Taran took her by the shoulders. “Ye arenae askin’. I’m offerin’. Stop bein’ stubborn. The only ones goin’ to suffer are the horses. Ye get the food ordered, and I’ll start cleanin’ up. Then we’ll work together to get the barn in shape.”
Instead of fighting him, she nodded. “Okay, let’s get to work, then.”
When he let her go, he watched her walk out of the barn, wondering how much more she could handle. The horses being loose didn’t make any sense. They’d been locked in safely the night before .
Sabotage was the first thing that came to mind, especially since his family had just dealt with it. Although, he’d witnessed himself that one of the small geldings was good at opening doors. Maybe he’d let them out overnight. Either way, Taran would make sure they all stayed where they belonged tonight.
Chapter 9
The doorbell rang, and Sarah rushed to get it. Most of the day had been spent cleaning up the mess in the barn, dealing with the farrier, and ordering new food and getting it put up. Without Taran’s help, she would still be working to get it straightened out. It may have been a two-day job if she’d been on her own.
Instead, they’d finished the chores and cleaned up just before dinner. After they showered, they both come to the same conclusion. Pizza was on the menu because neither of them wanted to cook.
Once the pizza was paid for, she walked to the couch and set the box on the coffee table. Her stomach rumbled as she opened the pizza and the steam rolled out. “Okay, either this is the best pizza ever made, or I’m so hungry shoe leather would sound good.”
“I think either is a possibility.” He pulled out a slice, and the melty cheese strung from his slice to the two next to it. “At least it’s hot.”
Sarah got out a piece and chomped down. “Oh yeah.” She fanned her mouth while she chewed. “That was a bad idea.”
Taran chuckled. “I’d just said it was hot.”
“I know, but I’m hungry.” She blew on her slice a few times and then carefully took another bite. “Okay, that’s better.”
While they munched on pizza, they watched the sun sink below the horizon. If she lost this place, she’d never see that again. Well, she could, but it would be different, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for different. Not yet. This place had been her refuge when her dad left. It had rebuilt her shattered world. Made her mom happy again. It was familiar, and the idea of leaving it made her sick to even think about. Sure, she could possibly hire someone to run the sanctuary if she left, but it wasn’t just about the physical operation; it was the emotional tie that she couldn’t let go of.
Taran cleared his throat. “So, about this ball we’re attendin’. I assume from the name that it’s formal attire?”
“Uh, yeah, I bet you didn’t bring anything, huh?” But she was sure he’d look stunning as all get out. Taran in a tux. Tuxy Taran. It would be her own personal version of a fireman calendar, only with a farmer. A sexy redheaded farmer.
“Sarah?”
She startled and focused on his face. “What?”
“Why are ye lookin’ at me like that?” His head was tilted, and his eyebrows were drawn together.
She shook her head. Like she’d tell him that. Right. She’d be blushing so hard fire would shoot out of her nose. “Oh, nothing. So, I guess you need to get something. There are a couple of good places. Probably need to go tomorrow.”
“Yer takin’ me tux shoppin’?” His lips quirked up.
“No. I have to work tomorrow. I have the rehabilitation program a little before four, and shortly after that, the afterschool kids will be here. I’ve got a full afternoon.” Her to-do list made her heart sink. She would love to go tux shopping with Taran, but with all that to do, there was no way.
Taran sighed. “We could go in the mornin’. There’s a good chance I’m cuttin’ it too close. I might have to take ye in jeans and a t-shirt.” His tone was playful as he teased her.
Maybe. She really did want to go. If nothing else, to spend time with him. “Well, the stalls are freshly cleaned. The horses are definitely not getting out tonight now that Goober is locked in, and the programs don’t start until the evening. If I get up early enough, I can make sure everyone’s taken care of. I think that would work. That way I’m not turning you out onto the wild streets of Pensacola.”
His laugh made her pulse jump. “Well, ye dinnae have to get up too early. What time does a place like that open here?”
