One More Taste (One and Only Texas #2)(95)

Seeing Samuel, and Decker’s reaction as a father, had put Ty’s cruel behavior to Knox into stark focus. There were so many awful fathers in the world that wore their anger and pride like heavy yokes across their shoulders. Decker was a reminder that it didn’t have to be that way. That even out of a dark and toxic situation, there was hope to be found, and good men who took care of their families in gentle, loving ways.

Decker stroked a finger along Samuel’s cheek. “He’s perfect, isn’t he?”

“He is.”

Without warning, Emily’s eyes welled with tears. She sniffed and wiped her cheek against her sleeve.

Decker pulled a tissue from the box on the bedside table and handed it to Emily. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. Carina’s healthy, Sam’s healthy. It’s just been an emotional day.”

“That it has. I haven’t been immune to tears, myself.”

She offered a weak smile. “I noticed.”

“I’m crazy about that girl,” he said, nodding to the bed.

“I noticed that, too.”

He winked, and for the first time since Carina had gone into labor, his cowboy swagger started to return. “Before Carina and I got together, I thought my life was headed down a very specific path. I thought I knew where I was going, but God had other plans. I never saw it coming.”

“Saw what?”

Decker’s gaze glowed as he looked at his son. “Love. How it changes everything. When I realized Carina was the one, it blew all my grand plans to smithereens. And then this guy … I feel like everything I thought I knew about myself and the world is changing again. I didn’t know it was possible to love something this much.”

Love. It really did change everything. Not too long ago, Emily could have said with certainty where she was going and what it was going to take to get there. But now she knew better. Charles Welk had gotten it slightly wrong. Happiness alone didn’t make the brevity of life bearable. Love did. Holding the baby, knowing she was part of this beautiful creature’s journey was such an honor. But as grateful as she was for being a part of someone else’s story, she wanted her own story. With Knox.

When Knox had come to Briscoe Ranch, looking every inch the wolf in a Prada suit, she’d been terrified that he’d send her packing from the only home and job that had ever mattered to her. She’d been terrified that he’d blow her grand plans all to hell. She’d never expected to fall in love with the wolf. Her fear had convinced her that loving him meant holding herself back, submitting to the will of another at the forfeit of her independence. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Loving him wasn’t a chain of bondage, but the chance to become more than she could ever be alone. Rather than hold her back, his love helped her fly.

Knox needed her tonight, more than Samuel did. So, why, then, was she hiding out in Carina’s hospital room instead of going after her own happiness with the man she loved?

She slowly sat up, then gently transferred the baby to Decker’s arms.

“Leaving already? Was it something I said?” Decker asked.

“Yes, actually. In the best possible way.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ve got to go.”





Chapter Twenty-Three

Emily sped through the quiet, dark streets until she hit Dulcet, impatient to find Knox. Not only to help him through whatever emotional storm he was weathering after finding out that Ty was his father, but also to let him know how deeply she’d fallen in love with him. And that she might have the means to save the resort. She couldn’t imagine a better use for her inheritance than to save the place that had been her safe haven and the family that had made her one of their own.

On Main Street in Dulcet, Emily slowed her car as she passed Haylie’s apartment building. Haylie hadn’t been at the hospital all day, which didn’t bode well. Haylie would have definitely been there for the birth of Carina’s baby, if she’d been able. Dread washed through Emily.

She pulled into the parking lot, then took her phone out of her purse, deliberating on whether or not to reach out to Haylie, despite the late hour. If Haylie were hurt, if Wendell had snapped, given Knox’s news about the offer on the resort, then there existed the very real possibility that Haylie needed immediate help.

Emily was still considering her options when movement on the second floor caught her eye. She looked up to see Haylie stealing down the stairs, an overnight bag in her hand and one eye looking over her shoulder.

Relief at the sight of her made Emily’s heart squeeze. She turned off her engine, then jogged to the base of the stairs to meet Haylie.

Haylie startled at the sight of her. “Emily? What are you doing here?” she whispered. Even in the shadows, Emily could see her black eye and split lip plainly enough.

“I was passing by, going to Knox’s house. What’s going on?”

Haylie drew herself up proud and tall. “I’m leaving.”

The words, said in a tone of pure conviction, sent chill bumps skittering over Emily’s skin. Good for her. “Do you know where?”

“I have no idea. I’m not coming back.” It had been that way for Emily, too. When she’d snapped, she snapped for good.

“I’m proud of you. Will you let me help?”

Haylie cast a wary eye at her apartment door. “I don’t have time. I have to go while he’s still passed out.”