Here With Me: An Ex-boyfriend’s Dad, Age Gap Small Town Romance (Sugarland Creek Book 1)
Here With Me: Chapter 23

“Rise ’n’ shine!” Magnolia bursts through my door with two coffees.

I stand shell-shocked with a towel wrapped around me as she smiles wide.

“Latte?” She holds it out, and I hesitantly take it.

“Who are you and what have ya done with my best friend?” I pop the lid and smell the inside before sipping it.

It’s only seven in the morning, and Magnolia Sutherland is wide-eyed and bushy-tailed like she’s ready to take on the world.

“Your best friend who doesn’t have to work and put up with Mrs. Blanche all day.”

“Mmm. This is good.” I swirl it around before taking a bigger gulp. “Somethin’ nutty.”

“Toffee White Mocha with caramel drizzle and an extra shot.”

“You made this at home?”

“If you’d ever come to my apartment, you’d see my new coffee bar setup. I bought new syrups and an expensive frother.” She follows as I walk to the bathroom.

“I’m tellin’ ya, you need to ditch your job and start your own business. Mrs. Blanche has nothin’ on this.” I smile wide at her through the mirror.

“No bank in Tennessee will give me a small business loan with my credit. I’d need a co-signer, and my parents already told me no,” she says, sitting on the toilet as I grab what I need to get ready.

They’re upset she didn’t go to college and won’t help her financially. She moved out and got a job, but she’s miserable working for someone else. Magnolia would be an awesome small business owner if she could just get the chance to prove herself.

“Any idea how much you’d need?” I grab my makeup bag, then dig for my moisturizer and concealer.

“Well, no, not yet. But I was browsin’ online and saw the cutest mobile café ideas. Kinda like food trucks but for coffee. Buyin’ a trailer would be my biggest upfront cost, but after that, it’d be cheap overhead. I could rotate spots every few months, grow my customer base, and then who knows? Find a permanent spot and meet my future husband.”

I laugh at that. “One goal at a time, Mags.”

She opens her photos app and flips through the pictures she saved.

“Those western-themed ones are adorable! Oh my gosh, I love this idea!”

“Right? I’d paint the outside like a pretty rose or teal color, then have a cool sign with Magnolia’s Morning Mocha or somethin’ like that. Anyway, I’d need a loan to buy the trailer or truck, hire a contractor to help me gut it—unless I manage to replace a used one already done, then I’d need to just fix it up. I’d have to pay for the permits and licenses, then order all my supplies and equipment. So probably upward of forty to fifty grand? Give or take.”

“Okay, that’s not too bad for a start-up. I bet a bank would approve you for that.”

“Know of any bankers who wouldn’t expect me to start payin’ it back for like a year?”

“We could do a Kickstarter? They buy coffee for a year upfront, and you get your money now.” I shrug, not quite sure if that’d work, but if I know Magnolia, she won’t stop until she gets what she wants.

“We can brainstorm later. Today is all about you! Are you excited?”

“You mean, it’s all about the charity.”

She waves me off. “Yeah, them too. I need a Fisher update, too. Any word on Jase?”

After Fisher left last night, I was too emotionally exhausted to chat on the phone with her, so I just texted a summary of what happened when Fisher came to my house.

“No, just what my dad told me. Gramma Grace cleaned him up, Dad gave him a talkin’-to, then Jase went home. After Fisher left, he went to Jase’s house. Haven’t heard anythin’ since.”

I pull out my mascara and finish up my makeup routine.

“How’re ya feelin’ about everythin’? What does your gut say?”

I brush through my hair as I stare at my reflection. “I’d never make him choose, and even if he tried, I wouldn’t let him. He came back for Jase, and it’s obvious he needs his father right now. If Jase does have feelings for me, it makes this even more complicated. Regardless of me not havin’ any feelings for Jase, Fisher won’t risk it. He already mentioned not wanting to screw up his second chance with his son. I can’t be the person to get in the way of that. He’d end up resentin’ me, and that’d make all of this pointless.”

“So…you’re sayin’ it’s over, then?” She crosses her legs, staring up at me.

My heart shatters at hearing it said aloud.

