Caught in the Act (Independence Falls 2)

“I still believe it is best for the forest floor to let the branches decompose. It keeps the soil healthy for the next crop of trees,” Eric said. “But I also think it pays to be forward thinking. Biomass has the potential to replace coal as a form of energy to a certain extent. Overseas we’re already starting to see this happen. I think it could be good for the timber industry at home too.”

“And you need Katie for this?” Brody asked.

“Those relationships are in their infancy,” Eric said. “You purchased the trucks to haul the wood product a month ago based on your financials. So yes, we do.”

“We’ll take the deal,” she said.

Her brothers had given up a lot for her. It was her turn now. She couldn’t walk away from three million dollars just because it was not part of her dreams. If this is what they wanted, what Brody felt was the right next step . . . Her family came first.

“Wait a minute, Katie,” Brody said. “You were planning to leave. Move to Montana. Start a new job. Run your own sanctuary.”

“I can still go,” she said, forcing a smile, telling herself this was her choice. “In two years.”

Brody frowned. They both knew barns filled with needy animals wouldn’t wait. Carol Lewis would hire someone else to replace her as the head of the Montana Safe Haven.

“We’ll talk it over.” Brody pushed back from the table and everyone else followed his lead. “And have an answer to you in the morning. I’d also like to review those contracts.”

Eric walked around the table and handed her brother a stack of papers. Then he turned to her and held out his hand. “Welcome to the team. I hope.”

The door opened and Liam stepped in. She felt his gaze taking in her fitted skirt and button-down shirt. He stared at her hand clasped in Eric’s and his expression darkened. She bit her lip, wishing they could return to the moments last night when the outside world hadn’t mattered.

“What did I miss?” Liam demanded.

“I said yes,” she said. “It’s done.”

Liam’s jaw tightened. “Katie, can I have a word with you?”

She nodded, fighting to keep her polite smile in place as she followed him down the short hall to his office. Apart from a desk and two chairs, one covered with chainsaw safety gear, the space was empty, as if he hadn’t bothered to move in yet.

She glanced out the window. Liam had a view of the parking lot. As an equity partner, if that’s what he got, she had a feeling her office would stare a wall.

Liam closed the door. “Katie, are you sure about this? It kills me to think you felt trapped, that you had to take his offer.”

She did, but not by him. “You know, the funny thing is, before you came over last night, I thought I’d solved my problems. I thought that I’d found a way to make my dreams come true and still have you in my life. I was going to ask you to come with me. To leave behind your job and Georgia—”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. “I made my choice.”

“You haven’t signed the contracts,” he pointed out.

“We will,” she said. “We will.”

He heard the hint of sadness in her voice. It was as if the spark that burned bright inside her had been extinguished. And God, it was killing him that he’d had a hand in stealing away her dreams.

“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your plans for your brothers,” he said.

“They’ve given up a lot for me,” she said. “And no one walks away from three million dollars, especially when someone is offering them everything else they want. Even Brody can’t say no to the deal Eric offered.”

Liam waved his hand toward the closed door. “Do you think they are still here?”

She nodded. “They’ll wait for me. Chad is probably hitting on your receptionist. Now that he officially works for Moore Timber, you better warn your female staff. He is Mr. One-Night Stand.”

“If they’re still here, go get those contracts and tear them up.” He closed the space between them, looping one arm around her waist and drawing her close. “Take the job in Montana. I’ll go with you. Together, we’ll save horses, goats, whatever you want.”

“I can’t,” she said. “You didn’t see their expressions when Eric said the number, or when he agreed to help Chad buy a helicopter and outfit it for logging. If my dad were alive, he’d be so proud. And wait until Josh finds out he finished his last haul. He hates driving trucks. Now he can go back to school, work for Moore Timber, whatever he wants.”

“Did you even try to negotiate with Eric?” Liam demanded.