“I’m guessing eight or nine.” She’d still be up. The last few months, between worry and bad dreams, she was lucky to ever get to sleep before midnight or sleep past six in the morning.
“So, we get up at seven, have breakfast, and then find me a tux. Simple.”
She shook her head. “Not simple. I’m still trying to figure this place out. Make sure I’m doing it right. It all falls on me to make sure I keep it running just as smoothly as my mom did. She taught me nothing about taking charge, and I still feel overwhelmed. If it weren’t for Trudy, I don’t know what I’d do.”
“Ye need rest, Sarah.” He leaned forward and brushed his thumb across her cheek.
She pulled away. “I’ll rest when things are settled.”
“Yer goin’ to make yerself sick, and then what? Who’ll take care of ye?” His voice was filled with concern, and the way he looked at her made her feel like putty about to melt through the couch.
With a wave of her hand and a chuckle, she brushed off his concern. “I’ll be fine. No one will have to take care of me. I promise.” She pushed off the couch and stood. “Want another soda?”
He stood and faced her. “Naw, I’m good, and this discussion’s nae over. Yer nae fine. Yer runnin’ yerself ragged and killin’ yerself with worry.”
It meant the world to her that he cared, but what else could she do? It wasn’t as if she was deliberately worrying. The nagging feeling was just there. All the time. As much as she tried to shake it, she couldn’t. “Taran, I’m fine, and I appreciate that you’re here and that you care.”
His fingers laced through hers, and he pressed her hand to his chest. “I dinnae want anythin’ to happen to ye. I know how passionate ye are about carryin’ on yer mom’s legacy. I get that tie to family better than anyone, but I dinnae think this is what she pictured for ye.”
Sarah pulled her hand free. People needed to stop telling her what her mother would have wanted. They needed to stop acting like she was a child. “Stop. I am fine. And you have no idea what she would have pictured for me. You, Trudy, Gavin. All of you keep telling me she wouldn’t have wanted this, that, or the other when none of you knew her like I did. We were us for a long time, and we did just fine before everyone showed up, putting their noses where they don’t belong.”
Taran flexed his jaw, and his face turned red. “Yer upset because I’m tellin’ ye I’m concerned? And ye cannae tell me this is what yer mother would have wanted. To look like the walkin’ dead and goin’ through the motions just to keep this sanctuary open.”
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. His words were hitting her like arrows. In truth, she felt the same way, but no way could she change things now. Her mom was gone, and this place was her responsibility .
All the anger she’d felt seconds ago dissipated and left her feeling drained. “I’m doing the best I can with what I have.” Her bottom lip trembled. Grabbing the pizza box, she stormed to the kitchen before Taran could see her cry.
Three steps, and he caught her. “Sarah, I didnae mean to make ye cry. I just want ye to take care of yerself. That’s all. I’m sorry.”
Her shoulders drooped, and she closed her eyes. “I know. You didn’t make me cry. I think I’m tired and overly emotional. I still miss her.”
“I know. Ye have every right to still miss her. I’d be a basket case if somethin’ happened to my mum or pop. Yer doin’ great if ye ask me. I just hate seein’ these dark circles under yer eyes and ye lookin’ so tired.” Taran took the box, set it down, and pulled her i
nto a hug. “Everythin’s goin’ to be okay. I dinnae know how, but it will be.”
The comfort of being in his arms made her weak in the knees. For once, it was nice just to be held. She’d needed strong arms and comforting words longer than she realized. Her heart ached from losing her mom, and when she thought about Taran leaving, it only made her ache deepen .
She curled her hands under her chin and let him squeeze her tighter. “I know Paige and Penelope roped you into it, but I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wasna roped. They may have helped me on my way, but I want to be here.” He rubbed her back as she snuggled closer to him .
All she needed was a few more minutes of this and she’d be asleep standing up. She couldn’t help but wonder how much better she’d sleep if he held her all night long. “I think we should both get some sleep. You’re still jetlagged, and I’m running on empty.”
“Aye,” he said, his voice low.
