One Choice I'd Never Make

by Remi Carrington

“Whatever. I’ve seen the way you talk to them.” Haley laughed.

  “Some of them are good listeners.”

  Boingo wasn’t, but I didn’t want to bring up that conversation.

  She parked next to a field, and a guy waved. Next to him was a horse. A big one.

  “That’s Parker. He’s the wrangler.” Haley gathered her camera equipment.

  I tried not to trip on my petticoat as I climbed out of the car. “What’s a wrangler?”

  “He takes care of the horses.”

  “Is he the one who will save me if the horse goes darting off like it’s seen a ghost?”

  Haley rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t planning on you actually being on the horse. Just next to it.”

  “Okay. So he’ll step in if I’m being trampled.” I knew how to get laughs out of Haley, and today I worked that skill.

  “Afternoon, ladies. This here is Calliope. I did a little research, so hopefully, the way she’s done up looks enough like Little House on the Prairie. You sure look the part.” Parker tipped his hat.

  I curtsied. And that set Haley to laughing again.

  “All right. Let’s get this started.” She scanned the area, and it was obvious her creative juices were bubbling.

  I slipped my phone out of the pocket of the dress. I loved that this costume had pockets. Then I snapped a picture of her. With her red curls blowing in the wind, she looked like the model.

  “Mind if I post this?” I showed her the photo.

  Her cheeks colored a bit. “Sure.”

  I posted the picture then moved closer to Calliope.

  Parker handed me the reins. “She’s a sweetie. Won’t hurt a fly.” He dropped sugar cubes into my hand. “And you can give her these.”

  I patted Calliope on the nose. “How do you feel about being on a book cover?”

  She tossed her head as if she approved.

  “Good. Make sure you get a few extra carrots out of the deal.” I let her have her sweet treat. “That’s why I do it. Not for carrots. I prefer green stuff.”

  While I talked to the horse, Haley moved around composing her images.

  I trusted her to make me look good.

  “Turn your head toward me.” She continued moving.

  As I turned to face her, my breath caught. Harper was sitting on the fence, watching me. My smile was involuntary.

  “Perfect. Exactly like that.” Haley clicked the shutter over and over. “I think that does it. These are going to be great.” She nodded toward Harper. “You can go talk to him.”

  As soon as Parker had the reins, I ran toward Harper. “Hi.”

  He let his gaze slide down my dress as he hopped off the fence. “I’m going to have quite a collection of books that I’ll never read.”

  “You haven’t seriously ordered all the books I’ve modeled for, have you?”

  He nodded. “I asked Haley for a list. And when the leopard-shifter book arrived, I thought Eli was going to hurt himself laughing.”

  “What a stinker. He might get a few other shifter books put in his stocking this Christmas. Just for fun. Or better yet, maybe I’ll give him a gift certificate to Delaney’s shop.”

  Harper howled with laughter. “I think I love that idea. I’ll pitch in.”

  “How did you know where to find me?”

  “Joji. I showed up at your place, hoping to take you to lunch.”

  “Lunch would be so fun, but I told Joji that I’d—”

  He put up his hand. “She said to tell you she’d take care of it.”

  The twinkle in his green eyes made it clear he had a surprise, and he’d done some planning. How could he know it was my birthday? I hadn’t said a word about it.

  Whatever the reason, I was happy to enjoy time with him. “We have to be quick because I have to be at the studio in just over an hour.”

  Haley laughed. “See you tomorrow.”

  Harper’s smile widened. “Looks like you’re off for the afternoon.”

  I glanced over at Haley. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “Have fun.”

  “I definitely need to change first.” I grabbed his hand.

  “You look pretty cute.” He lifted an eyebrow.

  “I have to return it. And I don’t trust myself not to spill food down the front.” I giggled as he swept me into his arms.

  “Then I’ll take you home first.”

  As he carried me to his truck, I could hear the click of Haley’s camera. I wanted the pictures, but I wouldn’t need them to remember this moment.

