Last Second Chance

Chapter Thirty-Eight

“He checked out last week, Stella. He might get billed for a few thousand dollars in damages, but he completed the program successfully.”

She let out a huge sigh of relief at Miranda’s words, though she could only imagine what he’d damaged. “Thank God. I was so worried that my leaving would…” She couldn’t finish. It felt arrogant to assume he wouldn’t be okay without her. That her absence would break such a strong man.

“He’s hurting, that’s for sure,” her friend said softly. “You know I can’t reveal anything said in therapy. But I can tell you that he came to say goodbye to me, and he asked if I’d spoken to you.”

Stella’s heart leapt into her throat. “He did? What did you say?” she croaked out over the wounded organ in her esophagus.

“I told him about your parents selling the ranch and that it was of my professional opinion that he should get his life settled and contact you when he felt ready.”

Stella nodded even though her friend couldn’t see her through the phone. “Thank you.”

“It wasn’t a favor, Stella. It was the truth.”

She wiped at the slick tears leaking down her cheeks. “Still on for drinks next weekend? I might be a penniless vagrant, but I’ll splurge on wine and barbecue nachos.”

Miranda laughed. “Wouldn’t miss it. I’ll even buy.”

Stella was thankful that she’d managed to maintain an actual friendship. “Gee, thanks. But don’t be expecting anything just because you buy me dinner and drinks. I might be on the rebound, but I’m not that easy.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Hey, there’s one more thing about…about Van.”

Hearing his name, his real name, stole the air from her lungs. “Y-yeah?”

“It’s been all over the entertainment news channels,” Miranda began. “I don’t know what happened, but he left his band—or maybe they kicked him out. It hasn’t been confirmed either way. But word is they’re going by Hostage now and supposedly he’s going solo.”

Stella’s heart quivered. He was all alone in his corner again. Battling that invisible enemy with no one watching his back.

She closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer that someone, somewhere would watch over him. Over both of them.

“Thanks, Miranda. I need to finish packing, but thank you for the call. And I’ll see you next weekend.”

They said their goodbyes and Stella sank to the cold hardwood floor.

Leaving him might have been the biggest mistake of her life, but she’d never regret loving him. Even if he never came back to her.

Her parents having left already without much fanfare, other than making her promise to visit, Stella was spending the remainder of her time down at the stables saying her goodbyes to the horses when the black SUV rumbled into the driveway.

Lady Marmalade had been enjoying the attention too much for Stella to just walk out. That had been her one stipulation of the sale. The new owner had to keep the horses and see to their care and upkeep.

Unfortunately Stella hadn’t been able to match his offer, and her parents were nothing if not practical.

She knew she was running out of time and there was still so much to do. Finish packing her things. Sign the lease on her new apartment. Email her résumé to half a dozen companies or more. Update her online employee profile. The money she’d made at the Second Chance Ranch wouldn’t last much longer. The security deposit on the apartment and the company moving her things to her new place would take most of it.

She was determined not to touch the portion of the money her parents had given her from the sale of the ranch. She still held out hope that Grace’s Haven would happen one day. Even if it was on a much smaller property. That was her startup fund.

She held her hand to her eyes as the sun shone directly into them. Maybe it was the panic of realizing she was unemployed, very nearly homeless, and heartbroken that pissed her off so much. Whatever loaded old man had bought her mother’s—and technically her—legacy was an entire day early. As if he couldn’t wait to stake his claim. Dick.

The papers were signed and it was a done deal. But this was still a day before the contracted date and she didn’t have to be nice about it.

Emotion clogged her throat as she surveyed the land one last time. Her dream of turning it into a facility for women like Grace and Van’s sister, women who needed a safe place until they figured things out, dissolved before her eyes. A part of her would always love this place, the sprawling hills, the privacy. She’d taken for granted that it would always be waiting for her, mistook it for a burden instead of the blessing it was, and she’d missed out on enjoying it for almost five years now.

No sense crying in front of a stranger over something she couldn’t change. Her stupid hopeless mind began to try and conjure possible ways she could raise enough money to buy the ranch back from the man stepping out of the vehicle. He must’ve been important because the driver had exited quickly and practically jogged around to open his door.

