She gulped in a breath, unexpected tears coming to her eyes.
“Your mama and I had no right to try and force our agenda on you.” Regret flashed in his eyes. “We were desperate,” he swallowed, “but that’s no excuse.”
“No, it’s not,” she said through gritted teeth. She looked past him. “Mama didn’t come with you?”
A look of apology came over him. “She’s getting together with friends at the club tonight.”
“I see.” No big surprise there. It was just like Mama to hold a grudge.
“Caroline will come around eventually. It’ll just take time.”
“Yeah,” she said flatly. “I won’t hold my breath.”
He gave her a pleading look. “Can you ever forgive me?”
“I’m working on it,” she squeaked. Knowing that Daddy had point-blank lied to her face was a bitter pill to swallow, but he was her daddy, after all. She couldn’t stay mad at him forever. Forgiveness was the only answer, but it would take time.
His eyes glistened as he smiled. “You really were fantastic out there.” He shook his head. “Where on earth did you learn to ride like that?”
“Do you remember Lisa Crawford?”
“The one who worked at the ranch?”
“Yeah, she taught me.” Resentment settled like heavy stones on her chest. “When Mama found out, she fired her.”
His jaw went slack as he shook his head. “I had no idea.” Remorse washed over him. “I’m sorry you felt like you had to keep that part of yourself hidden.” His jaw started working as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Emerson got the feeling he was mustering up the nerve to tell her something. She braced herself, wondering what it was.
A fellow barrel racer named Kris walked by and waved. “Great ride tonight.”
“Thanks,” Emerson replied, smiling back. “You did great too.” She turned her attention back to Daddy who’d moved over to stand by a metal fence. He leaned against it, propping his elbows on top.
She went over to stand beside him.
A shadow moved over Ethan’s features. “When you announced to those reporters that you weren’t marrying Finley, I was livid.”
She tensed. He claimed that he’d come to apologize, but now she wondered if he might have another agenda.
He chuckled. “After the fury wore off, I realized that I’d felt something else too—pride.” His voice quivered. “I’m proud that you have the determination to carve out your own life.” She marveled at the touch of admiration in his eyes. Was he for real? “I saw a little of myself in you … or at least the man I used to be.” A wistful smile touched his lips. “I hope to become reacquainted with that man.”
Kudos to Daddy for apologizing, although she wasn’t a hundred percent sure if he was sincere. Unfortunately, it would take time to rebuild her trust in him. Her hand went to her hip. “What’s happening with the merger?”
He sighed heavily. “Dead in the water.”
She’d figured as much. Worry churned in her gut as she studied him. “What’re you going to do?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Well, for starters, I plan to sell off a hundred acres or so on the outskirts of the ranch. It’s prime property. The proceeds can go toward paying the debt.”
“You should be okay selling the land. You’ve never utilized a hundred percent of the space.”
He gave her an appraising look. “Exactly.”
“One thing you might consider is selling to a developer for a planned, upscale community. That way, you can ensure that the ranch will hold its value.”
He stroked his chin. “A great idea.”
“Will the proceeds from the sale be enough to put you back in the black?”
His mouth formed a grim line. “I’m not sure, but at least it’ll be a start. I’ve thought about finding other investors. I really liked the idea of using cutting-edge software to systemize our processes and improve our productivity.”
“Kenton Landers is not the only software developer on the planet.”
He smiled. “My thoughts exactly.” He gave her a speculative look. “You mentioned your inheritance.”
“Yeah?” Wariness settled over her. Was he going to ask her for money? She would help her parents in a heartbeat if it came to that, but she was kind of hoping to hold onto her nest egg.
“I was wondering if you might want to invest in the ranch.”
She thought back to something he’d said. “You said my inheritance would only be a drop in the bucket.”
He winced, scratching his head. “Yeah, I know. I said a lot of things I shouldn’t have. I was greedy, determined to move forward with the merger at all costs.” He held up a hand. “Back to the inheritance, I wouldn’t want you to invest all of it. Just a portion.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “What would be the return?”
A grin tugged at his lips. “You’re a smart cookie.”
“I learned from the best.”
“How about this? In addition to your investment, you come in and help me manage the ranch, and I’ll give you forty percent of the company.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Only forty percent?”
“It’s a generous offer, sugar bug. No way I’d extend that offer to anyone but you.”
“How about fifty percent?”
He laughed. “You’re tough.” He paused. “How about forty-nine percent?” He spread his hands. “I’d like to maintain control of the company I started. Surely you can understand that.”
Yes, she did understand. Daddy was right. It was one heck of an opportunity. The idea was enticing. She’d always wanted to manage the ranch, but she’d never again get herself into a situation where she was at her parents’ mercy. Plus, now there was Riker to consider. They’d gotten super close over the past month. No way she’d make a decision like this without talking to him first. “I’ll tell you what … we’ll meet next week and go over the particulars, and then I’ll give you my answer. How’s that?”
“You drive a hard bargain.” He searched her face. “I sure wish you’d give me an answer tonight.”
