by Lori Wilde
So it was up to him to make certain they didn’t lose. Bernie was counting on him. Tyler groaned and rubbed his temples. But what about the people of Falling Star? What about Annie and Courtney? Hadn’t they been counting on him too?
Once again, he’d let down the woman he loved, and it was driving him crazy. In two days, the new horses would arrive—without him there. Knowing sleep was out of the question, Tyler sat up and rubbed his temples. He couldn’t put in these kinds of hours and then not sleep at all. He’d lose his mind, if he hadn’t already. There had to be a solution somewhere. Surely he could think of something if he thought hard enough.
Heading over to his desk, he grabbed a legal pad and pen. Returning to the couch, he jotted down some ideas. First, he needed to make certain the firm didn’t lose this case. Second, and equally important, he needed to find a way to be there for Annie and Brett. So how could he be in two places at the same time? The obvious answer was that he couldn’t. But he wasn’t settling for the obvious. Without stopping to think, he wrote down every possible solution that came to mind, even the ridiculous ones. Finally, he had almost a page of ideas.
“Somewhere on this page is the solution to my problem,” he muttered to himself. And he would find it; he had to find it because once he did, he could return to Falling Star and the woman he loved.
**
“So how’s everything shaping up?” Brett asked as he entered the barn.
Annie was standing by the stalls where they would put the new horses, and she watched her brother walk in. He looked as tense as she felt. This new venture made both of them nervous. What if they couldn’t pull it off? What if they lost everything by overextending? Tyler would be okay. His family’s ranch would survive, and he would make a nice living as a lawyer.
But she and Brett would be financially ruined.
“I think all the details are set,” Annie said. “The first group of horses are on their way. I keep worrying that there’s something I forgot, but I can’t imagine what it would be.” She brushed her hands on the sides of her jeans. After Tyler left, she’d taken over responsibility for the horses. Staying busy helped her think of things other than Tyler . . . and her broken heart.
“Seems like you’ve got it all covered,” Brett said, coming over to stand next to her.
Something in his attitude caught Annie’s attention. This was more than simple nerves. He had something on his mind, something serious.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
Brett shrugged and leaned against the stall door. “Nothing really. I guess I can’t help wishing Tyler could be here when the first horses arrive tomorrow.”
“Brett, look—”
He held up one hand. “I know. He’s busy. But he did call me last week to check on the barn and the horses, plus other things. I thought since he was still interested, he might stop by. After all, this is his business, too.”
Annie hated to disillusion her brother, but he obviously didn’t know Tyler very well. The man had left, and as far as she could tell, he wasn’t coming back. He’d had a tough choice to make, and he’d made his choice. It was that simple. Brett needed to accept it.
She needed to accept it.
“Don’t let it bother you,” she said, wishing she could heed her own words. “At least he’s still giving us funding.” That was the reason she’d been able to get everything done quickly. She’d had enough capital to do things correctly and didn’t have to scrimp on equipment.
Absently, Brett nodded, and Annie knew he wasn’t really listening to her. She could tell he missed Tyler. In the short time he’d been in Falling Star this time, Tyler had managed to work his way into the hearts of Annie’s entire family. She’d lost a love, and Brett had lost a friend.
“How are you holding up?” Brett asked, turning to look at her.
“Fine.” She stuffed her hands in the front pockets of her jeans.
“Do you miss him?”
Does the sun set in the west? “Yes,” she said.
“So why didn’t you go with him?”
Stunned, Annie stared at Brett. “Go with him? Why would I go with—”
“Because you love him,” Brett interrupted. “Because you’ve always loved him.”
“I . . .” She turned to walk away, wanting to end this conversation before she did something silly, like start to cry, but her brother stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.
“Annie, I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but anyone can see you love Tyler. Before he left, you were so happy, and the two of you are great together. So why’d you stick around? Why didn’t you follow him to New York? Didn’t he ask you?”
With difficulty, she swallowed past the large lump in her throat. “Yes, he asked me, but I said no.”
Her brother stared at her. “Why’d you do that?”
Annie blinked, annoyed to find tears filling her eyes. “Because my life is here. Courtney’s life is here. I can’t just drop everything and follow Tyler to New York. Even if I did, I’d hardly get to see him there. He said he’d always be working.”
Brett dropped his arm around her shoulder. “But at least you’d get to see him some, which is better than what you’ve got now. I remember your friend Blair went through something like this. She decided to make it work.”
Blair had mentioned the similarity, but this was different. Tyler had made a promise, one he needed to keep. She felt like her heart constricted at the thought of never being with Tyler. “Yes, Blair went through something like this, but in many ways, it was very different.” Her voice was a mere whisper.
Brett patted her arm. “Wouldn’t seeing him sometimes be better than never seeing him at all?
“Yes, it would be better,” Annie admitted.
Brett grinned. “Seems to me you’ve solved your own problem. Why stay here? Go be with him.”
Annie started pacing in the barn. Could she really do this? Could she move to New York? She stopped and looked at Brett. “What kind of life would that be for Courtney and me? Stuck in a strange city with no friends or family, hoping Tyler will come home from the office and spend a few minutes with us?”