“I have a tiny sliver of hope there’s a way around it, but I doubt it. Fisher blamed himself for Lyla’s death, then left Jase when he was only twelve. He’s not gonna make that mistake twice. I’m the threat that could take it all away for him. He’d be stupid to keep sneakin’ around with me.”

“That ain’t fair, Noah. Jase needs to grow up and get over it.”

“It’s not that easy, Mags. Fisher thinks the betrayal alone would be enough to ruin their relationship. He replaces out we went behind his back, Jase may never forgive him. We tell him ourselves, and Jase could make him choose. Honestly, I dunno what Jase’s reaction would be, but after yesterday, I can’t imagine it’d be a good one.”

“So he has daddy issues. Who doesn’t? He can talk to a therapist like everyone else and let his father be happy still.”

I grab my blow-dryer and unravel the cord. “Now I know why you didn’t pass psychology our senior year.”

“It was a snoozefest with Mr. Monotone puttin’ me to sleep. That ain’t my fault.”

“Can you replace me a cute outfit while I finish up?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.

“Business cute or seduce your ex-boyfriend’s dad cute?”

“Why do I ask you anythin’?” I deadpan.

She bounces to her feet and wraps her arms around me. “Because you loooooove me.”

I roll my eyes, then turn on the dryer.

It’ll be hot as usual, but with local newspaper journalists coming, I want to be somewhat presentable for pictures. Instead of throwing my hair up in a messy bun like I do most days, I do a half ponytail and curl some of the strands that frame my face.

“Hot mama!” Magnolia catcalls as soon as I walk into my room.

“What’d ya replace me?”

“Two sundress options—an olive-green with come-fuck-me ruffles at the bottom or a sunflower-yellow with spank-me-daddy vibes.” She holds each hanger in her hands and bobs them up and down. “Which one’s your favorite?”

“I shouldn’t even be surprised you didn’t give me a business cute option.” I chuckle, then grab the olive-green one.

Once I’m dressed, I put on my favorite cowboy boots. Then I put on some jewelry, which I don’t often wear with training, but I want to look nice.

“Bringin’ out the big guns for Fisher, huh?” Magnolia sits on the edge of my bed, watching my every move.

“Yeah, bangles and baby hoops should entice him to ditch his son and pick me,” I say dryly.

She stands and walks up behind me as I stare in my full-length mirror.

“You don’t have to pretend with me, Noah. It’s okay to be upset that y’all can’t be together.”

“I’d really like not to think about that today. At least until I have to. He’ll be one of the judges, so it’s not like he’ll be avoidable. I’d rather live in my clueless bubble for one more day.”

She rests her head on my shoulder. “Okay. Just know I’ll be here when ya need me. Whoever needs a knee to their dick or hot coffee thrown at their face, you call me. But I’d rather knee them because wastin’ coffee is a crime.”

I lean my head on top of hers and smile. “Thanks, Mags. Glad I can always count on you for retribution.”

“Day or night!”

When I get to the barn, it’s all hands on deck. We borrowed ranch hands from the retreat to help with miscellaneous tasks. Sheriff Wagner and a couple of his deputies will also be present to make sure everyone stays safe and nothing gets out of hand.

Knowing I can’t talk to Fisher about anything personal will weigh on me all day. Hopefully, with Magnolia and Ellie being my right-hand women, they’ll talk my ears off enough to keep me distracted.

We enter the boarding stables where Ayden’s already working. With today’s activities, he has to get an even earlier start to clean stalls, feed, and water, and be available to help the competitors board their horses for the day.

“Mornin’, ladies,” Ayden greets, walking toward us with a shovel.

“How’re things goin’ so far? Anythin’ we can do to help?”

“Don’t volunteer me for manual labor.” Magnolia elbows me.

I side-eye her, and she shrugs.

“I’ll supervise,” she clarifies.

After checking in with Rudy and Trey and making sure they’re good to go, Magnolia and I meet up with Ellie next. Regardless of her being sad about Ranger’s inability to compete today, she’s in a happy mood.

The trainers and competitors start to arrive, and I welcome each one as they unload their horses. Momma and Gramma helped me make goodie bags this past week, so once they’re settled, I deliver their bags and welcome them. Most of them I’ve informally met at other competitions or only saw their pictures in brochures, but it’s nice to officially meet them.

