Page 104 of One Wild Chance

I kept asking what I’d done and why he didn’t stay. Why wasn’t I enough for him?

After that, I stopped letting people get close. And now, against my better judgment, I’ve let Jaxon in.

My future is built on Jaxon being at Lucky Chance, and it’s terrifying to know I’ve walled myself into a glass box that he could shatter.

Somewhere along the way, I trust-fell backward into his arms without meaning to, and he’s been there every time to catch me. But being caught once doesn’t cure the fear of falling, and a promise to stay for now isn’t a promise to stay forever.

Looking at Jaxon’s face—so calm and kind—I’m starting to think I might be willing to lower my guard. I want to believe he’s the kind of man who doesn’t change his mind once it’s set.

I take my first bite, and he watches me eat, waiting for my response. “Okay,” I agree. “This is really good.”

His grin is insufferable. “Told you.”

On the table sits a small bouquet of wildflowers that wasn’t there last night.

“Jaxon—” I say, reaching for a deep-hued, magenta zinnia in a mason jar, alongside some purple fall asters and the last of the coneflowers. “Where did these come from?”

“Before you scold me for picking your flowers, Mom planted these next to the fence line. Seemed a shame not to enjoy them.”

It looks exactly like something I might put together. My heart flutters inside my chest. “Jaxon Chance, are you bribing me so I’ll never leave?”

“That’s the idea,” he says with a wink.

This man has somehow found the two fastest routes to my heart—food and flowers. And right now, I am so gone for him.

He is kind and thoughtful in a way that most people don’t see. He cares about this ranch and the people like family, and I know he’d throw himself in front of a stampede of horses to protect me. I want him in all aspects of my life—across the table at breakfast, riding in the saddle next to me, and holding my hand while visiting my mom.

But I’m torn between my growing feelings for Jaxon and little Summer’s fear of rejection, that he’ll eventually leave.

“By the way,” he says, pulling my thoughts back to him. “Dr. Holcomb left me a message last night. Said the colt’s wound was just superficial. No tendon damage.”

“What a relief,” I say. “That means he can still go to Keeneland.”

“Holcomb’s stopping by one more time today, just to make sure he’s still doing well. Earl is handling it.”

“Good. Because today I need to get everything ready for the open house.”

He pauses mid-bite. “I thought that wasn’t for another month?”

“I had to move it up to right after Keeneland. I’ve gotten so many inquiries about touring the wedding venue that waiting felt like leaving money on the table. Which means the next few days are about to get a little insane.”

His frown deepens. “Are you sure you’re up for that after fainting last night?”

“I feel great today,” I say with a smile that seems to ease his worry. “Besides, the sooner I get deposits from couples, the better for Lucky Chance. I’ve planned to keep the event small, anyway.”

“Really?” He sets his fork down. “This is basically the grand opening of Wildflower Weddings. You don’t want small.”

“I can’t pull off a big event in a week after Keeneland, Jaxon. Not without help. Especially with Keeneland breathing down our necks first.”

He wipes his hands on a napkin. “What if I found you some help?”

“We can’t afford to hire anyone. And the farm crew is already maxed out getting ready for the sale.”

“I wasn’t thinking of hiring anyone.” He picks up his mug. “My brothers will be here later this week.”

“But I thought they were all too busy to help⁠—”

“I got a group text yesterday,” he says. “Miraculously, all three of them have Thursday and Friday off.”