Page 93 of One Wild Chance

“Jaxon,” she says with a sigh. “You and I both know that you haven’t decided what will happen after two years when you inherit Lucky Chance. You could decide to sell.”

“I won’t do anything that hurts you,” I assure her.

She doesn’t say anything. She’s already played this out in her head. As far as she’s concerned, she’s decided I’m leaving. Just like her dad.

I shift in my seat to face her. “What if I gave you equal ownership of the old barn?”

She stares at me, not blinking. “Equal? You mean…”

“Fifty-fifty,” I say. “I need to talk to my brothers first and get James involved so that your business can’t be taken from you without your consent. But I want it to be yours, legally, no matter what happens between us.”

She narrows her eyes. “What if you sell Lucky Chance?”

“Then I’ll give you the first option to buy out our half of the barn before the next owner. If you do, Wildflower Weddings would be fully yours.”

Her brows rise. I can see her turning it over, looking for the catch. That’s what happens when people walk out on you too many times.

“You’d do that?” she asks tentatively.

“Yes, I would. I want you to have Wildflower Weddings.” And I mean it. I won’t be like her dad who didn’t stick around to back up his promises. If I ever want her to believe me, I’m going to have to show her.

“But why?”

“You shouldn’t have to choose between protecting yourself and taking a chance on someone.” I shake my head. “I don’t want you to have to make that choice.”

She looks down at her hands again. “Even if this works out, I still think we should take things slow. Figure out what this actually is first.”

“Slow,” I say, nodding. “I can do slow.”

She gives me a sideways glance. “Can you, though?”

“Probably not,” I admit with a soft laugh. “But I’ll try. For you.”

The corner of her mouth lifts. It’s not a yes, exactly, but I’ll take it.

I drop her off at the market and drive back to the farm, admiring the pink dawn creeping over the hills. When I get there, I sit in my truck and finish my coffee. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this much peace looking over this farm, which is a surprise, given what I told her. I basically promised a piece of the farm to a woman I just kissed last night. Which means less equity if we sell Lucky Chance and less margin on the new wedding venue. I don’t even know if we’ll do well at Keeneland this month.

Am I crazy? Probably.

But she shouldn’t have to spend her life building a business on borrowed ground that could slip away from her. If I can change that for her, then I will, even if she changes her mind about dating me.

A distant whinny carries from the yearling barn, reminding me of everything I need to do today. The Keeneland sale is closing in on us, which means I need our yearlings ready to go. Earl’s been spending every morning walking them and teaching them to stand properly for inspections. Summer’s already pulled the pedigrees and helped put together reserve targets for each horse. The consignor wants final paperwork by the end of the week, and every yearling on this farm needs to look its absolute best.

The September sale is the biggest event of our fall, and a good sale could buy us the breathing room we desperately need.

I can’t pass the arena without looking inside at Rebel, who’s already watching me from the far end. Guilt turns over my stomach. I haven’t made much progress with her since I arrived. The farm fills every hour of my day—the same problem Dad had. Horses need time to build trust, just like people do.

I reach into my pocket and try the trick Summer taught me. Rebel turns her hindquarters toward me, which is Horse for don’t bother.

“I know, I know,” I mutter. “I’m not Summer.”

She continues to ignore me.

“Come on, Rebel. I’m the one who decides your future.” I wave the peppermint in the air. She shifts, but doesn’t bolt, which is better than last week. I take a step, creeping toward her before my phone buzzes in my pocket and she skitters sideways.

So close.

I let out a frustrated sigh, then pull it out.