“Thank you for not invitin’ Craig Sanders. He’s been the biggest nuisance of my life since I rejected his offer to work with him.” Brittany MacIntire approaches with her trainer, Amelia Bradshaw.

“You and me both.” I groan.

“Wait, I heard he was comin’?” Amelia looks back and forth between us. “One of his clients’ sisters told me.”

“He still has clients?” I snort. “Well, considerin’ he’s trespassed on the property and vandalized the trainin’ center, he’ll get a police escort if he shows his face.”

“He apparently ain’t so happy the Fanning sisters left him for you.” Amelia shrugs. “Not that I can blame them.”

There’s no bitterness or jealousy in her tone, which is a welcome surprise. Harlow and Delilah Fanning deserve a trainer who can help them advance, not scream at them when they mess up. Harlow’s one of my clients, so she’s here to show, but since I haven’t signed with Delilah yet, I wasn’t able to enter her name. But she’s still coming to support her sister.

We chat for a few more minutes before I welcome the next ones. Most of the trainers are ten to fifteen years older than me while their clients are around my age. But I think that only helps me connect with them better. When it comes to horses, I have a lot of patience and understanding versus other trainers who are tense and get annoyed easily. Horses can sense that, and it often affects how they learn and perform.

“Doin’ okay, sweetie?” Momma asks as we walk to the training center after getting everyone settled. She and Dad showed up early to meet everyone before we opened.

“Yeah, just nerves. But I’m glad it’s finally here.” I smile wide. “Couldn’t have done it without y’all.”

She wraps her arm around me and squeezes. “This is all you, Noah. We just assisted. You’re the brains behind this. It’s gonna be amazin’. You’ll see.”

I pat her hand resting on my shoulder. “Thanks, Momma.”

Dad’s playing with the microphone at the emcee table when we approach him inside. He’s grinning wide and looking spiffy in dark jeans, boots, tucked in blue shirt, and cowboy hat.

“Who ya tryin’ to impress, cowboy?” Momma teases, leaning in for a kiss.

“Gotta convince these people to spend their money somehow,” he says, and we laugh.

“They already did if they purchased a ticket,” I remind him.

“Yeah, and now I gotta get them to the silent auction.” He winks.

“If you wanna raise the big bucks, auction off the twins for dates. Thirsty women will pay three to four figures.” I chuckle, expecting my parents to laugh at my joke, but instead, Dad goes serious and grabs his phone.

“I was only kiddin’.” I lean over as he types on his screen.

“Too late. I told Landen to add it to the list.”

“Great. Well, if anyone asks, it wasn’t my idea.” I hold up my hands. Although they deserve the humiliation after all the shit they do to annoy me.

Ellie and Magnolia meet up with me and replace a spot to sit behind the judges’ table. I’ll be sitting close by with my parents and making sure everything runs smoothly while Ayden and the other ranch hands handle the horses. Landen and Tripp oversee getting the competitors lined up on time while Wilder and Waylon keep up with bringing out the barrels and jumping poles.

Gramma Grace comes in with Mallory and Serena, and they sit on the bleachers next to Momma. I wave to people replaceing their seats. More ranch hands walk around, helping people, and soon the arena is full to the max. My heart swells with pride, and butterflies swarm my stomach. The moment I worked on for the past six months is about to start.

Wilder walks in eating a giant cob of corn and chewing with his mouth open.

“Where’d ya get that?” I ask with my hands on my hips.

“What? The food trucks are open.”

“You’re supposed to be helpin‘,” I remind him.

“Relax. I can multitask. Just ask Jen.” He waggles his brows, and I gag. “And I was escortin’ the judges in. They’re here.”

My heart speeds up when I see Fisher walking at the end. My parents shake each of their hands and thank them for volunteering. Fisher’s gaze meets mine, and I quickly avert my eyes before anyone notices the tension between us. When the judges sit at the table in front of us, Dad hands them a booklet of papers for each competition with all the riders’ information.

“Once the charity spokesperson arrives, you can start,” I tell my dad when he finishes.

I asked them to send someone so they could be a part of the event and we could present a check at the end of the day.

