“That Taft is going to be against the center in every form and will probably try to stop what we’re doing there.”
James Taft is not going to wage war and get away with it.
“He can try,” Ben bit out, “but we McAllisters are made of tougher stock than that. Hannah, you need to decide what’s best for you, but Will wants and needs that center too, and that’s why I’m going to move heaven and earth to make it happen. We’ll handle what Taft dishes out. Maybe I’ll even discover how to make his life a little difficult.”
She touched his arm. “I know you’re going to fight. Part of me wants to be there with you.”
Would he have expected anything less? “I also had run-ins with both your parents last night. Your father wants you to leave?—”
“No, he doesn’t,” she said, swallowing thickly, and filled him in on the entire conversation, one he was baffled by.
“Do you know how long it’s been since my father said he was proud of me oranythingthat resembled human kindness?”
There was accusation in her tone, but Ben knew it was directed at the only other man who’d hurt her like he had.
“Now there’s Mom’s condition to consider. I feel like everyone is either hurting because I’ll leave or worrying because I might stay. How am I supposed to make a decision with this much pain and confusion involved?”
Pain choked him. “I don’t know, and I’m sorry you have to. One thing I do know is that you’ll listen to your heart and hear what’s best for you.”
She lay back and pressed her hands to her eyes. “God, I hope so. I feel like I’m going to be out here all day, figuring things out.”
He wanted to hold her again and give her all the comfort he had inside him, but she needed to be free and clear to make her decision. Instead, he got up and stood over her, his shadow larger on the ground than he felt at this moment.
“Whatever you choose, we’re good.” He laid a hand on his heart as she lifted her gaze to his. “I want you to stay, even if what I can’t control scares me. But I’ll understand if you go. Hannah, I’ll always be glad you came back as much as I’ll always love you.”
With his piece said, he strode to his horse. Except Flame stepped back from him. Her dark eyes were almost humanlike in her understanding. He’d always thought there was some greater spirit in a horse than anyone could fully reckon.
Well, girl, you took a hell of a time to befriend the woman hurting over there.
Following his instincts, he untied her reins and then changed saddles. Orion nickered a welcome as he swung onto him and headed out.
Perhaps Sarah’s long hand was at work or something even greater. Looking back over his shoulder, he watched as Flame started walking toward Hannah.
Finally.
Turning back in the saddle, he found there was a burgeoning hope in his chest as he headed home.
By God, it felt damn good.
CHAPTER FORTY
Hannah jerkedupright when Flame took off toward her in a slow but steady gait.
Ben was riding off. What was he doing? But as she watched the cinnamon roan continue to amble forward with her head down, almost like she was embarrassed and uncertain, Hannah’s heart started to beat faster. She was coming! Was Flame finally going to forgive her?
She waited, holding her breath.
Keeping her eyes lowered to the ground, she let the mare set the terms. Sitting completely still, she waited to see what Flame would do when she reached her. She didn’t have long to wait before the mare nosed her in the cheek like she used to. Hannah didn’t even care about the horse breath that feathered back the hair on her forehead. Flame nosed her again, a clear show of affection.
She hesitantly lifted her hands and placed them around the mare’s neck like old times. Sure enough, on cue, the mare helped her to her feet. Hannah let out a triumphant laugh. “You remembered! Oh, Flame, I’ve missed you.”
The mare nudged her in the side, making her snort.
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry I left you. I didn’t want it to be for so long. Will you forgive me?”
She dug out the plastic bag of raisins in her jean pocket, the treat she’d planned to give to Orion, and shook out a few into her hand after opening it. Flame immediately started nibbling at her hand. That was when she realized Ben had changed saddles. Oh, that sweetheart.
“Boy, did you hold out on me.” She shook some more raisins into her hand when Flame nudged it. “Talk about making me sweat. I wasn’t sure you wereevergoing to forgive me.”