  As I buckled into my seat, my phone buzzed. And I laughed when I read the message.

  “What’s so funny?” Harper started the engine.

  “I posted a picture of Haley a bit ago. Zach texted that he’s going to need the original.”

  “Makes sense. The man’s in love.” Harper winked.

  Was he talking about Zach? Because just then, it felt like the statement was much more personal.

  Harper stopped outside the trailer.

  “Come on in. I’ll be quick.” I pushed open the front door. Some days, I didn’t bother locking up. But at night, I always bolted the door.

  After shedding the dress and petticoat, I changed into comfy clothes. I walked into the living room wearing jeans and a long-sleeved top. “I’m ready. Where are we going to eat?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Now you have me as curious as a cat.” I hadn’t mentioned my birthday because I didn’t want it to sound like I was asking for attention.

  At the moment, my thinking didn’t make as much sense, but saying it now seemed even worse. If I popped out with ‘Oh, by the way. Today is my birthday,’ that would put him on the spot and make him feel bad for not getting me a present.

  I didn’t want that. I just wanted . . . him.

  He smiled as he opened the door. Could he read my thoughts? Did he feel the same way?

  When he kissed me after helping me into the truck, I was nearly convinced he knew every thought in my head.

  While my thoughts were swirling, he drove back roads that seemed vaguely familiar.

  When he pulled up to the big gate at Lilith’s venue, I recognized where we were. It was officially named Stargazer Springs Ranch Getaway, but that wasn’t what we called it. After he punched in the code, the gate opened, and Harper drove out toward the river.

  “I thought a picnic would be nice. And Lilith told me about a beautiful spot here by the river.” He pointed at a blanket spread out on the ground. Pillows were piled on one side, and a cooler held down another corner. “I was hoping it hadn’t blown away in this breeze.”

  I jumped out and ran to the spot. “I don’t know what to say. This is amazing.”

  He wrapped his arms around me from behind. “When we met you were almost twenty-five. Or was it nearly? That’s not true anymore, is it?”

  My brain kicked into high gear as I tried to guess how he’d discovered that it was my birthday. “Did Joji tell you? I haven’t mentioned it to anyone, but I think I had to put my birthday on one of the forms I filled out to get paid.”

  “It wasn’t Joji.”

  “I also filled out forms at the photography studio, but no one there even mentioned my birthday. Was it Haley? How did you know?”

  “You showed me your license.” He pressed his clean-shaven cheek to mine. “Remember?”

  I nodded. “I can’t believe you remembered.”

  “It’s been on my calendar.” He kissed my cheek. “Have a seat. I need to grab something from the truck.”

  I sat down on the blanket and tried organizing my thoughts. He deserved an explanation about why I hadn’t said anything about my birthday.

  He set a big gift down next to me. “Happy birthday, Cami.”

  “Before I open this, I need to tell you why I stayed quiet about it.”

  “Only if you want to. It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter. I didn’t want it to seem like I was asking for attention. You
give it freely, but . . . I don’t know. Jumping around and announcing that it was my birthday didn’t seem like something a grownup would do.”

  “I think it depends on the person. Not on whether they are grown up. Open your gift.”

  I pulled tissue paper out of the top of the bag. “Harper! You bought me boots!” I yanked off my tennis shoes before pulling the turquoise boots out of the box.

  He laughed at my excitement. “I hope they fit. I had to snoop a little and guess.”

  Once they were on, I stood up and spun in a circle. “I love them.”

  “I’ve seen you tromping around that farm in rain boots and figured you could use a pair of real boots.”

  “If you think I’m wearing these while working on the farm, you’re so very wrong. That would only mess them up.” I dropped down next to him. “Thank you. They’re perfect. This is perfect. And I’m sorry I didn’t say something earlier.”

  He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I love you, Cami.”

  And that was the best birthday present ever.

  I caught his lips with mine. “Good. Because I am completely in love with you too.”

