The Ranch (A Second Chance Romance)

“He should be used to me not returning his calls,” she huffed, and walked over to give me a hug. “That’s nothing new. But thank you. And thanks again for coming here to check on me, but I promise I’m good. I’ll talk to you all later.”

“I’m glad,” I said, meaning it. “Good night, and contact us if you need anything.”

“Good night,” she waved as she walked back over to where Micah waited.

I turned back to Muriel and my guys. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before they cast us as extras in their movie.”

Muriel laughed. “And here I am without my hoop skirt and petticoats.”

“I bet you could still find a Southern gentleman to come calling,” I winked and laughed as she started to blush.

Cooper nudged me as we followed Axel back to the front door. “How about you? Are you looking for a Southern gentleman?”

“Or two?” Nolan added with a smirk.

God, how was I supposed to answer that one?

Only in a perfect world.

Only in my dreams.

Chapter Twenty One

Poppy Evans

The ride back to Lakeview was quiet but not oppressive like it had been earlier in the evening. Finding Jasmine had seemed to take some of the tension out of the air, which was a nice change of pace after all the craziness and drama we’d been through.

Muriel gave me a weary smile as we pulled up in front of her bungalow. “Thank God that nightmare is over. And she was okay. I should be pissed off at her for putting us through all of that when she was only out flirting with a couple of guys, but I can’t bring myself to be angry when I’m so relieved.”

I laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. To be fair, she didn’t know her phone wasn’t working. That’s the only thing that kept my temper in check when it came down to it.” I paused, then smirked. “Well, that and the fact that I’m sure she’ll get an earful from more than a few people. Apparently half the town went out looking for her.”

Cooper and Nolan laughed at that.

“He was worried about her,” Cooper said. “We all were. But I hope nobody gives her too much shit about it. She didn’t know.”

“She’s lucky to have friends like you,” Nolan said to Muriel and me. “Everybody should have a friend or two who will drop everything to go out through flooded back roads and risk their lives getting shot at by hillbillies just to make sure they’re okay.”

“I’d do most of that stuff for you, man,” Cooper joked. “And then I’d kick your ass for making me worry.”

“Right back at you,” Nolan grinned, before turning back to Muriel. “Anyway, take care, and it was good to see you again. Go get some rest.”

“Thanks,” she nodded. “I will.” She gave me a quick half-hug as I got out of the truck to let her out. “You’re going home now?” she asked me.

“Yeah, I guess so,” I answered since that was what I’d planned to do before we had gone off looking for the girl who was never missing. It was what I should have done. But it had been a long time since I’d lived my life by what I should do.

Maybe I never had lived that way.

“So, we’re taking you home now?” Cooper asked once Muriel had gone and the three of us were back on the road together.

“Yes,” I nodded, looking out the window at the passing trees and remembering what I’d just told my best friend. “But not to my parents’ house.”

“What?” Cooper and Nolan asked at the same time.

“I’ve been thinking about this all day long,” I began.

“Pretty sure that makes three of us,” Nolan said with a wry grin. “You’ve literally been the only person on my mind today.”

“Same,” Cooper nodded. “Today. Yesterday. Tomorrow. Pick a day.”

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. I’d guessed we had all been thinking the same things, but it was still nice to hear them say it out loud. It made what I’d been planning to say next seemed even more appropriate. More... right.

“Anyway,” I continued. “I’ve been thinking about it and... I don’t want to walk away from y’all again. I would like us to start all over.”

“We’re a little too old to go back to high school,” Cooper smirked. “But we might still be able to sneak into that old proctor’s office if we are really lucky.”

“I ain’t sure I’m ever that lucky,” Nolan grumbled, then turned to me. “But I’d give it a shot if you wanted.”

I laughed. God, why did they have to make jokes when I was trying so hard to be serious? Not to mention I was so tired I was nearly delirious.

“That isn’t what I mean, and you both know it,” I schooled my expression into something more appropriate to the topic at hand. “I’ve thought about the two of you a lot over the years. There are things I regret. Things I would do differently if I could have a second chance at it all. But I don’t regret the time we spent together, and I wouldn’t walk away again. Not like I did back then.”