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“Of course, we wanted to,” Isla said quickly. “Dan’s just trying to be funny and failing miserably.”
“I mean it would’ve been nice if one of you had come to see me earlier in the year, but I wasn’t exactly putting out the welcome mat.” Lucy met her mother’s gaze. “I couldn’t afford any staff after fire season. I didn’t want any of you to see that I was struggling.”
“I guess it was easier for us to accept all the excuses on both sides than actually do anything about it.” Isla sighed. “I think we all owe Caleb a big debt of thanks for getting us together again.”
“Hear, hear.” Chip held up his glass and gestured at the Erickson men. “And thanks to Miss Lucy for persuading these two knuckleheads to open up to each other as well.”
Lucy burst out laughing. “I’m not sure which of them looks more revolted by that idea.”
Caleb quickly rearranged his features into a positive smile. “It’s all good.”
“Says the grouch.” Dan was as irrepressible as ever. He patted Lucy’s hand. “And I was just joking. I’m really glad you and Caleb are getting it on.”
“Eew.” Lucy shuddered. “Stop that right now.”
“I have to go back to Seattle to sort out some stuff, but I’m aiming to be back here in the New Year,” Caleb said.
“Good. I won’t need to hire an extra hand for spring calving,” his dad said. “How about we put some more coffee on and open a few presents?”
As everyone started to move away from the table, Caleb’s phone buzzed with a text from Chase.
Okay if I come and visit you tomorrow? I think this meeting needs to be face to face.
Caleb frowned as he typed his reply. I’m not in Seattle.
Neither am I. I’m home on the ranch just like you are.I’ll come to you. I have the address. Expect me around ten.
Sure.
Caleb stared at the blinking cursor but there was nothing else to see. He had no idea what Chase was going to propose, but he owed him the courtesy of listening to him.
“Everything okay?” Lucy asked.
“I think so. Chase Morgan, who’s on my board of directors, is coming to see me tomorrow.”
“That doesn’t sound great.”
“He’s a good guy. He just wants to make sure I know what I’m doing.”
“He’s not the only one.” She put her hand on his arm. “I don’t want to be responsible for you turning your back on something you love.”
“You’re not.”
“I want you to be happy.”
“I am.”
She rolled her eyes. “I guess you used up your daily allocation of words earlier.”
“I know what I want.” He touched her cheek. “It’s standing right here in front of me.”
She held his gaze and lowered her voice. “Caleb, when you say things like that, all I can think about is stripping you naked, and getting you into my bed.”
“Which is why I know you’re the right woman for me because no one else would ever think that.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go and do the presents. I can’t wait to see what your auntie Linda has knitted for everybody.”
“Me neither.” She looked up, her blue eyes bright. “I do love you, Caleb.”
“Good.” He started walking as a deep sense of satisfaction welled within him. “I’ve always loved you,” she said. “You know that!”