“I guess I don’t see it that way. I’ve never been lucky in love like you are, but if I ever find love, it seems to me I’d give about anything to spend at least some time with the person I loved.” He studied her, his eyes narrowed. “Unless this is about more than just Tyler working so many hours. Is this about me and the horse farm? Tell me you’re not sticking around for me. I can do this on my own, Annie. I’ve got everything I need.”
Annie considered what he’d said. “I’m not sticking around just for that,” she said, but she was. She didn’t want to let Brett down.
He latched on to the uncertainty in her voice. “I know that tone. You are sticking around because of me.”
She knew where he was headed with this. “Okay, I’ll admit part of the reason I’m staying is because of the horse farm. Of course I am. Part of my livelihood depends on this ranch. I’m not going to walk away and leave you to run it all by yourself, especially now that we’re taking on so much extra work. You’re not superhuman. You can’t run everything by yourself.”
Brett rubbed his thumb across his chin, a gesture Annie knew meant he was thinking about what she’d said. “You’re probably right.”
“I definitely am.”
“If only I had some help,” he teased. “You know, ranch hands who could—”
“Har har,” Annie said. “I know you have their help. But I manage the money and keep track of the financials. You can’t afford a bookkeeper. It’s too expensive right now.”
“But we’re not paying Tyler a salary. That gives me some freedom. I’m sure I could find someone to do the books once a week.”
Annie bit her bottom lip, debating what to do. She wanted to find a way, any way, to be with Tyler. Maybe she could go after they got the new horses settled. Tyler had asked her to marry him. She could do that. She could marry him and live
with him in New York. She could spend her days with Courtney, something she’d never been able to do as a single mother. That would be a real plus. Naturally, they would continue to give Brett financial support if he needed it.
The idea started to take form in her mind. As Brett had pointed out, even though she might not see Tyler a lot, she would at least see him sometimes. Which would be better than what she had now—which was nothing.
“I don’t know,” she admitted softly. “I’d like to, but—”
“You think it wouldn’t be fair, right?”
Annie nodded and studied her brother’s face. “I know it wouldn’t be fair.”
Brett chuckled. “Yeah. Instead of always bumping heads with you, I’d have ranch hands who would have to do what I wanted. I can see how that would be a real downer.”
Annie smiled, and her smile grew into a grin when Brett hugged her.
“Go to New York and be with Tyler. If I run into any problems, I’ll call.”
“But I’m not leaving until after the horses arrive tomorrow.”
Brett shrugged. “Whatever works for you. As long as you go.”
Annie felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She really could do this. She could make this change in her life and spend her days with her daughter and her nights with Tyler. Suddenly the world seemed full of possibilities. Paul’s death had shown her how easy it was to lose someone you loved. And she did love Tyler, with all her heart. She knew how lucky she was to find that kind of love again in her life.
And she wasn’t going to throw his love away.
**
“Bernie, I need to talk to you.” Tyler walked into his boss’ office and dropped into a comfortable leather chair. “I’m not having any fun.”
With a chuckle, Bernie switched off his computer and gave Tyler his complete attention. “Tyler, this is the law. No one ever said it would be fun.”
Tyler ran a tired hand through his hair. “I know. But the thing is, I used to think practicing law was fun or at least exciting. I liked everything about it. But I don’t anymore.”
The smile on Bernie’s face faded. “This is about you going home, right? I thought you understood how serious this case is. I can’t afford to lose it.”
Tyler nodded and drew in a deep breath. Then he launched into his plan.
“I don’t want to stay; I’ll admit that. I’ll also admit I realize how important this case is. For that reason, I’ve done a lot of thinking about other ways we could handle this. For starters, you need to replace me.”
Bernie made a croaking noise. “No way. Where would I find another lawyer as good as you are?”
Tyler smiled at his compliment. “I appreciate your faith in me. I really do. But my life isn’t here anymore. I want to go back to Falling Star.”
Bernie groaned. “What’s so special about that place?”
“It isn’t the place. It’s the people. I left behind . . . someone I love very deeply.” Images of Annie flashed through Tyler’s mind. Soon he’d be back in Falling Star. Maybe then she’d forgive him for leaving in the first place. Maybe then he could talk her into marrying him.
“I can’t make it without you,” Bernie said flatly.
Tyler had expected him to feel this way. “Sure you can. I’ve called a couple of the hotshots we both know. You’re one lucky son of a gun. Margaret Cavanaugh will consider joining the firm if you put together the right sort of package.”
At the mention of Margaret’s name, Bernie leaned forward. “She’s good. Did she say she would consider it or is this wishful thinking on your part?”
Tyler’s heart rate increased. This might just work after all. “I already talked to her, and she said she’s very interested. And I can have her up and running in no time. Besides, if she has any questions, she can call me. But I will need to leave now.”
He could tell from Bernie’s distracted expression that the older man was already making plans. Bernie was a savvy lawyer, one that knew when a great deal was being presented. Watching him, Tyler’s excitement grew.