Magnolia pokes me in the side, grabbing my attention, then nods toward someone coming toward us.

Oh shit.

I didn’t expect him to come since he lives a few hours away.

“Noah. Magnolia. Lookin’ beautiful as always.” He whistles, and a shudder rolls through me.

“Hi, Ian.” I force a smile, hoping like hell he doesn’t recognize Fisher as the guy from the food truck the night he busted us at the rodeo.

“What’re ya doin’ here?” Magnolia asks him, purposely keeping his attention on her.

“You didn’t think I’d miss the event of the summer, did ya? I knew y’all would be here and couldn’t resist seein’ y’all again.” Instead of realizing that we don’t want him here, he sits in the row behind us.

“How nice of you to support the charity, Ian.” I emphasize the word so he knows this isn’t a mingling event.

As soon as I say his name, Fisher turns around. He flicks his gaze from me to Ian, and I notice the realization on his face as soon as it hits him. I widen my eyes and shake my head to signal him to stay turned around. He flashes a look of concern before facing the arena.

Ian continues talking to Magnolia, asking why she never texted him after the rodeo and how they should hang out some weekend. She tries to turn him down, but he’s not grasping the hints.

“Mags doesn’t do long-distance, so unless you plan to move here, I’d say a date’s pointless,” I intervene when Magnolia’s cheeks heat with frustration.

She whips her head toward me and whispers, “Don’t give him any ideas.”

“You never know. I’d move for the right person.” He smirks deviously. “Speakin’ of…you still with that guy I caught ya sneakin’ ’round with in the food truck?”

Fuck.

“Who?”

Of course Wilder would return at the worst possible moment.

“None of your business,” I mutter. “Go away.”

“You just scolded me for not helpin’. Now ya want me to leave? Make up your damn mind.”

“Go replace the spokesperson so we can get started,” I tell him. “He’s probably lost.”

“I’m just supposed to know what he looks like or what?”

“I know who it is. I’ll go with you!” Magnolia jumps to her feet, eager to get away from Ian, but leaving me with him in the meantime.

“Those two an item?” Ian asks as he watches them walk out of the arena.

“Ew, no. She’s after a different Hollis.” I chuckle to myself.

“You back with Jase?”

“No,” I say firmly.

“So then why can’t I know who you were hookin’ up with at the rodeo? Is he here?” He glances around.

I slide over and lower my voice. “It’s not somethin’ I want my parents to know about, so I need you to shush your mouth about it or I’m gonna ask Sheriff Wagner to escort you out. Got it?” I smile wide.

He sits up straighter and clears his throat. “Alright, sure.”

Once I move back to my spot, Wilder and Magnolia return with Mr. Billings. My dad greets him, introduces him to the judges, and then I shake his head and thank him for coming. Momma shows him where to sit and once everything’s in place, Dad takes his microphone and stands between the barrels in the middle of the arena.

“Welcome to the first Hollis Fundraiser Event! We’re so glad y’all are here to raise money for the Fresh Start Foundation. Every penny will go toward helping injured and rescued horses.”

The crowd applauds, and my father continues his welcoming speech. He introduces each judge, makes them stand and wave, and then brings me up with him. I give a short talk and encourage everyone to have fun, buy food, and bid in the silent auction.

Once we’re done, Dad talks about the different classes of barrel racers, and then it begins.

I sit between Magnolia and Ellie as we watch. I put Landen in charge of contacting me if they need anything over by the barn or waiting areas, so I keep my phone on vibrate in my pocket.

“It’s weird bein’ on this side of the races,” Ellie whispers as we watch one of the racers fly into the arena.

I wrap an arm around her shoulder and squeeze. “I know. Not so bad out here, though. It’s lots of fun cheerin’ for them.”

“That’s true.” She smiles wide.

The next competitor has a huge fan base because as soon as she runs in, two dozen people fly to their feet and scream. She rounds the first barrel and goes effortlessly around the second.

“Damn, she’s fast,” Ellie murmurs.

And then she barely bumps the third, but luckily it doesn’t fall.

“Whew, that was close,” I say.

