Page 47

“Then change the position.”

“You’re willing to lose the travel premium?”

“Yes.”

“And possibly some of the larger national events?”

“Yes.”

Another pause.

A year ago, both answers would’ve been impossible.

Lauren finally said, “Give me an hour.”

I hung up. Then I loaded my suitcase into the SUV and drove to Beau’s ranch.

He was outside the barn when I pulled in.

I got out holding his flannel.

His gaze went from me to the suitcase visible through the back window.

“Did you stop by to say goodbye?”

I crossed the yard and handed him the flannel. “You said to bring it back.”

Beau took it, but his eyes stayed on mine. “Caroline.”

“I took the wrong job.”

He didn’t say anything.

“I didn’t change my mind because you asked me to. You didn’t.” I took a breath. “And I’m not changing my life for you.”

“Good.”

Despite everything, his answer came fast enough to make me smile.

“I’m changing it because I finally admitted I want one. I like my work. I’m not giving it up. I want the events and the mess and the part where everybody panics and I fix it. But I don’t want to live in hotel rooms eleven months a year just because I’ve always been good at leaving.”

Beau stepped closer.

I kept going. “I want a place my stuff actually belongs. I want to know where I’m coming back to after an event.” My throat tightened. “And I want you to be there when I do.”

Beau looked down at the flannel in his hand, then tossed it over the fence rail. “Stay.”

My heart kicked hard against my chest.

He came closer until there was barely any space left between us. “Not because the town needs you. Not because you need somewhere between jobs.” His hand settled at my waist. “Stay because I want us to have a chance.”

I touched his chest. “That was almost a speech.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

I laughed as I looked into his eyes.

Then he kissed me.