Dark denim covered the legs of a man much younger than what she’d pictured stepping out of the back seat. Familiar ink adorned the parts of his arms that were visible under a black short-sleeved shirt. She wondered if maybe she’d had a stroke and passed out. Seeing him carrying a bouquet of lavender and hyacinth was like witnessing a mirage in the middle of the desert. Stella barely trusted her legs to carry her, but somehow they made their way toward him.

“Van? What are you doing here?” Her voice trembled almost as much as her legs did.

“I own here.” His jaw tensed as she approached. Like he was prepping for battle. “Happy birthday, cowgirl.”

Her heart stuttered and then tripped over itself while trying to find its rhythm. Mouth dry, she licked her lips. “You what? I don’t understand.”

His mouth twitched. “I bought it. For you. It’s yours. Since I never got you a birthday present. Consider me the very first investor in Grace’s Haven.” Her eyes filled with tears and he misunderstood. “Baby, don’t cry. If you don’t want it, that’s okay too. But your note said—”

He didn’t get to finish. Stella had taken off running and thrown herself into his arms. She crushed her lips to his, pouring her love and gratitude into their kiss until she was dizzy from the need to breathe.

“I accept. On one condition.”

Van leaned back slightly. “Oh yeah? And what’s that, cowgirl?”

She sucked in a deep breath. “I know you have to travel for your rock star gig and all. I get that. But when you’re not on the road, I need you here. With me.”

His answering smile was breathtaking. “I think we can work something out. But I have a condition of my own.”

Stella arched a brow, knowing good and well she would have agreed to pretty much anything he wanted in that moment.

“I know you’re my cowgirl and you want to spend all your time with those four- legged monstrosities, but when I have to go on the road, I need you with me. I love you, Stella Jo. The band wasn’t going to change their lifestyle for me. And I’m never going to be a saint. I have to do this on my own. But I need you, baby. Only you.”

“Van—”

“I won’t make promises I can’t keep, Stella Jo. I might relapse. I might have to go back into rehab.”

She nodded. “And I might get crazy jealous of a groupie and set all of your shit on fire.”

His laughter warmed her from the inside out. Filled the space that had long been empty. “I might love you for the rest of my life.”

“I might let you.”

“As long as we both shall live.” Van’s words were kissed into her mouth, and she took them. Readily.

“You were wrong, Mr. Ransom. We are going to live happily ever after,” she whispered.

Van grinned as he set her down and pulled her by the hand toward the barn. “Now show me where we keep the riding crops, cowgirl.”

“Wait.” She stopped short. “I have to ask you something.”

He nodded. “Anything, baby.”

“Do you think everyone deserves a second chance?” Her skin tingled as she waited for his answer.

“I’m here, aren’t I?”

She stepped forward into his arms. “Van?” When his eyes met hers, she placed her hands on either side of his face. “I won’t need another one. You’re mine. And I’m yours. Forever. Come what may.”

Van grinned and kissed her gently. “I like that. Come what may. Maybe I’ll name my next album that.”

“Good. I’m glad.” She paused to pull in as much air as her lungs could handle. “We’re naming our daughter May. It’s when she’s due. Unless you want to name her Valerie.”

She almost fell down with him as he staggered. “Our what?”

“Surprise,” she whispered.

Van closed his eyes and shook his head. The sun shone onto him as he dropped down to worship her on his knees.

“I am not worthy,” he told her, looking up into worried eyes. “But I will spend my life trying to be.”

She lifted his hand to the tiny bump protruding between her hips. “We are yours. You belong to us. You will be worthy. Or I will let Shadowdancer trample your ass.”

Van stood slowly and glanced over to the stalls. “No. Please tell me you didn’t really bring that beast here?” He gaped at her. “It’s like you’re trying to kill me. A baby and now this. Damn, Stella Jo.” He huffed out what she assumed was a breath of defeat. “What is it with that horse?”

She rolled her eyes as she pulled him towards the stables, eager to begin their life together.

“I have a thing for dark horses with tortured souls. What can I say?”