Page 172 of Sunrise & Serenity

I shrug. “If it’s what she wants, she should take it.”

“And if it isn’t?” Graham interjects.

I hold his gaze. “Then she shouldn’t.”

It’s as simple as that. At least, it seems simple to me now.

Victoria shakes her head. “You don’t understand what’s at stake.”

It’s the certainty in her voice that grates the most. “What’s at stake?”

“The future she’s worked for.”

I stare back at the three of them. “What if the future she wants isn’t the one you want for her?”

Nobody answers. Maybe because the possibility has never occurred to them.

It shouldn’t surprise me. This isn’t new. The pressure. The perfectionism. The way Sage believes her worth depends on what she achieves.

They taught her that.

Richard rubs a hand across his jaw. “You really think a ranch in Colorado is enough for her?”

The question isn’t cruel. That’s what makes it worse. He genuinely doesn’t understand.

“Yeah.” The word comes easily. “I do.”

Victoria lets out an exasperated breath. “Because you’re in love with her.”

I nod. No point denying it.

Richard studies me. “And what happens when she realizes she’s throwing her career away?”

I meet his gaze steadily. “Then that’ll be her mistake to make.”

There’s silence again. Because that’s the part they don’t understand. Sage gets to choose. Even if they don’t like the decision she makes.

Especially then.

I glance toward her room, toward the closed door and the woman sleeping inside.

As much as I’d love for them to finally understand, I don’t think they will. I’m not sure they even can.

“I’m getting a coffee,” I say.

Then I leave them standing there with nothing resolved at all.

CHAPTER 43

SAGE

Sunlight spills through the window, and for one disorienting second, I have no idea where I am.

Then pain throbs behind my eyes, and the memories come rushing back. The ride with Taryn. The calf. Falling. The hospital. Holden.

The air rushes out of my lungs.

Holden.