Entering Rock Springs, I decide to check the clinic first. My best guess is that’s where he is and finding his truck there, I know I was right. After parking my car in the back of the parking lot, I take a few deep breaths. I've faced some of the toughest businessmen in the boardroom, made deals other companies were too scared to make, and even made grown men cry and never once blinked an eye.
Now?
Well, now I'm scared to death because I can't control this outcome. There are no stats and graphs to back me up. Matters of the heart are just so much damn harder than matters of the boardroom. Am I really banking all my hopes on one text that I still haven't managed to answer?
Just do it, Kayla.
Getting out of the car on shaky legs, I make my way into the clinic. More than ever, I'm thankful to be wearing my cowboy boots rather than heels because I'm sure I'd have fallen flat on my face by now.
There are only a couple of patients in the waiting room, and they look at me then back to their phones. Before I have a chance to ask the receptionist about Brice, his dad steps into the waiting room with a folder, most likely to call a patient back. But when he sees me, he freezes, and then a smile covers his face.
"Tell me you’re here with good news and not to break my son's heart."
"Well, my car is filled with boxes, and as of tomorrow at three p.m. I’m officially homeless if today doesn't go well."
"He's in his office. You know where it is?"
I just nod. Knowing he's in the building kicks my nerves up a notch, but I hug Brice's dad before going down the hall to his office. Seeing the door is cracked open, I peek in, finding him on the computer, so I step inside and close the door behind me.
Looking up, Brice does a double take before standing, but he doesn't move.
"You were right."
"No, I...."
"No, please I've spent the last two hours in the car practicing what I was going to say, so let me get this out."
He knows, and the ghost of a smile crosses his face.
"You were right. I was so caught up in work that I didn't really notice the people around me. Mostly I think I blocked out the bad, so I didn't have to deal with it. But on Monday when I had lunch with the girls, and they said to my face what they had said to you? Well, I'm shocked it wasn't all over page sixty-one because I threw a drink in Willa's face and told them exactly what they could do with their sky-high stilettos."
I take a step closer to him.
"Then all week, I couldn't concentrate on work. I was screwing up little things, even sending the wrong emails to people. When I went home early, my dad came over and had a serious talk with me. I realized what I should have known all along–my parents will support anything I want to do. But when my dad gave me some solutions for what was holding me back, it's as if a key unlocked all sorts of possibilities. I don't know if you still love me, or even still want me, but dammit Brice, I love you, and want you."
Faster than I could have imagined, he has me in his arms and is holding me tight.
"I love you, too. So much. I still want you more than I want my next breath, but I haven't found a way to make this work. Even though I’ve thought of moving to Dallas, and I really have, I know eventually I’ll end up hating it so much it will ruin us."
"Well, I have a solution if you’re willing to hear it?"
"Are you kidding me? Of course, I'm willing to hear it." Then he pulls me into his lap. Even though he hasn't kissed me yet, I'm more than happy that he can't keep his hands off me.
"I can do my work, most of it, anywhere. Plus, I want to head up a new division working with smaller companies like WJ’s and helping them expand, and want to keep it local. So, I figured I'd only need to actually be in the office once a week. Then my dad tells me he had a helicopter pad installed on the roof of the office. Which got me thinking. It's a two-hour drive here, or more with traffic, but only about forty minutes by helicopter. Do you think you and your parents would mind me using some of the land to put in a landing pad and hanger?"
"Are you kidding?" he says, but his tone is flat and unreadable, so I push ahead.
"I already bought a car to keep at the office in case I need it. My dad will still be working, so the Dallas office is covered. My apartment is sold, movers are coming tomorrow to move my boxes either here or to storage, and my car is loaded with everything I need. I've set Walter up with my chef and a car service...." I don't get to finish my sentence because his lips are on mine.
This kiss isn't rushed, but it's like coming home. Now I finally feel like I belong.
"If building a helicopter pad means getting you here, I'm all for it. The movers better be bringing your stuff here tomorrow and if there’s anything else you need to make this work, I’ll make it happen."
"Well, I might need faster internet at the house..."
"Done."
"Also, I was thinking of opening a satellite office here in town. I'd like to keep business and work separate, especially when I have meetings. But I need to hire an assistant, someone local, so if you know anyone looking for a job, no experience needed."