Chapter 46

Dayton sat at the breakfast table, staring intently at his coffee cup, completely ignoring Shayna’s presence the next morning. Shayna tried to focus on her own meal, but every bite felt like it got stuck in her throat.

Charlene, ever the peacekeeper, tried to keep the conversation light. "So, Shayna, do you have a list of things we need to get today?"

Shayna nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I’ve got it all written down. We should be able to find everything without any trouble."

Dayton didn’t say a word, his silence adding to the strain. Shayna glanced at him, hoping for some sign of acknowledgment, but his eyes remained fixed on his plate.

After what felt like an eternity, breakfast was over. Shayna and Charlene gathered their things, preparing to leave for town. Shayna felt a wave of relief as they stepped outside.

Charlene tried to lighten the mood as they got into the car. "It’ll be nice to get out and do some shopping. Maybe we can find something special for the wedding."

"Yes, that sounds great. I could use the distraction."

They arrived in town and started their shopping, moving from store to store, checking off items from their list. Charlene’s enthusiasm was contagious, and soon Shayna found herself genuinely enjoying the outing.

"Let’s grab some lunch," Charlene suggested as they finished up at the last store. "There’s a great little café around the corner."

They found a table by the window and ordered their meals

"So, Shayna, what’s your plan after this? Are you heading straight back to New York?" Charlene asked with curiosity.

Shayna hesitated, "I’m not sure yet. I have some things to sort out first. But I’ll figure it out."

Charlene nodded, understanding. "Well, whatever you decide, I hope it all works out for you. You deserve to be happy."

"Thank you, Charlene," Shayna said, "I really appreciate that."

Shayna and Charlene pulled up to the ranch to find Shayna’s van parked out front. Shayna’s heart sank at the sight. This could only mean one thing. The van was repaired and Dayton wanted her gone as soon as possible. The joy from their shopping trip faded quickly, replaced by a heavy sense of dread.

Charlene noticed the shift in Shayna’s demeanor and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "Hey, don’t let it get to you. Let’s just focus on the wedding preparations, okay?"

Shayna nodded, trying to muster a smile. "You’re right. Let’s get these things inside and see what else needs to be done."

They carried their bags into the house, greeted by the warm aroma of Martha’s cooking. The house felt strangely quiet. Shayna’s eyes darted around, half-expecting Dayton to appear and confront her, but he was nowhere in sight.

Martha met them in the hallway, her face lighting up at the sight of the shopping bags. "You girls must have had a productive trip! Did you find everything you needed?"

"Yes, we did," Charlene replied cheerfully. "We even found some special touches for the wedding decorations."

"That’s wonderful! Why don’t you both come into the kitchen and have some tea before you get started on the preparations?" Martha suggested.

Shayna followed Charlene and Martha into the kitchen, trying to shake off her unease. They sat down with cups of tea, and Charlene began talking excitedly about the wedding plans. Shayna listened, nodding in the right places, but her mind kept drifting back to her van parked outside.

After tea, they set to work unpacking the bags and organizing the supplies. Charlene’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Shayna found herself getting caught up in the preparations. They arranged flowers, set up decorations, and went over the final details for the big day.

The afternoon passed quickly, and soon it was time to start preparing dinner. Martha enlisted Charlene’s help in the kitchen, giving Shayna a moment alone to collect her thoughts. She stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the cool evening air.

Her eyes landed on the van again, and she felt a pang of sadness. She couldn’t deny the truth any longer. Dayton wanted her gone, and she couldn’t blame him for feeling betrayed.

Dayton returned just in time for supper, his expression stony and unreadable. He nodded curtly to Charlene and Martha but didn’t spare a glance in Shayna’s direction. Shayna’s heart sank further as she watched Dayton avoid eye contact with her. Dayton continued his meal in silence, casually glancing in Charlene's direction but avoiding Shayna altogether.

