Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“What are you doing here, Rachel?”
Lilibeth drew in a sharp breath at the confirmation of who was standing in our house.
Rachel flashed me a fake smile. “I’m back.”
Confused, I asked, “You’re back…?”
Rachel forced a smile. “Yes, Caden. I’m back. I’ve come back to River Falls to save you from making a terrible mistake.”
Lilibeth balled her fists at her side. It reminded me of the earlier days, when she and I would spar. I used to love seeing her get mad. Now, that was the last thing I wanted.
“I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but I’m far from making any mistakes. How did you even get onto the ranch?”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “Really? I have the code.” She looked around, taking a few steps farther into the room. “Still looks the same. Lacks a woman’s touch. I can fix that, though.”
Lilibeth’s gaze snapped to me. I shook my head, hoping that she knew I was trying to tell her to ignore Rachel.
“Rachel, I’m not sure why you’re here, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
It was Rachel’s turn to look surprised. “Leave? You’re asking me to leave?” Then she laughed. “Did you not hear me, Caden? I’m back in River Falls. I’ve come home.”
“And I’m not sure why you think I care.”
Rachel looked at Lilibeth and said, “I think your baby mama has to leave so the grown-ups in the room can talk.”
Frowning, Lilibeth shot daggers at Rachel. “The name is Lilibeth. Not baby momma.”
Rachel looked back at me. “My God, how old is she, Caden? What grown woman wears pigtails?”
“The woman I’m having a baby with does. Rachel, I don’t want you here.”
She started to take off her coat when I held up my hand.
“I’m not kidding around—you need to leave.”
Letting out a long and dramatic sigh, Rachel pulled off her gloves. “Caden, don’t be like this. What happened a few years ago was a mistake on my part. I needed to get out and explore the world a little. I’ve done that, and I’m ready to settle down now. I’ve come back for you.”
“Are you serious right now?” Lilibeth asked with a stunned expression. “You think you can just walk back into his life and all is well?”
Rachel turned to Lilibeth. “I am the love his life.”
I laughed, walked over to her, and grabbed her by the arm, walking her backward until we got to the door.
She smirked at me. “I always did like it when you took control.”
Turning, I placed my hand on Lilibeth’s back and walked her to the other side of the room.
“I’m going to follow Rachel back out to the road, change the damn code, then come right back.”
Lilibeth nodded. “I’m not feeling very well. I think I’ll head to bed.”
“I won’t be long.”
Another nod.
I bent down to look at her. “I’m sorry she came here.”
Nodding, she said, “You have nothing to be sorry about, Caden. She was the one who showed up here unannounced.”
I leaned down and kissed her. “Do you need anything? Something for your stomach?”
With a shake of her head, she replied, “I’m just tired.”
“I’ll be right back, I promise.”
Lilibeth smiled, then it faded when she looked past me.
Rachel hadn’t waited in the foyer. She’d taken her coat off and was sitting on the sofa.
I walked over, grabbed her coat, and took her arm once again. “You’re leaving.”
“Caden, what are you doing?” she protested, as I practically dragged her to the door.
“It’s up to you if you want your coat on or not, but we’re leaving right now.”
“Where are we going?” she asked with a flirty smile.
“I don’t know where you’re going, but I’m following you off the ranch.”
She blinked a few times. “You can’t mean that.”
I opened the door and guided her out. I didn’t even bother to get my own coat. I wanted her gone from my house, from the ranch…hell, from River Falls.
Once we were outside, I asked, “Who told you about Lilibeth?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, as we made our way over to her car. It was a BMW convertible. I wasn’t the least bit surprised Rachel was driving a sports car.
Opening the door, I tossed her coat and gloves into the passenger seat. “Get in, Rachel.”
“No! I’m not leaving until we talk. I know you love me, Caden. You don’t forget a love like ours.”
I let out a harsh laugh. “A love like ours? You’ve got to be kidding me, right?”
She lifted her chin in defiance.
“Either get in the damn car, or I’m calling the cops and telling them you’re trespassing.”
Her mouth fell open. “Caden Wilde, what is wrong with you?”
“Get in the fucking car, Rachel.”
With a huff, she got in and slammed the door.
I made my way over to my truck and got in. Rachel gunned it down the driveway. When a deer ran in front of her, she slowed down.