Page 123

“I’ll be there.” I hung up before he went on another long monologue about his plans and where I fit into them.

It wasn’t cold feet about entering the senatorial race. I wasn’t ready to leave Baker, but I had no choice. I’d need to get used to the different life I’d be living in Philadelphia. Everything the opposite of this charming small town.

Betty blew her nose into her handkerchief with dramatic flair.

“There’s no way we can keep you here, Captain?” she asked me as I paid the final week’s bill. My suitcase was at my side, ready for my quick drive out to Birkstrom to say my farewell, and then Eddie would drive me to the airport. I’d leave my truck and the trailer at Birkstrom.

And my heart.

“You’ll see me around from time to time.” I picked up my suitcase and tipped my hat. I’d miss the beautiful hotel with intricate carved wood flourishes and the white stone exterior that shone over downtown Baker.

I drove to Birkstrom, dreading these final moments.

Everyone had gathered to see me off, echoes of “see you in a few weeks” ringing through the air. Most of the crew would be traveling with Eva to nationals, and I’d meet them all there.

Eddie walked forward. “I guess we should hit the road.”

“I’ll drive him,” Eva cut in, appearing from the barn and holding her hand out to Eddie to take the keys.

Eddie winked at her and tossed them over.

She strode past me. “Shall we?”

Eddie nodded his farewell, and the rest of the group filtered back to their tasks.

What was Eva up to? She wasn’t one to change plans so quickly. And while I wasn’t thrilled that she’d be driving back to Birkstrom alone after dropping me off, I didn’t have much choice in the matter anymore.

We drove in silence to the airfield only a few minutes south of town. A small plane would take me to Portland, and from there I’d catch commercial flights to Philly.

Her jaw tightened and her hands were tense on the steering wheel. She’d never told me what had bothered her yesterday when we’d gone to see the sunrise.

She pulled up to the small building on the edge of the little airfield and parked the vehicle, and we stepped out into the sunshine. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a small notepad and a narrow silver pen, and extended them to me. “I thought you might use this, for noting people’s names and little details.”

“Thank you.” I took it, brushing her fingers with mine for just a heartbeat. “If I end up being good at this campaigning business, I’ll have you to thank.”

She didn’t seem to find humor in the thought, and I braced myself for whatever came next.

“I can’t keep you as a client.”

Even though I’d steeled myself, every muscle in my body tensed and my teeth clenched. Those words shattered my soul.

“Eva.” I set my suitcase down and stepped closer.

She held up two hands, firm. “After the show in Pomona, I’ll find Phantom a trainer on the East Coast that you can trust. It makes sense so that you’re better able to track his progress and be more involved in his training.”

Fear shot through my limbs. I couldn’t lose her—not like this. What about Mira? What about all the plans we’d discussed?

“That’s not what I want, Eva. I want him to stay here.”

“I can’t work with him beyond nationals.”

“You mean you won’t work with me,” I said.

She flinched, and I resented my strong words.

“Why, Eva?” I tried to soften my tone but failed.

“It doesn’t matter why. I’ve made my decision.”