“Okay, I’ll go along with it,” Bernie said finally. “I know how much it means to you to go back home. I can’t help thinking you’re giving up a lot. I hope that woman is worth it.”
Tyler grinned. “Oh, yeah. She’s worth it. She’s more than worth it.”
**
Annie glanced down the length of the barn. The new horses were getting settled in their stalls. Things had gone off without a hitch this morning. The hands had taken care of everything with no problems, and Brett had overseen the work.
“We’re officially up and running,” Brett said, entering Annie’s small office.
Although she didn’t want to get too excited, everything did seem to be working out nicely. “It does seem to be going well.”
“We’ve got some terrific horses, and I know we can grow the farm. Things here look great.” He smiled at her. “So why haven’t you left? Don’t you have a plane to catch?”
Bemused, Annie shook her head. “No. I’m going to wait a few days to see—”
“Hi, sweetheart.” Annie’s mother appeared in the doorway. “We thought you’d be gone by now.”
Annie looked from Brett to her mother and then back again. “What are you guys up to? I’m not leaving. I haven’t even booked a flight yet. Plus, I need to make arrangements for Courtney. Mom, in fact, I was planning on calling you later today. Could you please watch—”
“Man Man.” Courtney was holding on to Fran Lee’s hand. She popped her head through the doorway to Annie’s office, looked around, and then asked her mother, “Man Man?”
“She’s looking all over the place for Tyler,” Annie’s mother said, walking over and sitting in the chair in front of Annie’s desk. She looked at her daughter and grinned. “What are you still doing here?”
Love for these wonderful people filled Annie’s heart, and she blinked away a quick tear. She would have to come back for regular visits because she would miss her family too much to stay away for long.
“What are you doing here?” Annie asked, picking up Courtney.
“Well, I stopped by to say goodbye before you head to New York,” her mother said. “And since Dad and I’ll be keeping an eye on Courtney for the next couple of days, we thought you probably would want to give her a kiss goodbye.”
Annie smiled at her mother and brother over the top of her daughter’s head. “Does this mean I’m free to head off to New York?”
Brett dropped an arm around her shoulders. “Actually, it means more than that.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out an airplane ticket. “It means that you’ve got just enough time to hurry home and pack a suitcase. Your flight leaves in a few hours.” He handed Annie the ticket, and she studied it with wonder. “Got to leave yourself extra time to get through security.”
“You guys are the best,” she said, thrilled at the prospect of seeing Tyler soon.
“Have you told Tyler you’re coming yet?” her mother asked.
Annie shook her head. “No. I’m going to surprise him.” She didn’t add that she hoped Tyler found it a good surprise. She didn’t want to think about the possibility that he’d changed his mind.
“We’ll see you after you work out all the details with Tyler.” Her mother stood and hugged Annie. “I’m happy for you, sweetheart.”
Annie hugged her in return. “I’m pretty happy myself.” She glanced at Brett. “Are you certain I don’t need to stay?”
Brett shook his head. “Positive. Now hurry on home and pack your suitcases. We paid a lot for that ticket.”
“Thank you,” she whispered and dropped a kiss on his cheek. “I really appreciate this.”
Brett winked at her. “I know.”
With a final group of hugs, Annie kissed Courtney’s cheek, handed her to her mother, then headed to her car. She was starting to believe things were going to work out after all.
**
Tyler couldn’t remember the la
st time he’d been so nervous. He’d never been this upset even when facing a really tough jury. But he knew why he was so worried—this meant more to him. Annie might tell him to buzz off, and if she did, he had no idea what he’d do. He loved her too much and couldn’t imagine his life without her. No, today was the most important day in his life so far, and he didn’t want to blow it.
That was why it took him so long to walk from his truck to her front door. He’d already stopped by the barn looking for her. Brett had laughed when he’d seen him and told him Annie was at home, but he hadn’t said why. Tyler couldn’t imagine her not being at the ranch today. She’d been looking forward to the new horses. He just hoped she wasn’t sick.
With his heart in his throat, he rang the doorbell and waited impatiently. Seconds seemed like hours while he waited. When Annie finally opened the door, she stared at him for a moment. Her eyes widened, then with a squeal, she launched herself at him and wrapped him in a tight embrace. Before Tyler could say a single word, she kissed him hard enough to curl his toes.
When she finally released him, joy flooded through him, and he smiled at her. “This is a much better welcome than I’d hoped for.” At her urging, he followed her inside and shut the door behind him. “The reason I’m here is because I want to ask you to forgive me.”
Annie blinked at him. “Forgive you for what?”
“For leaving you a second time when you were depending on me. I honestly didn’t think there was a way around this problem. Bernie means a great deal to me. He’s more than just my partner; he’s one of my best friends. I didn’t want to let him down.”
Annie smiled at him. “I know. I understand. As you said the day you left, I wouldn’t love you if you were the type of man to leave a friend in the lurch. I know how important this case is to you. I just needed some time to think about my feelings. I finally realized what I was seeking here in Falling Star, the comfort and sense of belonging, I also have with you.”