cake to celebrate. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat first and then you can take an early evening ride? We put out some sandwiches and ordered pizzas.”
“Sounds great—I’m starving,” Owen said.
Mia laughed. “Harper said when you first started your volunteer work, all you cared about was your phone and next meal.”
He winced. “I outgrew one out of two. I’d give up my phone any day.”
They laughed and walked to the main inn where everyone waited. Ophelia and Kyle welcomed them warmly, and Chloe noticed Ophelia had not only ordered a variety of pizzas, but created a tray of sandwiches and wraps, with a Greek salad and crusty rolls of bread. She remembered eating dinner here that first night and being overwhelmed at the amount of delicious food Ophelia happily cooked. As the main owners of the B&B, the married couple had turned the inn into a highly successful retreat that was consistently booked all year round. With her long golden hair, willowy body, and blue eyes, Ophelia reminded her of a fairytale princess. They all fell into easy chatter, but Chloe noticed her father refused to acknowledge Owen’s presence. Alyssa kept shooting him pointed looks, but every time Owen tried to say hello, her father became engaged in another conversation.
Great. The governor of New York was acting like a toddler.
“Ah, there’s our guest of honor,” Mia said. “Did she wake up early?”
Chloe turned to see Ethan and his daughter, Evie, walk through the door. The baby had a head full of auburn hair, amber eyes, and a stubborn jaw just like her mama. Her chunky legs kicked with glee at the crowd of people, pegging her as an extrovert. She wore pink stretchy leggings, a glittery shirt with a unicorn on it, and pink walking shoes.
Ethan laughed and chucked Evie under the chin. “Her naps are getting shorter each day. She tried to crawl after Hei-Hei but he was too fast for her.”
“Good, that chicken needed a good punishment,” Owen muttered.
Ethan called out greetings to everyone, and Chloe ran over. Her heart melted as Ethan handed her the baby, leaning in to kiss Chloe on the cheek. “Good to see you, Chlo,” he said, those kind eyes full of warmth. “We missed you.”
“Missed you more,” she said, cooing and tickling the baby, relishing her shrieky, happy giggles. Ethan had been the one to guide her through her freshman year of college, when she felt aimless, angry, and full of pain. Recognizing a fellow wounded soul, he showed her how the animals could heal, and ended up changing her life. She loved him like a second father, and they consistently corresponded via text on a regular basis. With his rugged, quiet aura, russet hair, and gentle touch, he’d retired from the military after a terrible injury and came back to work on the farm. His ability to heal Phoenix helped turn the horse into a racing legend.
Evie happily became the center of attention as everyone took their turns with her. Chloe noticed Owen block her father to the side and say a few words. Holding her breath, she watched as Dad’s face tightened. Then he gave a sharp nod and marched outside.
Owen followed.
Chloe met Alyssa’s supportive gaze and hoped for the best.
Chapter Eleven
“Sir, can we speak frankly?”
Owen ignored his rapidly beating heart and faced the man who’d been the first to capture Chloe’s heart. Jonathan Lake was an intimidating man, from his steely gaze, muscled frame, and powerful energy that beat in waves around his figure. Owen had always been a bit scared of him, agreeing with his view that Owen would never be good enough for Chloe. But now, it was time to set the past straight and tell his truths.
If he wanted a fresh start with Chloe, he needed to begin with her father.
“Frankly is the only way I speak,” Jonathan said, leaning against the rail of the porch. “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”
“Chloe. I’m not sure what she’s told you about us yet, but I specifically came back for her. To make things right. To get a second chance. I have no intention of hurting her.”
Jonathan lifted a brow. “You already did. Enough that I had to watch my daughter in pain for a very long time. It took her a while to put the pieces back together. So let me tell you my intentions, Owen Salt. You are going to leave her alone so she can get on with her life.”
He