When she pulled back and looked up at him, he was a breath away from her. Another second, and her dreams of kissing him would be a reality. She slipped out his grasp and smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”
He nodded. “I’ll put the pizza up. Ye go ahead to bed.”
“Thanks.”
With a wink and a smile, he left for the kitchen, and she went to her room. Inside, she sank down onto the bed. Maybe tonight she could get some rest. Maybe tonight her dreams would give her a break. And maybe tomorrow, shopping for a tux with Taran wouldn’t be torture, but she wouldn’t hold her breath.
Chapter 10
“This’ll work.” Taran studied himself in the mirror .
Tux shopping hadn’t been as simple as he thought it would be. The first two stores were out. Apparently, everyone was trying to get a tux at the last minute. He turned around and found Sarah smiling at him. Those soft pink lips were kissable all the time. If he didn’t leave soon, there would be no way he’d be able to keep going without kissing her.
Sarah stood and walked to the podium. “It fits perfectly. Good thing we got here early. Otherwise, you would be wearing jeans.” She slid her delicate fingers down the lapel and stopped at his waist. “This really is great on you.”
“What color does the tie need to be?”
“Black will work.”
“Is that the color of yer dress?” He pictured her in something blue and flowing. Whatever she wore, it would be fantastic because she was the one wearing it.
She lifted her head. Her blue eyes peeked from her lashes. “No, I picked something a little lighter than black. I know that’s the go-to dress for most women, but it’s not a little black dress on me. It’s more like a little black sack that washes me out.”
“Okay, we’ve established it’s nae black. Is it a surprise or something?”
The lift of an eyebrow and the flirty look left him speechless. “It wasn’t until you said that. Stay with black, and you’ll see my dress on Saturday night.”
“Keep lookin’ at me like that, and I might be forced to make ye tell.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Oh yeah? You can’t make me talk.”
He poked her in the stomach. “I have my ways. Dinnae underestimate me.” Being with her was so natural. Why did they have to live on two separate continents, and why did they have obligations that neither could leave?
“Come on. If we go now, we can beat the lunch rush and get back to the sanctuary. I want you to see the rehabilitation part. You won’t believe the change unless you see it.” She stepped back to the chair and picked up her purse. “And the tux is my treat since you’re the one helping me out.” There was that stubborn streak again. He knew she couldn’t afford a tux, and he could. If he was going to start using his money, why not start with her .
Taran shook his head. “Absolutely nae. I can pay for my own clothes. I didnae come here for ye to take care of me. I’m here to help ye.”
“I know that. Let me do this. I’m the reason you’re getting it in the first place.” She continued to the counter.
There was no way he was letting her pay for his tuxedo. Not when she was barely taking care of the horses and he was a billionaire. He caught up to her and stopped her. “Please, don’t. I’m nae being difficult here, but I cannae allow ye to use yer funds when ye are providing for all the horses. Ye know money is nae an issue for me. Let me do this. I’m gettin’ more out of it than ye are, trust me.”
“How so?”
How so? Because he’d get an evening with her. “Are ye jokin’ with me? I’ll be goin’ to a fancy dinner with the most beautiful woman there. The way I see it, yer doin’ me the favor.”
Her cheeks turned as red as cherries. “Stop that. I’m just me.”
“And to me, that makes ye dazzlin’, Sarah.” She was. Dazzling, wonderful, bright, funny, intelligent. The list was endless in his mind.
For just a second, they locked eyes. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking, and he was struggling with his own thoughts. The thought of returning to the farm, living without her…he wasn’t sure he would be able to leave by the time Sunday arrived.
“You and your charm. Fine, you pay for your tuxedo. I still feel bad.” She looked away and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.
Taran tipped her chin up with one finger. “Hey, dinnae do that. I’m glad to be here. Let me get changed, we’ll get lunch, and then we can get back.”
“Okay.”
He turned and ducked into the dressing room to change clothes. When he was finished, he paid for the tux, and then they found a place to have lunch. Afterward, they returned to the sanctuary, and Trudy was waiting for them as Sarah parked her Jeep.
