Keaton realized the implications of the choice he had to make. Jake had prioritized love over family. Keaton had no idea if his brother was happy with his decision, but if he had to guess, he’d say the answer was yes.
But Keaton had never been one to lead with his heart. He acted based on facts and logic. Choosing a technical approach to the cattle business, he’d altered the type of grass in the pastures and set up irrigation. The plentiful, high-quality forage allowed them to double the number of cattle per acre. This had enabled the ranch to become wildly profitable.
Logic told him to do what was good for his family and the ranch. He and Lark had known each other for less than a month. They’d been involved for two weeks. No matter how intense the chemistry between them and how much his heart ached when she snuggled against him, was he really ready to choose something as intangible as love over something that would benefit his family for decades to come?
The answer was very clear.
Lark sat in the chair beside her sister’s bed and reached for her hand. From what Jessa and Ivy had told her, Skye had awakened twice since Lark left the hospital earlier. Both times, she’d only been conscious for a few minutes, but she knew her name and although she seemed surprised to be at Royal Memorial Hospital, she recognized the town she grew up in.
“Your baby is eager to be held by her mommy,” Lark said, willing Skye to open her eyes. “The sooner you start getting better, the faster you two will be reunited.”
A tall man in white approached the bed. “How’s our patient today? I heard she’s woken up quite a few times.”
The smile Dr. Lucas Wakefield sent Lark’s way was supposed to fill her with encouragement. The handsome, accomplished surgeon oozed confidence in the operating room where he excelled, and at a patient’s bedside. It was hard to feel anxious when he was around.
“Yes,” Lark said. “I can finally breathe again.”
“I know this has been very hard on you,” Dr. Wakefield said. “And I hope you realize that she has a long recovery ahead of her. There will be physical therapy and it sounds like she may have gaps in her memory.”
“There’s more than you’re saying.” Lark braced herself. “What else are you worried about?”
“She might have trouble doing everyday functions. The memory loss may be extensive and permanent.”
“You’re trying to say she may not be back to a hundred percent.”
“We’ll know more as she stabilizes and begins to respond to stimuli.”
Ever a pragmatist, Lark struggled against being swallowed by anxiety. Dr. Wakefield was simply trying to prepare her. She briefly closed her eyes and longed for the support of Keaton’s strong arms.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” Lark said. “I know my sister wouldn’t have survived without your skill.”
Dr. Wakefield smiled. “Thank you. I’ll check back in later.”
Left on her own once more, Lark fought back tears and tried to remember a time when her emotions had run away with her like this. Falling in love with Keaton had brought her feelings into sharp focus.
“Lark?” Skye’s voice sounded blurry and far away.
“Skye.” She stood up and leaned over her sister. Brushing her fingers against Skye’s pale face, she met her sister’s green eyes and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”
“I’m in the hospital.”
At least her short-term memory was okay. “Do you know how we can get a hold of Jake?”
“Where is he?” Skye’s gaze searched past Lark. Panic tightened her face. “I need him.”
“I know.” Lark fought to keep her voice calm and soothing. “Do you have his cell number?”
“Phone.” Her lids drooped, voice fading.
“Your phone is gone.” But it was too late. Skye was out once more.
Lark suspected that her sister would have no idea what Jake’s number was. She’d probably programmed it into her missing phone and never given it another thought. But if she remembered her own number, then perhaps they could get a hold of a bill and Jake’s number should be on it.
But that wasn’t going to happen soon, and Lark settled back to wait for her sister to return to consciousness.
Keaton paced his lawyer’s office. The document had been authenticated, but the battle was far from over.
“It could take months before the courts agree that the land belongs to your family,” Sean Abbot said, “and that’s if the Taylors don’t decide to tie things up with a counterclaim.”
If that happened, the battle was going to be ugly, and the one who would suffer would be Lark. Skye was waking up. She would contact Jake and the two of them would spirit Grace off, perhaps never to return again. Keaton’s heart lurched at the thought.