Finding Redemption Ranch (Edenton Bay Romance Series, Book 2) by Elizabeth Woodrow

Author:Elizabeth Woodrow [Woodrow, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Van Rye Publishing, LLC
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Emelia

It had been hard for me not to tell Caitlyn she wouldn’t be working at the café that night. Her parents, along with Colt and Callie, had planned a huge surprise party for her.

Everyone had forgotten about what happened at the beach on the Fourth of July, or at least no one ever mentioned it. As I stared in the mirror, I studied my reflection. For the first times in four years, the image held no bruises. It was finally free of Gary’s rage. If only the memories would disappear just as easily. But with Gary still lurking, no such luck. When would his grip on my mind finally let up? I shrugged it off and finished washing my hands. No more dwelling on the past. We had a barn to decorate.

I knew that night was going to be hard on Quinn. She had to say goodbye to Caitlyn. They had become almost inseparable. I opened the bathroom door and found myself alone in the cabin. I swallowed the panic and headed outside. Stay calm, Em. She’s safe here. I tried my hardest to believe that lie.

“Quinn!” I hollered when I didn’t immediately see her.

“I’m over here with Wuke and Wyatt! Wet’s go!” They were on the dirt path leading down to the barn.

“I’m sorry, guys. I had no idea she’d come out here. She’s just excited about the party.” UGH! Why am I apologizing for Quinn’s presence? I always had to apologize to Gary if Quinn “got in his way.” But not to these guys.

“No need to apologize,” Luke responded. “We all love having you both here.”

Luke’s lopsided grin was almost irresistible. I wanted to kiss it. What? No. You will do no such thing. He is much too good for the likes of you. I stiffened my back and raised my chin. I didn’t dare glance in his direction. “Shall we get going to the barn, then?” I did my best to plaster a smile on my face.

Luke extended his arm. “After you.”

Quinn had already grabbed Wyatt by the hand and dragged him down the hill toward the barn. He didn’t appear to mind. His head bent back with laughter, and even though I didn’t know what they were talking about, Quinn was talking a mile-a-minute.

My heart sank. Quinn was getting too attached to everyone. We had been there almost two months with no definite sign of Gary, but I knew he was out there. Even though everyone else chalked it up to coincidence—or at least that was what they kept telling me, perhaps to make me feel better—I felt in the pit of my stomach that it was only a matter of time. But if we left, would he find us somewhere else? I really had no clue.

Was Luke right? Were we safer at the ranch? I wasn’t sure about any of my options. All I knew was Luke made me feel safe—when we were together, anyway. I wished I could always feel that way.

“Earth to Em.

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