“Hey, Trudy,” Sarah said as she got out and Taran quickly joined her at the front of the car. “What’s up?”
Taran leaned his hip against the hood as they talked. He liked Trudy. She was down-to-earth; it was obvious she cared about Sarah; and if he was guessing right, she was more interested in keeping the place going than Sarah.
Trudy shook hands with Taran. “It’s nice to see you again. I swear, you and your brother are spitting images of each other. I know you must get that all the time, but it’s hard not to get a little starstruck when I first see you.”
He laughed. “Aye, I’ve been told that.”
“Thanks for making this one take a break.” Trudy looked at Sarah.
Sarah huffed. “I’ve been taking breaks.”
“Not enough of them.” Trudy stuck her hands in her pockets. “How long are you here for, Taran?”
“Until Sunday. That’s when she’s kickin’ me out.” He pierced Sarah with a look .
Sarah rolled her eyes and smacked him on the arm. “I am not kicking you out. You have the farm to run.”
Trudy snorted and nodded her head toward the barn. “The first patient is here. They’re early, but you know Ben. When he gets something in his head, it’s hard to make him think differently. Today he swore he was supposed to be here an hour earlier than normal. Good thing I was able to come in early, or his mom would have had a real fight on her hands.”
Taran looked from Trudy to Sarah. “Ben?”
Sarah entire demeanor changed. All her worry seemed to lift for a moment. “Ben is autistic. He’s mostly nonverbal. A bit hard-headed. He can be incredibly sweet or incredibly hostile. Mostly, he’s just a person who has good days and bad days, so when you meet him, just treat him like you would anyone else. Just don’t touch him. We learned that pretty quickly.”
“Okay.”
Trudy spun on her heels, and they followed her to the barn. “Go ahead out to the arena. I’ll get Sport saddled and ready for Ben.”
“Thanks, Trudy,” Sarah replied.
She winked, and they continued through the barn to a large building. The space was open, airy, and bright. It was attached to the barn with an awning. It was a pretty smart design. The horses could be led to the attached building without fear of whatever weather might be happening.
“Hey, Sarah, I’m
so sorry,” said a petite dark-skinned woman with black spiral curls as they approach. “Ben insisted we come early, and I tried to get him to listen.”
“It’s okay, Shauna. We’re here. Don’t stress about it.”
Instantly, the woman looked relaxed. “I can’t tell you what a blessing you’ve been to me. Ben used two full sentences after his session on Monday. Two. He’s never done that in his entire fourteen years. I wish I’d been bringing him sooner.” Her eyes misted over.
“You’re here now, and that’s what counts.”
“Tiiiiimmmme!” a boy groaned.
Trudy stepped inside. “I’m here, Ben. Hold your horses.”
He grunted a laugh but kept his eyes on the ground.
“You ready to get on Sport and give him a good workout?”
Without a word, Ben mounted the horse, and Trudy began leading him around the building.
Shauna touched Sarah’s arm. “He loves this. When we get home, he starts a timer counting down until the next session.”
“Have ye been doin’ this long?” asked Taran.
Sarah gasped. “Oh, I’m sorry, Shauna. This is my friend Taran MacLachlan. Taran, this is Shauna Frazier.”
Shauna eyed Taran as she shook his hand. “You look very familiar.”
Taran smiled but said nothing in response.
For a moment, he thought she’d put it together, but instead, she answered his question. “About six months now, give or take a week.”
“Ye said he used two full sentences. And he’d never done that before?” he asked.
Her lips trembled, and she nodded. “No, but these sessions have done more for him than anything we’ve tried. People don’t understand what it’s like to have a child and not be able to communicate with them. The first few months were hard because I wanted it to be an overnight change, but it took time and consistency.”
“Did he nae speak before this?” Taran asked as he looked at Sarah.
Sarah shook her head. “No, not really. You heard how he spoke, right?”
Mending The Billionaire Brother (MacLachlan Brothers Romance Book 3) Page 6