He throws his hands in the air like he doesn’t know what to do with them, or me, or this whole mess. “I don’t want to ignore the hard work you’re putting in, but I don’t know how to ask about you without it seeming like I’m hitting you up for insider trading secrets on Wolfe. I just . . . I’m trying, baby girl. And not doing too good of a job of it.”

“Dad . . .” I laugh, so relieved I can feel it down to my toes. And though I’m not usually a crier, there’s a bit of a sting behind my eyes because I can see the honesty in his eyes, even through the screen.

He’s not over it, but he’s making some peace with my working with Colton and being in London. I was right. Standing up to him hurt like hell, but I think it was the only way to get us to a new level.

“Help an old man out. What am I supposed to say here?”

“I think you just said it. We’re fine, Dad. And I am doing well, learning a lot, no matter what happens.”

Dad’s teasing banter is back with the awkwardness dissipating. “Oh, I know what’s happening there. Don’t be disappointed, baby girl, but I’m winning this race. Memphis all the way!”

“Team London, old man!”

It sounds like we’re cheering on our favorite sports team, not cheering for a corporate decision that’s going to determine so much of our lives in the next few years. But I’m glad to have my dad back, for us to be back to some semblance of normalcy.

I realize just how special that is after spending time with Colton’s family. Dad didn’t apologize for going a bit caveman and trying to keep me from going on this trip, but he doesn’t need to. I know where that’s coming from, and it’s a place of love. I can feel his heart, can hear it in his hopes that I somehow succeed even if that’ll kill his own success.

“Hey, Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, baby girl. Did I tell you about the cute little apartment complex I found down the street from the new headquarters? It’ll be perfect for you when we move here.”

I roll my eyes and can’t help but laugh. My dad’s the best, even at his worst.

Chapter 28

Colton

Oliver turns the wheel of the Ghost onto a gravel drive. It’s not smooth and maintained like my parents’ home, and the overall effect is bumpy and rough, especially surrounded by the overgrown trees. Though the green lushness speaks to what it once was, what it could be again . . . if I have my way.

It’s been years since I’ve been here, but pulling up to the main house makes memories assail me.

“Papa, let’s go fishing! Before the rains come and we can’t catch anything.”

“Yes, yes. Come along, Coltie. Grab your fishing rod or you won’t be catching nowt.”

I grab my rod and my tackle box, scrambling around Papa like a gnat as he walks steadfastly toward the manicured trees, unperturbed by my rambunctiousness as he waves to the gardener.

I look to the right, knowing that through that copse of trees is a large pond where my grandfather taught me to fish. Dad hadn’t been quite correct that my grandfather had passed while I was still in nappies. In fact, he’d been off by a few years. Not that he would’ve ever changed a nappy himself, so he wouldn’t know.

But I’d been six when the best man I knew had left us. He taught me not just fishing but hard work. Not only with his mind, when I’d run toy cars along the run in his office, listening in while he made business calls, but with his hands, helping the stable workers care for the horses.

“They know who cares for them. If you only appear for the show, they’ll never give you their best ride. Daily care and attention, you working for them . . . that’s how you earn their respect, how you get them to work for you too.”

He’d been a bright spot for far too short of a time, and standing in front of his home, the home I’m claiming, feels like I’m finally doing right by him.

“Colton? You okay?”

Elle’s quiet question pulls me from the past, and when I look at her, I see the future I could have. Right here at the Estate.

If Fox chooses my proposal.

I nod several times, letting the rattles shake away the cobwebs of the memories in my mind. “Yes, of course. Just a lot to think about. Let me show you around.”

I help her out of the car, keeping her hand and tucking it to my elbow.

“This was my grandfather’s estate. The house will need a full renovation, but that’s nothing to do with Fox. It can be whatever we want, modern and sleek, rustic and old-world, or anywhere in between. The kitchen, living areas, and main bedroom should probably be first after making sure the bones are safe.” I look at the house critically. “Definitely need tradespeople to certify the foundation, redo the roof, and check the plumbing, electric, and gas. Then we can get started on the fun stuff.”

Elle pulls at me, her eyes wide as I turn back to look at her. “We?”

I blink, hearing what I said again. “I . . . I . . . I shouldn’t have assumed. I’m sorry, but I thought you’d come with me.” My words trail off as I see the play of emotions on Elle’s face.

I cup her cheeks in my palms. “What is it, love? What’s going through that head of yours, because I can see there’s something dancing in the chaos there?”

Her smile is soft but pushes her cheeks against my palms. “It’s all hitting me, I guess. Dad’s talking about apartments for me in Tennessee, and you’re talking about moving me to London. It’s a lot when two weeks ago, my biggest concern was whether or not Miranda was going to be in a bad mood or a good mood and my mission of the day was to dare Tiffany to do something crazy.”

My hands fall to my sides. “You’re lumping me in with your father. I’m sorry if it seems like I’m trying to pull you one way and push you another, without regard for what you actually want. I thought this was . . .” I gesture around to the Estate, able to picture it so clearly.

Elle and me having breakfast on the veranda. Me with tea and her with coffee.

Heading across the property to Fox HQ2 to work for the day, slipping away for dares at every opportunity, whether we should or not.

Coming home to our home in the evening. Falling into bed and into each other, only to do it all again the next day.

“I’m not ‘lumping you in with him’, and don’t say that like it’s a bad thing. He means well and is trying to take care of me because he loves me—”

“I love you too.”

The words burst from my mouth unintentionally, but no less true for their spontaneity. Silence stretches between us, save for a lone bird calling somewhere in the distance.

“What?”

I gather Elle into my arms, her hands on my chest, but she’s not pushing me away. I’m going for it, for her. I’m going to be this daring, brave man she’s taught me to be. It might’ve been with silly, small challenges, but the lessons I’ve learned at her side have taught me one thing. Fortune favors the bold.

Indeed, she was wasting away working for Miranda mere weeks ago, but by following her own wild instincts and desire for a touch of danger, she’s landed somewhere I’d like to think is far more favorable. In my heart.