The Buy-In (Graham Brothers #1)(55)

“I do.”

“And you know you’d be getting Jo, like a package deal? I’m not saying anything about Jo—she’s the best. Not every guy wants to raise some other guy’s kid or is ready to be thrust into a dad role. Plus, all the legal drama—you want to propose knowing all that?”

Maybe Chevy’s list of things should make me want to back down. I’m pretty sure he’s testing me. It only makes me feel more determined, even more sure of my decision.

“Yeah. I do.”

“Well, then. Maybe my hunch is correct.” Chevy pulls the Mustang to a stop and leans against his door, eyeing me. “You know where we are?”

I glance out at the dark road ahead, lit only by the moon. The only things I can see are fields and fences in all directions. “A deserted stretch of road perfect for offing someone and hiding the body?”

He chuckles, leaning across to open my door. “A little dark, buddy. More like a good place to let you walk home and think about what you’ve done.”

“Seriously?”

He nods. “My house is two miles straight ahead.”

Grumbling, I climb out of his car, then lean down to meet his gaze. “If this is how it’s gonna be, I might fully rescind my bromance offer.”

“Fair enough. But lemme ask you—wouldn’t your brothers do the same?”

I don’t even have to think about that one. “They’d do worse.”

Chevy chuckles and gives me a little wave. “See you at home, honey.”

I close the door, listening to the purr of his engine fade as I start to walk, ankle monitor itching a little more with each step. If this town wants me to eat humble pie, I’ll tie a plastic bib around my neck and put my face right in it. Whatever it takes.

I’ve had about ten minutes to walk and think about how stupid it was to propose to Lindy the way I did when my phone starts to buzz. I’m honestly shocked I get any reception out here.

“Hey, Pops.”

Tank’s voice is a little garbled. “How is it being stuck in Sheet Cake? What are you up to?”

I’m passing a broken-down shed and a few cows. “Just out for a stroll.”

“You can do that?” he asks. “I thought you were under house arrest.”

“More like town arrest. I can’t leave Sheet Cake. Guess I’m here for a while, even if James never changes his mind about Dark Horse.”

Dad hums and says something I can’t hear through static. Only the last part is clear. “… stubborn brother. How are things with your girl?”

“I asked her to marry me.”

Might as well drop that bomb now, let him get used to the idea before I try again. This time with a plan and a real proposal, one that will show Lindy how serious I am. Tank is quiet for a few moments, and I check to see if we’re still connected. We are. “You still there? Did I cause a coronary?”

“I’m here,” Tank says. “Just thinking. Do you know what you’re doing, son?”

“It may not look like it, but for the first time in a long time, I really, really do.”

He’s quiet again, and I brace myself for a lecture on wise decisions—to which I’ll argue the point that he’s one to talk after purchasing a whole town. Instead, Dad is choked up when he speaks again. “If that’s the case, then I want you to have your mother’s ring.”

I’m so shocked, I stop and lean on a nearby fence post, a wave of emotion hitting me. I grip the rough wood, closing my eyes and swaying slightly.

“Dad, I can’t take that.”

“Your mother and I had time to talk through this before she passed. She wanted the first of you boys to have it. We never told you, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get the chance to pass it on. If this is the woman you want to spend your life with, it’s yours.”

“I—thank you. Wow.”

Whatever he says next is lost to static, and our connection cuts out a moment later. I’m honestly relieved, because I’m standing by a deserted country road, crying like a little kid.

Lindy hasn’t even said yes. She didn’t say no, either, but that’s hardly a shining endorsement. The thought of my mom’s ring and having my parents’ blessing only makes me want to prove myself to Lindy more.

I don’t feel worthy of Lindy or of my mom’s ring. But I will be. I will.

I hear a shuffle and look over to see a cow imposing on my private moment. I wipe my cheeks, making eye contact with the nosy bovine.

“What are you looking at?” I demand, and in answer, it lifts its tail and leaves a fresh pile of cow patties. “You’re a real mood killer, Bessie. You know that?”

The cow does not seem particularly concerned with my insult and turns back to the herd. Sighing, I tuck my phone into my pocket and resume my walk, refusing to take Bessie’s response as any kind of sign.





Chapter Seventeen





Lindy





“Tell me you have some good news,” I say to Ashlee, wedging the phone between my ear and shoulder as I grab my purse from the car and slam the door.

Honestly, the legal battle over Jo is the last thing I want to think about after bolting from the restaurant and from Pat. I sent the bat signal—AKA a 911 text—to Val and Winnie, so they’re on their way. I’d love to shut off my brain until my friends arrive, but Ashlee’s voicemail sounded ominous. I’d rather hear from her now rather than having to go to sleep tonight with a sense of unknown, impending doom.