Page 61 of Peaches & Pistols

Her focus never leaves the dazzling spectacular on the flatscreen, but her mind is right here in this room with me.

“A few?” she hedges.

“Yea?”

“Yea. I think I’d like to give the equine therapy a try, the girls think it could help me. I also want to try more new things. I had no control over my life for so long, I’ve missed out on countless experiences. Even if I only do one new thing this year, I’ll be satisfied.”

I’ll take her to do any new experience in the world, so long as I could see her smile.

“And…I want to be free from Carter for good. I want to divorce him and get full custody of Everly. I have no idea where to start, but I’ll make it happen.” This resolution is closer to being met than she knows.

The second she says go, I’ve got the paperwork ready for her to sign and have greased the wheels to get it approved quickly. That fucker has no idea what’s coming for him. There’s no bigger fool than the one who didn’t cherish this woman the way she deserves.

“Ten…nine…” the audience screams from Times Square.

“Those are great resolutions, and I’m here to help you accomplish them however you see fit.” I hug her to me tighter.

“Six…five…”

Mia pulls back from my embrace and looks into the depths of my soul.

“Thank you, Greyson.” She has no idea the lengths I’d go to for her.

“Two…one…happy New Year!” Merriment erupts from the freezing cold revelers.

“It’s not a resolution, but there’s one thing I want this year,” I say, my voice rumbling below the din from the TV.

“What’s that?” Mia’s eyes flit between my own.

“This.”

With one arm supporting her, I cage her in with my body and gently collar her throat high against her jaw, and seal my mouth to her plump lips, parted on a gasp.

Her small hand wraps around my wrist and melts into the kiss.

I don’t take more than she offers. I’d never push her to do anything she didn’t want.

Our mouths move together languidly, just lips and pressure. No tongues, no nips. Her breath hitches but she doesn’t move far away.

The silence stretches painfully long, and I fear I’ve royally fucked up. Goddamn it, what the fuck were you thinking, kissing the nanny?

Just before I try to undo my brazen lack of self-control, she leans in and gives me a single, sweet peck on the lips.

“Happy New Year, Greyson.” Her smile lights the dim living room.

And as she walks to her bedroom to turn in for the night, she takes my heart with her.

21

My palms sting from how hard my nails are digging in. I’m standing in the frigid January morning outside the stables at Lucky Spurs Ranch. I wasn’t invited but have been told countless times I’m always welcome.

After I dropped the girls at school, the car drove me here on its own. I live at Greyson’s, but there’s something inexplicable about Lucky Spurs Ranch that feels like home.

The Andersens are so genuine, but it took time for me to trust that it’s not a façade. I’m ashamed I doubted these kind people when they’ve proven to be a godsend.

Spending time with them has been a revelation. My parents’ detachment and Charlie’s death left me vulnerable to a predator like Carter. I was so desperate to be seen and to be loved, I entered into our marriage with blinders on.

As it turns out, I have some trauma to work through. Delilah’s been encouraging me to visit her at Hope at Lucky Spurs Ranch for months. As I breathe in the crisp Rocky Mountain air, I know I’m ready to accept help.