As soon as Dad announces her time, the crowd erupts in hoots and hollers. We join in and get to our feet, applauding for the soon-to-be winner.

To Ellie’s liking, the racer beat Marcia Grayson’s time.

“I wanna be that fast!” Mallory turns toward me. “Can ya teach me to do that?”

I grin at the excitement in her voice. “When you’re fifteen or sixteen, sure.”

“Ugh, fine.”

Magnolia chuckles. “I was thirteen when I started.”

I give her a pointed look to keep her voice down. Mallory would have me training her on everything if I let her, but with my commitments and schedule, it’s already a struggle to squeeze her in on my weekends when she asks.

An hour later, Dad announces a short break so the twins can drag the arena and bring out the jumping poles for the next competition. As they do that, Dad takes a moment to thank the sponsors who donated the cash prizes and directs people to go check out their booths between the shows.

“Go ask the judges if they’d like any beverages,” Momma tells me. “I brought a cooler of water bottles, or I can get them sweet tea from the food truck.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her to do it, but since it’s my event and I personally invited the judges, I know she won’t let that slide. I wouldn’t mind it if I didn’t have to pretend Fisher was just another ranch worker.

I approach the table and put on a smile. “Hey, would y’all like water or sweet tea?”

They each answer, and when I get to Fisher, he’s distant. “Water’s fine.”

Momma leaves to grab three sweet teas while I grab Fisher’s water.

“Thank you,” he says when I set it down in front of him. His hand wraps around mine and for a moment, we stay like that.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Underwood.” I grin, then release the bottle.

I take my seat, then feel my phone vibrate with a message.

FISHER

You look beautiful. I’m so proud of all your hard work. Everything’s going great.

NOAH

Thanks.

Things feel weird between us, even in text, but I try to brush it off so no one notices the change in my mood.

FISHER

I’m sorry I didn’t text last night. I was pretty tired by the time I got home.

NOAH

It’s okay. I needed the sleep anyway. How’d things go with Jase?

FISHER

Really well. We went to Lyla’s gravesite and had a long talk. I can tell you more during the next break.

NOAH

Okay. Are we still talking tonight?

As much as I want to know what Jase said, I need to know I’ll see him later.

FISHER

Yeah, I’ll come over once it’s clear.

My dad announces the jumping competition next, and I know our time is done for now.

NOAH

Sounds good.

After I send him one last message, I pocket my phone.

I miss him so much already, and my heart aches to touch him again. Even if our hands only touched for the briefest of moments, it had my chest tightening. I’m happy for him that things are progressing with Jase, but that means our relationship suffers for that to happen.

The jumping show begins, and each one does so well, it’s anyone’s win at this point. Harlow’s still new to it, so she’s in the beginner level and managed to jump over all the poles without knocking any over. The girls and I cheer loudly for each one, getting the crowd hyped up as well.

Ian continues sitting next to us and although he stays quiet, he keeps looking over at Magnolia and me, which makes me uneasy. When he does try to engage, we pretend he doesn’t exist. If he wasn’t so pushy about wanting a date with her and wanting to know who I was with, it wouldn’t feel so tense having him here.

Once each rider has gone through, the twins remove all the equipment as Dad announces that mutton busting is next and to stick around for a fun time. Then he brings out Mr. Billings to talk more about their charity.

“I’m grabbin’ some food. Y’all wanna come?” Magnolia asks.

I shake my head. “Gonna stay here, but can you bring me back somethin’?”

“I’ll go!” Ellie jumps to her feet.

They walk down the steps and more people follow suit.

When my phone vibrates, my heart races in anticipation, and I smile when I see Fisher’s name. I shouldn’t get my hopes up about a future between us, but I can’t help it.

FISHER

Was Ian bothering you?

NOAH

Nothing I couldn’t handle. How’s judging going?

FISHER

If he becomes a problem, tell me.

NOAH

You just sit there and judge. We’re not outing our relationship in the middle of the fundraiser.

I’m only half joking, but honestly, this would be the worst possible time for Ian to recognize Fisher and make a scene with my family and clients around.

FISHER

Doesn’t mean I can’t replace him later and remind him how to keep his mouth shut.

I smile like a stupid lovestruck teenager at the thought of him sticking up for me, and even though it’s not necessary, it’s nice to know he has my back.

