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Lucas had only been in his proximity.
He heaved another sigh. Well, that was that. He’d lost out on something great because he couldn’t be decisive. He’d lost his girlfriend and nearly lost his best friend all because of choices he hadn’t actually made. And he couldn’t blame anyone but himself.
Over the next several hours, Lucas took his time with the horses. He should have been out at the barn helping Ella, but he couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eye and tell her his real reasons for walking away.
On top of that, he couldn’t spill Taven’s secret.
There was no going back from what had happened, and Lucas might as well get used to it. The married life. The father lifestyle. It simply wasn’t something that would suit him. He’d have to live vicariously through Wade.
Maybe he could be the cool uncle that everyone loved to spend time with. Or maybe he’d start traveling. He could even try to track down his folks just to see how life had treated them after they’d abandoned their own children.
That thought alone was the one that triggered a burst of fury he hadn’t been expecting. His hand gripped the brush he held tighter. He could feel the wood beneath his fingers and palm creak ever so slightly. It wouldn’t take much more pressure for him to do some real damage.
His apprehension about dating Ella wasn’t just about the way he’d treated her as a teen. It was how he felt about being a parent.
It turned out that both he and Taven had a few more things in common than he realized. And if Ella wasn’t ever going to be able to forgive a guy like Taven for what he’d done—even considering his past, then something told Lucas that she would have the capability of holding onto any grudge she might develop for Lucas, too.
And he wasn’t sure if he was strong enough for any of that.
24
Ella
Ella couldn’t afford to let Lucas infiltrate her thoughts. The barn was complete. She had a decorator come string up a few lights, and the caterer was currently setting up the buffet table with all the refreshments they could need.
The whole town was invited to the unveiling of the building—a way to showcase what the city council wanted to give everyone who lived in Copper Creek. This barn would be the perfect backdrop for anyone who wanted to get married or anyone who needed a beautiful country venue for a large group gathering.
She placed her hands on her hips as her eyes darted from the loft rafters to the concrete floor she had sealed. This barn would never house animals like it used to, but it was going to be used regularly to bring happiness to others.
There was only one thing missing.
Okay, it wasn’t a thing. It was a someone, and she couldn’t believe that Lucas had managed to slip past her defenses again.He needed to stay out of her head. Why couldn’t she control her thoughts anymore? This wasn’t like her.
Ella scowled at nothing in particular and jumped when someone touched her arm. She whirled around and stared at Eloise with surprise.
Her friend let out a laugh. “I’m sorry I startled you. I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you, I swear.”
Shaking her head, Ella released a soft laugh, if only to ease the tension in her chest. “It’s fine.” She turned her focus back to the caterer. “It was really nice of you to offer your kitchen to prepare the food for this event. You don’t know just how excited my dad was when he heard.”
“Of course. I don’t think Shane would have had it any other way.”
Ella nodded. “That’s something else. My dad wasn’t expecting Shane to bankroll the party. I think he was anticipating that this whole thing would be a great deal smaller than it’s turning out.”
Eloise laughed. “Shane has a habit of overdoing things. But what could I expect? He takes so much pride in this little town. I don’t think I know of one person who loves Copper Creek more than him.” She nudged Ella with her shoulder. “Not even your dad.”
Ella shot a glance in her direction. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right about that. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone do what Shane has. He’s a keeper.”
Her friend’s smile made it perfectly clear she agreed with that sentiment. They stood in silence for a few moments, both observing as people continued to bustle around them in preparation for the events that would begin in the next hour.
Then Eloise turned toward her, smile widening. “So… do you have a date for tonight?”
Ella stiffened. She knew better than to believe that Eloise hadn’t heard about her relationship with Lucas. By now, everyone in town would have seen and heard everything. She wouldn’t have even been surprised to find out that news of their breakup had spread from one side of Copper Creek to the other. And all she could do was shake her head.
Eloise raised her eyebrows. “Really? I thought for sure you would have someone special you could bring. I’d heard that you might be sticking around longer.”
Even though Eloise wasn’t saying it outright, Ella knew she was trying to get the dirt on what had happened with Lucas. Well, she was going to be sorely disappointed. Ella wasn’t in the business of gossip—especially when it came to her own happiness. “I’m not seeing anyone, and I’m not staying in town. I came back to help my dad with the restoration of this property, and when I’m done, I’ll be leaving.”
Eloise’s smile faltered. “But… I thought…”
