Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“Are you sure about that?” she asks, as if she knows something I don’t.
“I’m sure.” But am I? It’s not like I’ve ever discussed it with them. It’s not like I’ve ever even considered asking them to help on the business side of things. It’s never felt right because of all the reasons I just gave Marcie, plus none of them have ever exhibited any interest in doing so. I’m happy for my siblings that they are pursuing their passions on the training side of things, even if I had to give up those same passions to be the CEO of the whole enterprise.
“You carry a lot on your shoulders, Ethan Blackburn.”
Something about the empathy in her voice makes me feel like a little kid, like when I was sick and my mom would care for me. While I know my family loves me and respects the work I do for this business, I’ve never had a woman speak to me with such worry and care. The machismo in me wants to brush off her soft words but instead, I revel in them. At the very least, it means Marcie cares for me and that’s not something I thought I needed before.
I’m thinking I do because just knowing she understands the pressures that weigh upon me somehow makes me feel more invincible. Still, I play it off. “I’ve got it all under control.”
“No doubt you do,” she says. “It’s impressive. But it doesn’t mean it’s not hard, maybe even draining. I’m only pointing it out because you now have Sylvie and—”
“She’s the most important responsibility I’ve ever had,” I cut in.
“Maybe it’s time to get some help. Learn to delegate. Take time for yourself so you don’t burn out.”
It’s scandalous for me to even consider what she’s suggesting since I’m capable of handling everything. But still I ask, “Would that include taking time to date a woman such as you?”
“Think you can handle me?” she retorts with a mischievous smile.
“I’m not sure,” I drawl, leaning forward in my chair and pulling her forward by the nape for a quick kiss. I murmur against her mouth, “But I’m willing to give it a try.”
CHAPTER 19
Ethan
The eagle has landed, I text to Marcie as I pull in front of the main house. I look in the back seat of my extended cab, the wire kennel I’d secured with bungee cords containing the cutest dog I’ve ever seen.
My phone chimes. You’re on the moon?
Grinning, I shoot back, Smartass, followed by a picture of Renault. I’m getting ready to surprise Sylvie. Her bus should be here soon.
I can’t fucking stand Gabe Mardraggon, but the asshole came through for Sylvie. He arranged everything with Esteban to get the dog the necessary veterinary clearance and even paid for private air transport—most likely on a Mardraggon jet—to Kentucky. I just picked him up at the Louisville Airport a few hours ago.
For some reason, I had assumed that Renault would be a purebred dog of some distinction but truth is, he’s a bit of a mutt. I think I see terrier in him but he’s medium size with a shaggy tan coat, a scruffy beard and expressive brown eyes. Both his ears are black and his tail thumps happily against the bottom of the kennel.
I’ll send more pictures later. I shoot that off to Marcie and tuck my phone in my pocket after exiting the truck. I wish she could be here to see this but she’ll be at the school for a few more hours and I can’t wait to give Sylvie her dog. She has no clue he’s here, and my daughter, cool as a cucumber and poised as a debutante—is either going to lose her shit or she’s going to maintain her composure. It could go either way.
I hope she loses her shit. That little girl needs to let go.
Attaching the leash to Renault’s collar, I have to coax him out of the truck with treats as I quickly learned he doesn’t understand a thing I’m saying. At first I thought he was dumb and untrained, but then it hit me—he probably only knows French commands. I googled how to say “sit” in his native language at the airport to test the theory and his ass hit the tile in the private terminal without hesitation.
I’ll need Sylvie to teach everyone in the family how we give him commands, or we could teach him English. He certainly seems bright enough to learn all over again.
Renault prances with me down the driveway to wait for the bus. It’s hard to remember that just ten days ago, Sylvie wasn’t speaking to any of us and was secretly meeting with Rosemund. Since Marcie got involved, she’s has become a completely different girl who is polite, has a wicked sense of humor and is slowly opening up to all of us.