Charlene, sensing the discomfort, attempted to start a conversation. “So, Shayna, what do you think of the decorations we picked out today? Do you think they’ll look as good in the barn as they did in the store?”

Shayna forced a smile. “They’re perfect, Charlene. I think the barn will look beautiful.”

Charlene beamed. “I’m so excited! We’ll start setting everything up tomorrow. Dayton, you should have seen some of the things we found. There’s this gorgeous garland that will look amazing draped over the entrance.”

Dayton remained silent, focusing intently on his plate. His lack of response weighed heavily on Shayna. She wanted to reach out to him, to explain everything again, but she knew it wouldn’t do any good right now. He wasn’t ready to listen.

The conversation continued around her, with Charlene and Martha discussing the final preparations for the wedding. Shayna contributed where she could, but her mind kept drifting back to Dayton. She couldn’t help but feel that time was running out to make things right.

As supper came to an end, Dayton stood up abruptly, clearing his plate with a terse nod to Martha. “Thanks for dinner, Mom. I’m going to check on the horses before it gets too late.”

Martha nodded, concern etched on her face. “Alright, Dayton. Don’t stay out too late, okay?”

He left the room without another word, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. Shayna stared at her own half-eaten plate, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness.

After the dishes were cleared and the kitchen was tidied, Shayna excused herself to her room. She needed to regroup, to figure out her next steps. She sat at her desk, staring at the incriminating documents once more. Her heart ached with the knowledge that Dayton no longer trusted her, and the atmosphere in the house had become unbearable.

Shayna took a deep breath and made a decision. She had come for revenge and to tie up a deal, but with Dayton no longer interested in selling, her work here was done. It was time to pack up and leave. She couldn't force him to believe her, and staying any longer would only make things worse.

Although she had abandoned her plans for revenge and found herself falling in love a second time around, Shayna knew that it was time to let things go. She would hurt for the foreseeable future but right now, she would return to New York, face her demons and continue with her life.

She began gathering her papers, methodically sorting through them to ensure she didn't leave anything important behind. Opening her suitcase, she started to pack her clothes and personal items. She zipped up her suitcase, glancing around the room one last time. The memories of the past few days flooded her mind—the moments of connection with Dayton, the warmth of the Radisson family, and the sense of belonging she had briefly felt.

With a heavy heart, she picked up her suitcase and headed downstairs. She moved quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone. When she reached the front door, she hesitated, looking back at the house. It felt like she was leaving more than just a building; she was leaving behind a chance at happiness, at something real. All over again.

But she had no choice. She couldn't stay where she wasn't wanted, where her presence only caused tension and distrust. She opened the door and stepped outside, the cool night air hitting her face.

She walked towards her van, and couldn't help but glance towards the barn, wondering if Dayton was there. She wanted to say goodbye, to explain herself one last time, but she knew it would only lead to another argument.

Shayna couldn't resist the urge to see Dayton one last time. She limped towards the barn, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. The night was cool and still, the only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

She approached the barn, and saw Dayton inside, working methodically on some equipment. He looked focused, but there was an air of sadness around him that she hadn't noticed before. Her heart ached at the sight, and she felt the tears welling up again. This was it—the moment she had to say goodbye, even if he didn't know she was there.

Shayna stood in the shadows, watching him for a few moments. She wanted to remember him like this, strong and determined, despite the pain between them. She knew that leaving was the right thing to do, but it didn't make it any easier.

She felt a profound sense of loss as she headed back to the van. She had come to this place for revenge and found herself hoping for a new beginning, but now she was leaving with nothing but a broken heart and shattered dreams all over again.

With one last glance back at the barn, she whispered, "Goodbye, Dayton." It was better this way, leaving quietly and letting things settle on their own.

Shayna loaded her suitcase into the van and climbed into the driver's seat. She started the engine, the familiar hum providing a small comfort. As she drove away from the ranch, she couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her face. She had tried her best, but sometimes, even the best efforts weren't enough.