She laughed lightly. “Sorry, Daddy, but I need time to think it over.” She straightened her shoulders. “That’s just the way it is.”
He blew out a breath. “All right.” His eyes softened. “I’m so proud of you.”
A lump formed in her throat. “Thank you.” A little of the anger melted away.
He held out his hands for a hug. It only took her half a second to respond. She rushed into his arms, returning the hug, tears trickling down her cheeks. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too,” he uttered.
Emerson spotted Riker standing in line at the concession stand, one person back from the front.
“How did it go?” he asked when she stepped up beside him.
“Pretty good, actually. Daddy asked me to forgive him for all the crap he put me through.”
“What did you say?”
She shrugged. “That I need more time.”
He nodded in understanding.
“Also, he asked me to invest part of my inheritance in the ranch. He wants me to come on board and help him manage it too. In exchange for all that, I’ll get forty-nine percent of the company.”
His eyebrow shot up. “What did you tell him?”
“That I’d have to think it over.” Her eyes locked with his, the people and commotion around them fading. “I wanted to talk to you first, so we can decide together.” A smile curved her lips. “After all, our paths are now irrevocably intertwined.”
He rewarded her with a smile so dazzling that it nearly took her breath away. “I love the way you think.” He draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. He nuzzled her ear with his lips. “Forty-nine percent of the ranch is nothing to sneer at.”
She turned to look at him. “Do you think I should take the offer?”
“Maybe so. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”
“I do love the ranch.” She w
rinkled her nose. “But part of me fears Daddy might have some other angle. I don’t want to ever again be put in a position where he has too much control over me.”
Riker chuckled. “Something tells me you can hold your own.”
She grinned, loving the sound of that. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
They stepped up to the concession stand. She was surprised when Riker ordered only popcorn. She gave him a questioning look. “No hamburger or nachos?”
“Dad called. He said Marley’s making a big dinner tonight. Do you mind if we change our plans and head over there instead?”
“Not at all.”
“Awesome. I’ll just get some popcorn to hold me over.”
She shrugged. “Okay.”
He gave her a sideways glance. “How about you? Do you want popcorn too?”
“I’ll just eat some of yours. That way, I won’t ruin my appetite.” Her mouth watered thinking about Marley’s cooking.
He smiled at the young girl behind the counter. “One popcorn please.” He pulled out his wallet and paid.
They’d only gotten a few steps away from the concession stand when a boy yelled,
“Hey, Riker! Think fast!”
Emerson’s eyes widened as the football came spiraling toward them. Not again! Riker tossed the bucket in her direction, sending popcorn flying, as he caught the ball in a swift, deft movement.
The young boy held up both hands in a victory stance. “Yeah!”
An incredulous laugh gurgled in Emerson’s throat as she looked at the bucket of popcorn on the ground. “Are you kidding me? Talk about déjà vu."
Riker tossed the ball back to the boy, then turned to her, a sheepish grin on his face.
She shook her head. “Did you really just throw popcorn on me so you could catch the ball?”
“Sorry, it’s in the blood, I suppose.”
She made a face. “What is it with young kids throwing balls at you at concession stands?” She looked down at her shirt, which thankfully wasn’t stained. “Well, at least you didn’t get nachos this time. Thank goodness.”
He bent down to pick up the bucket. “Hey, what’s this?” He picked something up, then went down on one knee, gazing up at her.
For a split second, she didn’t realize what he was holding. Then she saw the flash of light from the diamond.
Tears sprang to her eyes as she laughed. “This whole thing was a setup.” She glanced at the young boy who was watching from nearby. He smiled broadly and gave her a thumbs up.
“Emerson Stein,” Riker began, “my beautiful, redheaded siren. I’ve loved you from the first moment I saw you.” A teasing grin tugged at his lips. “Or at least from the first minute you sucker punched me. I know we’ve only been together for a short while, but I can’t imagine my life without you.” The hope shining in his eyes caused her heart to melt. “Marry me?”
A feeling of sheer joy enveloped her to the point where she felt her heart would burst. “Yes! Ten thousand times yes!”
The instant he stood, she flung her arms around him and pressed her lips to his, giving him a long, thorough kiss.
He pulled back, his blue eyes sparkling. “Let the adventure begin!”
“Yes, indeed! Bring it on!”
Your Free Book Awaits …
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Also by Jennifer Youngblood
Check out Jennifer’s Amazon Page HERE
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The Ghost Groom (Texas Titan Romances)
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I Know You’ll Find Me (Dangerous Affections)
Hawaii Billionaire Series
Love Him or Lose Him
Love on the Rocks
Love on the Rebound
Love at the Ocean Breeze
Love Changes Everything
Loving the Movie Star
Love Under Fire (A Companion book to the Hawaii Billionaire Series)
Kisses and Commitment Series
How to See With Your Heart
Angel Matchmaker Series
Kisses Over Candlelight
The Cowboy and the Billionaire’s Daughter
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About the Author
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
For more information:
www.jenniferyoungblood.com
[email protected]
The Hometown Groom Page 18
