Page 42 of Forsaken Trail (Runaway 4)

“You don’t have to explain it to me, Brody.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “Good night.”

“Good night.” I took one last look at her face, memorizing the contours of her cheeks and the shape of her mouth.

Her image had dulled some, since the wedding. Now it was fresh. Mesmerizing.

Fuck, but I’d missed it.

Without another word, I left, making it halfway down the block when I saw the pizza delivery car zooming up the road. As I strode down the sidewalk, I pulled out my phone and called Clara.

“Did she kick you out yet?” she asked.

“Not yet.”

“What are you doing, Brody? You’re freaking out, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

She sighed. “Give it time to sink in. You two will figure it out. Long-distance parenting isn’t ideal, but it’s not impossible.”

Long-distance parenting was not an option. “I need a favor. It’s going to require you hide some details from your sister.”

“I don’t hide things from my sister.”

“Do you want her to live in Arizona?”

“Well . . . yes.”

“Then that’s the price.”

She hesitated. In the background, a cartoon played on the TV. “Tell me.”

“Tomorrow morning, I need you to buy Welcome Floral.”

“What? It’s not for sale.”

“Everything is for sale.” A truth I believed to the marrow. “Make the Backers an offer they can’t refuse.”

Chapter Eight

Aria

“You’re joking,” Mark said. “Right?”

“I’m not.”

“No.” His face fell. “You can’t leave.”

In all the years I’d known him, I’d never seen such sorrow on his face. And disappointment. I’d come in today to give my notice as head groundskeeper at The Gallaway. Mark had been in his office and I’d asked Andy if he had a moment. Better to tell them both at the same time.

“But . . . why?” Andy asked, standing beside Mark’s desk. He had one hand on the surface, holding tight like he was about to faint.

Telling them the truth, that I was pregnant, wasn’t an option. Not only did that seem cruel to Andy, but considering it was still early, I wasn’t sure if it was smart to make the announcement.

Plus they’d ask questions about the father I wasn’t ready to answer.