsure? How unusual. And it was only two days away.
She answered, Everything is great. I promise. Trust me. Meet me.
I do. I will.
She smiled and didn’t sleep for a moment as her excitement filled her. Two days to finally share forever? No more doubts this time? Yes.
Well, having to wait two days before showing up in Brewster was not what Asher expected. He was more prepared for her rejection of his text and heartfelt declaration. But asking him to meet her was not what he foresaw. He was halfway to the airport to fly out and see her when she set that up. The crushing disappointment was insurmountable. Asher turned around and drove back home, reaching his ranch at four am. Flopping onto his bed, he felt annoyed and disgruntled. That mood seeped into the next day, making him surly, and his anxiety gnawed at his stomach lining. What was going on?
AJ settled in way too quickly and seemed amused by Daisy’s counter plan.
“Not what I expected either. But have faith,” AJ replied when Asher told him.
“What could she be doing? She had no idea I’d text her that night and say the things I did. It’s been months…”
“Well, I don’t know. You’ll have to go and see.” His dad’s calm tone made Asher clench his fists and jaw as he stomped away.
The time crawled by slowly.
Finally, it was Saturday. Asher showered carefully and debated what clothing to wear. Casual? Formal? He wanted to be perfect this time.
For once, he planned to show her that. He wore freshly ironed slacks and a button-down shirt. He also left with plenty of time to get there.
He pulled into the parking lot of a non-descript building just off the main thoroughfare. It looked kind of dumpy, but whatever.
He waited. Couldn’t she try to arrive early? If this were as big a day in her mind as it felt to him, why would she wait so long to show up?
But she had to fly in, and it was a long drive from the airport. Maybe she was stuck in traffic. But still…
He wanted her to be early.
Time ticked and the minutes felt like hours. He resisted the urge to drive off so he wouldn’t be so obviously waiting. Instead, he tapped his foot and flipped the annoying radio off. That heightened his nerves and made the quiet even louder. So, he turned the annoying songs back on.
Finally, he spotted a car. She was driving in and right on time. What did that mean? Not five minutes early or late. She was exactly on time.
He forced himself to stay in his car until she got out of hers.
In a casual manner, Asher met her halfway between his truck and her car, next to the sidewalk. He took in her blond hair, styled in long waves and looking like she put some time into her appearance. Her makeup was not overdone but very attractive. She wore jeans and a blazer. Daisy obviously was prepared to see him today. Good.