Surrender to Me (Boggy Creek Valley 4)

“Did you need me to bring Bella back to the apiary?” Hunter asked Greer once we got outside.

She shook her head, reached up onto her toes, and kissed Hunter’s cheek. “Nope, it’s on the way home, but thanks for asking.”

Hunter opened the side door of Greer’s SUV and held my hand as I climbed in. “Still on for tomorrow, Bella?”

“Yes, of course.”

He smiled and winked, and I felt my lower stomach pull with a deep desire. There had been way too many nights where I’d slipped my fingers between my legs and dreamt of that smile of his. Those soft lips and gentle hands. I’d tried desperately not to forget how they felt against my body, but after so many years, the memories had slowly faded away…yet I held on to others.

“You better get back into the house before you freeze to death, Hunter,” I said, pulling the seat belt on and clicking it.

“Right. Drive safe, ladies,” Hunter said as he stepped away.

“Bye, Hunter!” Greer called out, and I lifted my hand and waved.

Hunter shut the door and then took a few steps back while Greer started the 4Runner and made her way down Willa and Aiden’s driveway. The view of the apple orchard was a beautiful sight to see. Miles and miles of trees all blanketed with snow. The way the sun shone on it, it looked like glitter was sprinkled over all the trees. Of course, the snow-capped mountains with the crystal-clear blue sky made the perfect backdrop.

“Okay, did you see the way Hunter looked at you when you were holding Ciara?” Greer asked, excitement in her voice. “He came to such an abrupt halt his mother ran right into him!”

I pulled my eyes from the landscape and looked at her. “He looked annoyed with me. Maybe he didn’t like that I was there.”

“Annoyed? Annoyed? Are you serious, Arabella Adams? That boy did not look annoyed. He looked like he was just as much in love with you now as he was ten years ago—and the sight of you holding a baby nearly dropped him to his knees.”

I huffed. “Don’t be ridiculous.” I was about to say something along the lines of him jumping at the chance to help Brighton, but I knew that would be a childish thing to do, and would only showcase my own unwarranted jealousy.

“I’m telling you, Arabella, I could see the longing in his eyes.”

I snapped my gaze toward her again. “You think Hunter wants a family?”

“Of course, he does,” Greer stated. “Don’t you see how he is with Ben and how he held Ciara at the hospital? I can’t imagine he wouldn’t want a family. Willa’s even said he’s mentioned it a time or two.”

Tears pricked at the back of my eyes as I turned and looked out the window.

“Arabella, I didn’t mean to say anything to hurt you.”

I nodded and sniffled. “I know. And I wouldn’t blame Hunter if he found someone and got married. It’s just…I…”

I brought my hands up to my face; I couldn’t stop the tears if I tried.

“Christ Almighty,” Greer said as she brought the car to a sudden stop. I heard her unbuckle her belt. “Arabella…oh sweetie, talk to me. Please.”

“I’m just so confused,” I said, sucking in a shaky breath. “I mean, I’m not confused more than I’m just so angry. And sad. Shit! I’m tired of being so sad! So…so…fucking tired of it.”

When Greer didn’t say anything, I looked at her. She was staring at me with her mouth open.

I sniffed and wiped my nose with my sweater. “What?” I asked in a cracked voice.

“You swore. You never swear. And not only did you swear, but you went all out with it.”

Her face was so serious, I couldn’t help it. I laughed. Then hiccupped.

“You said…fuck. And shit. I feel like I need to write this down somewhere to document it. Like, this was a big step for you.”

I dropped my head back against the seat and sighed.

“I’m sorry, honey,” Greer said as she took my hand in hers. “But Arabella…do something about it.”

“About what?”

“Being sad. Wanting to be with Hunter. Because that’s clear to everyone from the way you look at him.”

Sighing again, I slowly shook my head. “Oh God. It’s not that easy, Greer. I wish it was.”

She squeezed my hand, and I looked at her. “I’m always here if you want to talk.”

“I know.”

Greer looked away for a moment before her gaze captured mine again. “Arabella, I’ve respected your privacy for all these years…but I need to say something, and forgive me if I overstep.”

I braced myself for what she was about to say. Or ask. “Go on.”

“I don’t know why you pushed Hunter away. I suspect I might know, though I would never push you to talk about it. But neither one of you can move on from the other. Don’t you think it’s time you told him why you broke up with him?”