The horse shifted and Bram patted him on the neck. Silence again stretched between us. With every particle of my body, I wished that he’d say it didn’t matter, that he’d look past all my flaws. Then he’d leap on the back of the horse, put his arms around me, and we’d ride off together into the sunset. Ending credits would roll. Happily ever after.

Without a word, he turned, tugged on the reins, and started leading the big Belgian toward the Mule Shoe.

I tangled my fingers through the horse’s mane and stared sightlessly at the horizon. I will not cry. Not anymore.

Chapter 14

Bram couldn’t marshal his thoughts. They flew through his brain like the flurry in a snow globe. She’s disabled. But he’d never seen more than a slight limp. She lied. No, she just never told him. She led me on. Or had he pursued her?

He risked a glance at her face. Skin pale. Eyes . . . He looked away quickly and walked faster.

He had pursued her in his mind. He’d allowed himself to picture being with her, getting to know her better. Face it, Bram. She’s not perfect.

Don’t be like your worthless mother or brother, Bram. It’s up to you. Choose the right road. Make sure you do something perfectly or don’t bother . . . His grandmother’s warning slammed into his brain. He’d fallen head-over-heels in love and married a woman who was perfect on the outside and amoral inside. His plan to help his brother had failed. He’d stayed on at a dead-end job because he didn’t have the courage to seek work elsewhere. For crying out loud, he had a master’s degree in project management. He could get a job anywhere. His grandmother’s voice was a chant in his head. Make sure you do something perfectly or don’t bother . . .

He shook his head and gripped the horse’s bridle tighter. Just get back to Mule Shoe.

The two dogs kept close to them, not stopping to check out any trees or interesting smells.

It was nearly dark and they hadn’t caught up with Liam before the resort came into sight. As they passed through the gate, the dogs took off toward one of the cabins.

Shortly, Holly yipped.

“Something’s wrong,” Darby said.

Bram let go of the reins and ran toward the sound.

Both dogs were circling around a dark object. It looked like someone had dropped a jacket or pile of clothing. The object took form as he approached.

A body. The assistant wrangler.

Bram didn’t need to feel for a pulse. The man’s sightless eyes stared upward.

Darby was right behind him, still mounted. She expertly turned the big horse sideways to see. “Is he—”

“Yes.”

“How?” She slid from the horse’s back, landing lightly on the ground.