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Mason groaned. “If you have to explain it, then it’s not funny.”
“But I didn’t have to explain it. You knew what I was talking about.” Henry followed Mason around as he continued working. “Have you heard from Carter?”
“No,” Mason muttered. “You?”
“No. I don’t even think Caleb has heard from him.”
Mason paused and stared at his brother. “Has anyone told Wade or Elijah?”
Henry shook his head. “Honestly, I think they’ve been too busy to realize that Carter is missing since all his work is getting done.”
“Well, Annabel is bound to notice when she gets back from her trip with Dalton. And when she figures it out, she’s not going to keep it quiet. Do you think Caleb will keep it a secret this time?”
Henry climbed up into the bed of Mason’s truck and stared out at nothing in particular. He released a huff. “I don’t know. It didn’t take much for the kid to tell us. And you know Wade and Elijah won’t take no for an answer. Not with Caleb, not with Carter.”
Mason dropped another bale at his feet before he took it into the barn. “What do you think we should do? You heard Carter. I wouldn’t put it past him to run with what little he has.”
Henry shrugged. “It’s not our problem.”
Mason shot him a sharp look. “It’s absolutely our problem. We know where he is. We didn’t bring him home when we found him. What do you think Annabel is going to say to that?”
“All I’m saying is that we don’t have to let anyone know we know where he is. If Caleb gives him up, then that’s on him. We did our best. That’s all that matters.” Henry hopped down from the truck, changing the subject. “This is a pretty nice setup. No wonder why Carter thought you should come back here. What did you say Abrams was offering you?”
“I didn’t,” Mason said flatly. “And it’s none of your business.”
Henry wandered toward the barn, and Mason grabbed the bale he’d dropped and then followed him. His brother reached out and touched some of the tools hanging on a nearby wall. “So, you’re never gonna tell us what you get out of working here, huh? Not even a clue? I thought you said you cared about our family.”
Mason dropped the bale with a thud. “Don’t even start. Whatever I end up with, I’ll be sharing. You don’t have to worry about that. Speaking of futures, what is your plan?”
“What do you mean, what’s my plan? I don’t have to have a plan. I’m working with my family. We’re getting our ranch bigger and stronger so we can take care of everyone.” Henry glanced toward Mason. “That’s what you should be doing.”
“At some point you have to figure out if your whole life’s purpose is going to be doing the work at home or if you’re going to venture out to do something good.”
“Good,” Henry snorted, “good, like what? Running away? Working myself to death because I’m not willing to admit to myself that I’m still in love with a girl who broke my heart?”
Mason shot him a sharp look. “This has nothing to do with Harley. I’m working hard so I have something to show for it when I’m older.”
“You lost the girl of your dreams. Just admit it and move on.”
He shook his head. “I am moving on. I’m working again. I can come here and not immediately succumb to feeling depressed because of my memories of her.” Mason heaved a sigh. “I’m actually making something of myself. Did I love her? Of course, I did. Do I spend every day wishing things were different and I could just go tell her what she means to me? Sure. But there comes a time when you have to realize that life goes on. We can’t be stuck in a rut forever. I’m going to reach for something great. When are you going to do the same?” Mason glanced up at Henry, finding him staring at a spot behind him. Slowly, he turned around.
“Hi, Mason,” Harley said casually.
“Whelp, that’s my cue. I’m heading out. See you at dinner, Mason.” Henry slipped past Mason and through the door. “Welcome back, Harley.”
She glanced at him until he disappeared from view. “One of your brothers, right?” she asked as she faced Mason again.
He nodded. “That’s Henry. He’s fifth.”
“And you were…”
“Seventh.”
Harley nodded, then glanced around. She looked different somehow. Her clothes were more modest, her makeup was natural. Even the way she did her hair made her look as though she was a completely different person. Gone was the unnatural color, replaced by a pretty blonde that actually suited her well. He recalled her telling him she was lighter haired.
She held her hands tightly together in front of her, dragging her eyes back to his. “How are you doing?”
He couldn’t find the words. If he could, he would tell her how much he missed her. How sorry he was for the way things were left. He’d tell her he wanted to be with her no matter the cost.
