Page 12 of Branded Mine

Kacey quietly began gathering the papers, clearly trying to give us space.

Ryder straightened. “Your land,” he said.

I waited.

His gaze held mine. “Your choice.”

That was all. No argument, accusation, or attempt to make the decision for me. For some reason, his restraint bothered me more than anger would have.

Kacey closed the folder and stood. “I’ll have the listing active by tomorrow morning. Once the roads are fully clear, I’ll schedule the photographer for the exterior shots. Sound good?”

“Okay.”

He looked between Ryder and me before giving me a quick, friendly handshake. “Call if you need anything at all. I’m here to make this process as smooth as possible.”

“I will.”

Ryder opened the front door for him. Kacey stepped onto the porch then glanced back with a slightly awkward wave.

“Nice to meet you,” he said. “Try not to scare off any potential buyers if they come around.” He chuckled tightly, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Ryder said nothing, but the corner of his mouth did curve into a slow, dark smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Kacey let out a nervous laugh, cleared his throat, and gave a little nod before quickly walking to his car.

Ryder closed the door behind him with a soft click that somehow felt ominous.

And the silence that followed pressed heavily against me.

6

The quiet that followed Kacey’s departure was suffocating.

I crossed my arms and stared at Ryder. “You could say what you’re thinking.”

“Already did.”

“You don’t want me to sell.”

“No.”

The bluntness of the answer didn’t startle me. That was how Ryder had always been, but it did make me feel some sort of way I didn’t want to name.

“Then why didn’t you argue?”

He looked at me as if the question made no sense. “Would it change your mind?”

I shrugged. “Probably not.” Although, I didn’t know if that was the truth.

“Then there’s nothing to argue about.”

I hated the way that answer made me feel. He didn’t sulk, didn’t try to manipulate me, and didn’t behave as if all the work he’d done gave him any claim over my decision. He simply accepted that I might erase something he wholeheartedly thought was mine and mine alone.

“I should get home,” I said.

Ryder glanced toward the windows. The rain had slowed to a mist, and the sky had lightened enough to reveal the distant ridge.

“I’ll drive you.”