Page 135 of Burning Skies
“Then why didn’t you tell me?”
Her eyes well with tears. “Because I’ve always been in love with Ian. Since high school. But then he saw a photo of you on your father’s desk and kept gushing about how beautiful you were. Even though he and I have hooked up for years, even though he knew you were my best friend, he’d still ask about you.” She takes a shuddering breath. “I was trying to talk him into telling you the truth, that he and I were connected.”
“You mean related.”
“Not really. Our parents divorced years ago. That’s when I got dumped in a boarding school. Hayes… I mean, Ian, was the only person who ever looked out for me. So I felt torn. I didn’t want to betray his confidence.”
“So you betrayed mine instead.”
“Honey, I wish you knew how bad I felt about this.”
“Good. I’m glad you feel bad. Maybe it’s an ounce of how twisted up this situation made me.” I try to get out of the wheelchair, but Beau gently grabs my shoulder.
“Princess, sit down. You have a concussion. I’ll wheel you to my truck.” When Cynthia tells me to wait, Beau warns her off. “Another time, Cynthia. Honey needs to rest. We can talk after everyone’s calmed down. It’s been a rough day.”
Trig jogs alongside my wheelchair as we cross the parking lot. “Want me to put a dead fish under her car seat?”
“Go home, Trig.” My brother’s a nut, but I know he loves me.
Once I’m loaded in Beau’s truck, my brave boyfriend grabs my hand and kisses it. “Want to come home with me? Fireball misses you.”
“I’d like that.” We drive in silence, and I close my eyes because the streetlights hurt them. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Ian’s financial threats. He stopped by the weekend before Thanksgiving to tell me I had until the first of the month to basically pick him or he’d call in our father’s loans, which I now know were fictitious.” I rub my temple. “I should have told you then, but I was hoping Cash could confirm Ian was full of shit.”
Beau blows out a breath. “And then I threw fuel on the fire with Melissa.”
Reaching out, I squeeze his rough hand. “You didn’t do that on purpose. I just want you to know that the Ian situation was really weighing on me. Maybe I wouldn’t have reacted as intensely about Melissa’s pregnancy if I wasn’t already dealing with Ian’s bullshit. I should have told you. Not that it would have necessarily changed anything, but… I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”
“How about this? Maybe we try tackling these things together as a team next time? Because you have my back and I sure as fuck have yours.”
Smiling, I nod. “I’d like that.”
When we reach his ranch, he tilts his head. “Listen, my family wanted to see you at the hospital, but I told them you had enough going on and they could see you tomorrow. Except… I don’t think they’re waiting much longer.”
Turning, I see a bunch of trucks parked in front of Beau’s cabin. “Aww, that’s really sweet.”
“I think they let themselves into my house.” He chuckles as he pulls to a stop. “You should probably get used to that too, but hopefully they’re learning to knock.”
“I love your family. They’re always so supportive of each other.”
He nods slowly. “I’m kinda thinking your brothers are that for you too.”
He’s right. “They are. And look at how well you guys got along today. I guess me almost dying chilled them out, huh?”
Leaning over, he kisses my forehead. “Let’s not repeat that. I’m pretty sure I can handle your brothers. No dying necessary.”
“I’m on board.”
“Good. Stay here for a second.” He hops out of his truck and comes around to help me.
Once I’m on the ground, I wrap my arms around him, and he pulls me close. “Beau, when I thought I was going to die, the only person I wanted to see was you. I should’ve told you I loved you sooner.”
He nuzzles my neck. “I thought the same thing. It killed me that you’re the love of my life, and I never told you.”
Leaning back, I grin at him. “I’m the love of your life?”
“Really and truly. Nothing makes sense without you. So yeah. You’re it for me. I hope you can handle me.”
I chuckle. “I think I handle you just fine.”
