Page 49 of Forever Enough
“Bradly will be there as well, of course.”
And just like that, the tension slipped away. “I’d love that. May I help plan it?”
“Oh, sweetheart, you’re going to be our guest of honor, and I’m sure you’ll want to spend your free time with Bradly. Remember, you’re not expected to work this week, you do have the time off.”
I grinned. “I know, and I do have a few things here and there I’d like to take care of. I was thinking, though, I might go back to New York City with my sister and see if I can go watch Bradly ride in the event.”
She gasped. “Oh, he would love that, Mackenzie! We can talk more on that later. Dirk and I are planning on going and will fly out to New York with Bradly. But back to the lunch. Avery and I will take care of all of the planning. I’ll text or call you tomorrow once I get the date and time. I need to get to planning right now!”
“Okay,” I said. “Well, I just wanted you to know Bradly might be getting home rather late this evening.”
Merit let out a hearty laugh. “If he fell asleep on the sofa, that boy is there for the night. All the years of being on the circuit, he’s always been able to fall asleep anywhere and stay asleep.”
“Have fun tonight, Mackenzie!” Avery shouted.
“Avery Littlewood,” Merit scolded as she covered the phone, and all I could hear was muffled voices. “I’m back, sweetheart. You get some rest. Thank you for letting me know Bradly will be staying the night.”
“Of course, but it’s not like that. He’s already sleeping. On the sofa.”
“I understand. But I also realize you’re both adults,” Merit said with a hint of amusement in her voice. “Good night, Mackenzie.”
My eyes drifted to my bedroom door, which I’d left cracked open, and I ignored the way my stomach fluttered at the idea that Bradly was sleeping so close. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside, since I was currently on the phone with his mother.
“Good night, Merit.”
The call ended, and I plugged my phone into the charger on the bedside table. After checking on Bradly one more time, I headed to my bathroom and changed into my warm flannel pajamas. I prepared some ice water in a Yeti cup and set it near Bradly, just in case he woke up thirsty, put the pie—including the uneaten slices—in the fridge, scooped up my cat, who clearly wanted to sleep with the handsome cowboy, and silently made my way back to my bedroom.
Once in bed, I tried desperately to clear my mind, but it raced with a million different things. I’d come to Montana to start a new life. Meeting someone and dating them hadn’t even been on my radar. I thought I’d been happy with my quiet little life. Then Bradly Littlewood stepped into my world, and everything was changing so quickly. I felt truly alive for the first time…ever.
I was excited about my future when I moved here, but even more so now with him in it.
I turned and reached for my phone. I knew it was late in New York City, and I hoped my sister had her phone on silent.
Me: I am officially dating a sexy cowboy who is asleep on my sofa because he said it’s up to me how fast we move. Swoon!
After I hit send, I went to put my phone back on the nightstand, thinking Emily would see it when she woke up. When it vibrated in my hand, I quickly looked to see she’d texted back.
Emily: Okay, I like this guy. I’d call but Doug is sleeping next to me, and I don’t want to wake him up. Call me tomorrow. I want to hear everything! All of it. Write stuff down so you won’t forget it.
I laughed and typed back my reply.
Me: Trust me, I won’t forget a single thing. Go back to sleep. I love you to the moon!
Emily: I love you back. And I can’t wait to meet him. Night!
Smiling at my phone, I exhaled and placed it back on the table. Drawing the covers up, I couldn’t help but smile. Moving to Montana had been the best decision I’d ever made. Except for missing my sister like crazy, I had to recognize that it brought me to Bradly, and to this beautiful farm and ranch.
My eyes started to feel heavy, and I was pretty darn sure I fell asleep with that grin still on my face.
The smell of bacon caused my eyes to flutter open. I glanced around my room and noticed the sun hadn’t yet risen. Sitting up, I swung my feet over the side of the bed and yawned as I stretched my arms. The familiar sound of purring was absent, and I looked around for Mr. Whiskers. Frowning, I glanced toward the bedroom door, which was partly open.
I tapped my phone and saw it was seven in the morning. I’d wanted to get to the greenhouse early this morning to knock out a little project I was working on. Guess those plans would have to change.
Stifling another yawn, I stood and quickly slid my feet into my slippers. It wasn’t lost on me that I had slept like a baby for the first time in months. Maybe it was because I knew Bradly was here, not far away. I’d never admit it to anyone, but there were times I feared my stepfather would find out where I was and try to do something in the dead of night. He was that evil.
When I stepped into my bedroom doorway and saw what was happening in my kitchen, I put a hand to my mouth to keep from making a sound. I quickly slid back into the bedroom and peeked around the door.
Bradly was standing at the sink, sponge in hand. Mr. Whiskers was sitting to one side of said sink, casually licking his paw and cleaning himself.