  After an extended lunch with Harper, I said goodbye because I’d made plans with Tessa and Delaney. I wasn’t going to shirk my friend duties. And I liked hanging out with them.

  I knocked on Tessa’s door, prepared to apologize for not telling them it was my birthday.

  When it swung open, a loud “Surprise!” erupted.

  I’d been more than a little bit wrong about nobody knowing it was my birthday.

  After hugging all my friends, I kissed Harper. “You know how to keep a secret.”

  “Only when it involves a happy surprise.” He tweaked my nose. “And it turns out, a lot of people knew it was your birthday. Tessa called me a few days ago to tell me about these plans.”

  I glanced at my phone when it buzzed. My mom texted: Happy Birthday. I hope you had a good day.

  I tapped out a quick reply. The best. Thanks.

  Then, I snapped a picture of the incredible cake Tessa had made and posted it for all the world to see. Or at least anyone who cared enough to look at my posts.

  I captioned it. Happy birthday to me.

  Chapter 21

  The chill in the air had permeated the barn, and I pulled my sweater closed before walking down the line and attaching the goats to the milking machine. This contraption made milking them so much easier. And it made for cool photos.

  With the milking goats all lined up, I angled my phone just right and snapped a picture.

  Harper was picking me up in an hour, but I really wanted to see Joji’s reaction to the new accessories I’d gotten for the goats. And Clint’s too.

  He’d been over here a lot more. I wouldn’t have to be searching for reasons to message him day after day.

  When laughter sounded outside the barn, I held my breath.

  “Look at all those guys all dolled up with bowties.” Joji clapped as she laughed.

  Clint groaned as the door opened. “She said she’d find a way to tell the billies from the nannies, but I’m not sure about her solution.”

  Joji threw her hands in the air. “Look at those pretty girls! They have bows on their heads! How cute.”

  “You realize the goats are just going to eat all this stuff, right?” Clint shook his head.

  My joy disintegrated. “You think so?”

  Amusement creased at the corners of his eyes. “Goats eat everything.”

  “True, but the pictures will be cute on the website. I’ve been working on putting one together. Because if you make people love your goats, then they’ll really love your cheese.”

  Joji rubbed Clint’s arm and smiled up at him. “She’s right. That would be great, Cami. When you get back, we’ll talk about the website some more.” Joji walked down the line, greeting each goat. “What time are you headed out?”

  “Harper will be here in an hour.”

  “Go get ready. We’ve got this.” She hugged me. “And have fun. Oh! Here’s something to read. Remember my friend Tandy? It’s one of her books.” Joji fanned herself, then winked.

  “Thanks.” I hugged the book to my chest and ran back to the trailer. I didn’t want to smell like a goat when I met Harper’s family.

  Before our scheduled departure time, I showered, dressed, and packed. Well, I’d been packed for a week. But I changed out outfits, second guessing my choices. I’d done that often.

  I wanted them to like me. Needed, really.

  Today, my nerves were in knots. I was both terrified and excited to meet his family. But when I opened my door, all my terror faded away when I saw Harper’s smile.

  He loved me, and nothing would change that.

  “Morning, gorgeous.” He didn’t make it more than one step in the door before I was in his arms.

  I buried my face in the curve of his neck as his muscular arms tightened around me. “I love you too.”

  A chuckle rumbled in his chest.

  “I shouldn’t have added the too, but when I saw you, I was thinking about how you love me, so I added the too even though you hadn’t said it first.”

  “I do love you, and I hope you hear it in every ‘morning, gorgeous’ and ‘hello, dear’ I ever say.”

  I sighed as he set me on my feet. “You think they’ll like me? I mean, I know it doesn’t matter, but it would be easier if they did.”

  He cupped my face. “They’re going to love you.”

  “Okay, then I’m ready.” I picked up my bag. “And I have coffee ready to go for both of us.”

  “Perfect.” He carried my bag out and tossed it into the backseat.

  Smelling like a rose, I buckled into my seat. “How long is the drive? Will we stop somewhere along the way?”

