Page 22 of The Reason I Married Him
“It’s how the business works,” I say. “But hopefully, we’ll have something soon.”
“Maybe Hayes can write an original score for you,” Ryland says with a goofy grin on his face.
“Ooo, that would be amazing,” Hattie says. “Then we could go to the Oscars.”
“Jumping the gun there, babe,” Hayes says.
“No, have you heard your stuff? It’s Oscar-worthy,” Hattie says.
“I’m always up for collaborating,” I say. Pretty sure having Hayes Farrow write and perform an original score for my movie will only help me, given his popularity and talent.
“Thanks,” Hayes says. “I’ll have to give it some thought.”
Hattie turns toward me, a huge smile on her face as she says, “That would be a yes from us. Thank you.” She has the same spirit as Cassidy. Almost feels like she’s sitting across from me right now.
“Are you working on anything new?” I ask Hayes.
“Some things here and there. Nothing too serious, though. I recently finished a year-long tour, so I’m taking a break before I start back up. Plus, I enjoy helping Hattie with The Almond Store.”
“Is that what you’ve been running?” I ask her.
She nods with a giant smile. Seriously, this girl’s energy is electric. I remember her being bubbly, but this is a whole new level. I wonder how much of it has to do with her being in the right place in her life? Probably all of it. Great job. Great family. Great partner in life. I remember when I was close to that, and now . . . this is rock bottom, getting ready to beg a woman who can’t be in the same room as me to be my wife.
“I took possession of it a few weeks ago, and it’s been amazing. Aubree’s working on the farm, and Ryland, well, he has the toughest job of all.” Hattie nods toward MacKenzie, who half hangs off the couch, sleeping with her horses, one in each arm.
“Oh Jesus,” Ryland says when he spots her. “I should get her up to bed.”
“And I should probably get going,” I say. “I’ve overstayed my welcome.”
“Not at all,” Ryland says. “You’re always welcome here, man.”
“Thanks,” I reply as I stand and offer him another handshake. As he picks up MacKenzie and carries her up the stairs, I turn toward Hattie and ask, “Is he doing okay?”
Hattie nods. “Much better than when Cassidy initially passed away. I think a lot was riding on him, and now that I moved back here and Hayes is here, there’s more help than just Aubree.”
“Aubree was helping too?” I ask.
Hattie nods. “She lives in the guest house so she can help Ryland whenever he needs it. At first, she took care of the farm and the store, which was a lot on her, but now that I have the store, she can focus on the farm. She loves it.”
“Seems like she was right. I was a few months shy of being able to help.”
Hattie waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t listen to her. She’s grumpy because her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend are back in town...and married. To each other. Granted, they both treated her like shit, so she’s a little sensitive to that, but she’ll come around.”
Interesting. Good information to have. Don’t make friends with those people.
“Oh shit, that’s awful. Who is it?” I ask.
“Amanda and Matt. I think they just bought the yellow house on Nutshell Drive. Anyway, she’ll be better. I promise. I’m sure if you stop by here tomorrow, she can show you around the farm. You own half of it, after all.”
“That would be awesome,” I say, surprised Hattie knew about my ownership. Then again, the Rowleys are a tight-knit group. They probably know everything about each other. “Any suggestion on what to wear?”
“Anything that you don’t mind getting dirty. It’s dusty out there, so leave your nice clothes at home.”
“Noted. Thanks, Hattie, and thank you for being so welcoming. I was pretty damn nervous driving over here. Wasn’t sure how I’d be received.”
“Listen,” Hattie says, walking up to me now. “You’re family. We’re all bonded by MacKenzie, and the more people she has in her life who love her, the better. I’m just glad you came to visit.”
“Thank you.”
