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Hadleigh: Awesome! I can’t wait. Looking forward to it.
Ivy: Me too! Just know, I might need to break away from you two so I can go buy your gifts without you seeing.
I smile, appreciating how giving she’s always been, even though she’s only sixteen.
Hadleigh: Aww, you don’t have to get me anything. Hanging out with you is my gift.
Ivy: Pfftt. It’s happening, so just accept it :)
Hadleigh: Don’t go overboard.
Ivy: I won’t. But anyway, I have some homework to do. Love you!
Hadleigh: Love you too!
I scroll through my emails and social media, then lock my phone and take a shower. Today was so weird, and I can’t believe I agreed to go on a date with Aiden. I just hope to God it’s not awkward and no one in Eldorado finds out.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
KNOX
I’ve tried to distract myself all week and not think about Hadleigh, but it’s been useless. She’s consumed my thoughts, and I hate not knowing what’s going on in her head. Kane isn’t saying much to me, and I wonder if he has any clue Hadleigh’s about to break one of our hearts. A part of me wonders if we’ll ever be the same after this. If she picks him, I won’t be able to be near them for a while. I want her to be happy, but I don’t think I can watch her be with someone else. I’m not sure how my brother will react to her decision. Regardless, he’ll still want to be Hadleigh’s friend. I’m not sure if I could.
Every time I think about this, my gut twists, and I’m reminded why I don't do relationships. There are always drama and heartache, and not knowing where the other person stands is too much for me to handle.
No wonder my dad waited fifteen years to tell my mom how he felt. At least I have the good sense not to do it when Hadleigh’s already engaged like he did. After all this time, my parents are happier than ever. I’ve realized recently that I want a relationship like that too. Hell, I never thought I’d say those words, at least not before I was thirty, but here I am.
Since the party’s tonight, I do my daily tasks as fast as I can. Every night after work, I’ve cleaned my house and done laundry so the place is up to Kaitlyn’s specifications. I can’t complain because it’s been a nice distraction.
I confirmed everything with Maize, Kat, and Rowan yesterday. Then Rowan and Kenzie came over last night to help me decorate. They talked shit about me as if I wasn’t there and couldn’t hear them gossiping. Of course, Ethan blabbed about walking in on Hadleigh and me in the shed, and only God knows if Kane heard about it too. If he has, I’m surprised he hasn’t tracked me down and punched me.
Christmas is a couple of weeks away, which means lots of family gatherings, so he’ll eventually have to speak to me. I just hope we can get past this. I miss my brother.
Once I’m done working for the day, I head to the B&B for a quick meal before the party. As soon as I walk in, Uncle John greets me with a suspicious grin. I nod, then go into the dining room where a handful of ranch hands are devouring Maize’s Swedish meatballs. Then I spot Kane.
For the first time in weeks, he doesn’t snarl at me. I give him a quick, “Hey.” Then make my way to the buffet.
“You all set for tonight?” Grayson asks when I sit at the table with them.
“Pretty much. Even put fresh sheets on my bed,” I say with a smirk.
“Why, thank you. As the birthday girl, I do plan to get nice and drunk, so a clean comfy bed will be nice,” Kaitlyn says as she walks up behind me.
I scoff. “You wish. Payton’s house isn’t far. Stay at his place.”
She shrugs as she loads her plate. “Fine, maybe I will.”
“I’m surprised you’re here and not pre-gaming with the girls,” Kane states when she sits across from me.
“I will be soon. Needed some food after work to soak up the booze first.”
I arch a brow.
How’d Kane know the girls were together? Does that mean Hadleigh’s been talking to Kane all week?
“Who’s all there?” I ask, then take a bite.
“Rowan, Kenzie, Elle, Zoey, Harper, and then Maize is supposed to come by after her shift. Oh, and Hadleigh. I told them I’d be home soon, so I gotta eat and bail,” she says.
“Sounds like everyone’s going to this thing, damn.” Diesel shakes his head. “All the grandparents are excited because they get to babysit tonight.”
“And Grandma Bishop will be goin’ from house to house to see them all,” Kaitlyn adds.
I quickly eat so I can triple-check that everything’s ready since half the ranch is coming. I never prepare for parties, but this one’s different.