  “You must be a blast on long road trips.” He laughed. “It’ll be about five hours. And we’ll stop in San Saba or Goldthwaite.” He lifted a gift bag out of the backseat. “For you.”

  I yanked the pretty tissue paper out of the top before pulling out a cute, embroidered pillow. It looked nothing like the one Chase had given me, and it was beautiful. “I love it.”

  “I figured if you wanted to sleep during the trip, you could use that.” He turned onto the road and headed toward the highway.

  Holding up my book, I laughed. “Joji gave me this, so I’m not sure I’ll be sleeping.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Seriously?”

  “What? Are you jealous?” I glanced at the cover. “You shouldn’t be. This guy hasn’t got anything on . . .” My gaze landed on the cover model’s shoulder. A scar, less noticeable than the one in real life, was there in the very same spot I’d kissed. I grabbed Harper’s hand. “This is you.”

  “Why would you say that? You can’t even see the face because of the cowboy hat.”

  “Now I really want to see you in a cowboy hat. But this is you.” I squeezed his hand. “This is so cool. Why didn’t you tell me you modeled for a book cover?”

  “I only did it once with the stipulation that my face wouldn’t be visible. I didn’t count on anyone identifying me by my chest.”

  “It’s a nice chest.” I stared at the cover another minute. “But I won’t tell.”

  “Thank you. The writer asked me—begged me—to pose, and right after buying the house, the little bit of extra cash was nice.” His shoulders relaxed. “In fact, one of the ladies that I’ve seen at those goat yoga sessions is the photographer who took that picture.”

  “Lilith? That’s the ranch owner’s wife. His name is Beau, I think.”

  Harper laughed. “I met him too. But that was before he and Lilith figured things out.”

  “People are falling in love left and right on that ranch. It’s kind of fun.” I tucked the book in my purse. “I’ll keep it hidden when we’re with your family. Just in case someone else might recognize your chest.”

  “That would be embarrassing. My sisters would never let me live that down.”r />
  “If it comes up, we’ll distract them with my leopard-costume story.”

  “Good plan. It’s one of my favorite stories.”

  I kissed his hand. “Just so you know, I think the whole book cover thing is really cool. And now I know why your ears turn red whenever I talk about posing for covers.”

  “You have me all figured out, don’t you?” He winked, but the look in his eyes conveyed a more serious emotion. “We’ve talked a bit about your exes.”

  “They all live in Texas.” I hoped and prayed that he’d at least chuckle at my joke.

  Thankfully, he did. “I’m not suggesting we talk about them again. And I see no need to bring up mine except to say . . .” He pulled his hand away and scrubbed his face. “My family is outrageously excited—I think those were my mom’s exact words—because this is the first time I’ve brought someone home for them to meet.” His gaze fixed on the traffic in front of him, he laid his open hand on the center console.

  Of course I grabbed it. “You have this amazing way of making me feel like a prize. And I think I might cry. Happy tears.”

  “You are a prize. Anyone who makes you feel otherwise is . . . wrong.” His hand tightened around mine. “You’re the whole enchilada. Smart. Funny. Adventurous. And beautiful to boot.”

  “Maybe when we stop, we can get some Mexican food. I think I want enchiladas.” I fished a tissue out of my purse, using only one hand. It would take more than crying to make me let go of Harper right now.

  In fact, I never wanted to let go.

  Harper squeezed my hand.

  I opened my eyes as I lifted my head off the pillow. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

  “It’s fine, but we’re almost there.” Excitement danced in his eyes.

  I’d waited a long time to be the reason someone looked so excited.

  He parked along the curb in front of a large one-story. “That’s the tree. I’d climb it, then try to get up on the roof.”

  “Why the roof?”

  “To jump off. My friend and I used to drag my mattress into the backyard. It made landing a lot easier.”

  “How are you still alive?”

  “My mom would usually figure out what we were doing after about the second jump. Then game over.” He smiled and motioned toward the front door. “The welcoming committee has gathered. Are you ready for this?”