“Who’s makin’ ya this giddy?” Ian leans over, gradually scooting closer, and I quickly lock my phone.

“What do you want, Ian?”

“Talk me up to Magnolia so she’ll go on a date with me.”

I scoff, nearly laughing in his face. “If she were interested, she woulda told you she was.”

“Maybe if you say nice things about me, she will be.”

“I’m not gonna get you dates. I’m not a pimp.”

“You owe me, remember? I didn’t report you or call the police, and it woulda been in my job description to get you in trouble. You and your little boy toy.” He arches a brow, and I’m tempted to smack it right off his smug face.

“But ya didn’t, and there’s nothin’ you can do about it now. Is there? You have no proof and there’s no cameras behind that buildin’. So nice try at blackmailin’ me.”

I stand, walk to my dad, and whisper in his ear to get Sheriff Wagner here.

“Everythin’ alright?” he asks, calling his personal cell.

“It will be,” I deadpan, then glance over my shoulder and notice Fisher staring at me intently.

If Ian being a pain in my ass isn’t enough, Magnolia and Ellie rush over and pull me aside.

“Craig’s here. Saw him sneakin’ ’round the barn actin’ really suspicious, but Ayden told him to get lost.”

Goddammit. Am I an asshole magnet or something?

“Great, I just sent the sheriff here to get rid of Ian. Do ya know where he went?”

“No, but I suspect he won’t leave of his own free will.” Magnolia groans.

The mutton-busting event begins and we cheer for all the little kids who enter. It’s cute watching them hang onto the sheep for their dear lives, but it reminds me of Craig’s presence and how he could easily put so many innocent lives at risk. I’m still on edge after he scattered nails in here and can’t help but be suspicious of him sneaking in today.

When Sheriff Wagner arrives with Deputy Scott, I inform him of Craig’s unwanted attendance so he can keep an eye out for him, then I ask him to escort Ian out of the arena and tell him to leave.

It might be extreme, but he’s making us uncomfortable and tried to blackmail me.

It’s one thing to be an asshole.

It’s another to do it on my own property at the event I’m hosting.

As they approach Ian, the three of us keep our backs to the bleachers. I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye as he stomps down the stairs and glares at me.

“Thank God,” Magnolia mutters. “He fucked around and found out.”

People come up to me and introduce themselves between events, some even asking if I have openings in my training schedule. I book a year out but tell them to email me anyway in the event a spot opens early. Others come up just to tell me how much fun they’re having and enjoying the shows.

People walk in and out to grab food and drinks, and although I’ve been to many events since I was a teenager, I like these types the most. It’s low-key but fun and exciting. Everyone is there to have a good time, eat, and socialize.

When my dad announces the next break, he reminds them to return for the showmanship event and then the awards ceremony, where I’ll announce all the winners from each event.

Once the cash prizes were handed out, Landen brought over the silent auction totals so Momma could total everything. Between that, the tickets, each rider’s entry fee, sponsored booths, horseback riding sign-ups, and food truck percentage donations, we handed Mr. Billings a check for one hundred and twenty-three thousand dollars.

That’s over six months’ worth of the charity’s annual budget, which means they’ll be able to continue to help a lot of horses in need with medical and physical care. My heart was so full by the time everything came to an end. Despite Craig and Ian showing up, the day was a huge success, and I hope from now on we can make it an annual thing. I’d love to be able to raise money for different charities each year.

The bonus was meeting other local trainers and their clients, seeing all the townspeople enjoy themselves, and the small businesses coming together to help make it all possible. The networking I was hoping to do was a success. I feel much better about the friendships I’ve made within the industry and what that’ll mean moving forward.

I nearly cried at the end of my speech as I gave my thanks and appreciation. Then I made the mistake of glancing at Fisher and wanted to cry for another reason.

It’s nine o’clock by the time I get home. We had a lot of cleaning to get things back in order. I helped the riders load their horses in their trailers and thanked each one of them for coming. I jump in the shower and change into comfy clothes before Fisher’s expected to come over. I have a feeling I won’t like what he has to tell me, but if we only have this one final night together, I’m going to make it count.