Page 21 of The Reason I Married Him
Let’s face it, I knew Aubree was going to be a challenge, but from the sneer and annoyance pulling on her shoulders, I’m guessing she’ll be a lot more of a challenge than I initially expected.
Staying calm and remembering the plan, I clasp my hands together and say, “I wanted to come visit. It was long overdue. I should have been here when Cassidy was passing, and I wasn’t. I want to apologize for my absence and see if there is anything that I can do to help.”
“A few months late,” Aubree says, that scowl having the ability to scare the hair off grown men. Me included.
“Hey.” Ryland glances over at her. “Don’t be rude.”
“Don’t be rude?” Aubree asks, looking shocked. “Uh, earth to Ryland, he hasn’t been around for a long time, and then all of a sudden he shows up?” I have this unnerving feeling that she can see right through me.
“I know how it looks,” I say. “But I do want to spend some time with MacKenzie and, I don’t know, maybe revisit the town that my brother loved so much. There were things about it that he loved, so I figured I could soak them in.”
“Do you have a place to stay?” Hattie asks. “Hayes and I have plenty of room. And I know Ryland would offer up the couch if you’re into lumpy slumbers.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Thanks for the offer, but I really don’t want to impose. I have a suite over at the inn.”
“The inn is beautiful, isn’t it? Did you know that Ethel has your books on her shelves?” Hattie asks.
“Yup,” I answer. “She showed them to me. She actually wants to set up a book signing while I’m here. I told her I was up for anything.”
“God, she must have been fumbling all over you,” Ryland says. I can’t help but inwardly chuckle at how Aubree’s siblings bypassed her crankiness and kept up with the good-natured conversation. “We never told her who you were out of fear that she might maul you. How was it . . . did she try to bury her body against yours?”
“Nah.” I smile. “She was really respectful. Fun conversation with her actually.”
“Good,” Hattie says. “So do you have an itinerary while you’re here?”
“Not really. Don’t have any books that need to be written. On a bit of a lull at the moment.” To avoid weakening my image, I decide it’s best not to discuss my recent loss.The broken groom.Not the greatest life moment. Perhaps I should write Cadance into one of my books.As the assailant.“Figured I would just help out where it’s needed, especially with the farm, and hang out around town.”
Aubree grows closer. “Why did you say especially with the farm? The farm is doing great. We don’t need your help.”
If I didn’t know any better, I would have sworn she grew Wolverine-length claws as she said that, ready to strike at any time.
I offer her a reassuring smile. “I’m not saying it’s not doing well, but you know, I’m here to help in whatever capacity needed.”
“The farm doesn’t need your help.”
“Hey, Aubree, why don’t you chill out,” Ryland says.
On a huff, she rolls her eyes and heads out the screen door, letting it slap against the doorframe to announce her exit.
Ryland lets out a heavy sigh. “Sorry about that. She got some news today that she wasn’t expecting, and I think she’s reacting from that.”
Doubt it, but I’ll run with the storyline.
“Not a problem,” I say.
Ryland holds up the cookies and says, “Shall we have some dessert and catch up?”
“Would love that,” I answer. “Can I wash up first?”
“That’s amazing,”Hattie says. “A freaking movie. Please tell me when your agent got the call that a producer was picking up your book for adaptation that you peed in your pants just a little.”
I laugh before sipping the soda Ryland brought me when we sat at the dining room table. “I wouldn’t say I peed, but there were definite tears in my eyes.”
“Aw, that’s so amazing. Do you know when they’ll start filming?”
“Well, right now, they’re in the casting phase, which can sometimes take forever. There’s a script, which was job number one, but when they send it to certain actors we want to cast, they have exclusive reading rights for three weeks. If they pass, we have to offer it to someone else for another three weeks, so it takes some time.”
“Oh, that’s annoying.”
