Cash has gravitated closer to us, and I give him a puzzled look as I whisper, “Happy birthday, cry baby. Also, how is it a surprise with all the cars and the huge birthday banner across the front porch. He can read, in case they forgot.”
Cash looks at me, his eyebrows raised. “Thank you! God, you’re the only logical one around here. And, anyway, he’s turning seventy-five, so maybe they’re banking on the fact he won’t even notice, just like how no one noticed that grandpa and Isharea birthday.”
Before I can respond, we hear someone at the barn door.
Luke and Ben swing the large door open, and we all shout, “Happy Birthday!”
Ben startles, recovering fast, before grinning ear to ear, taking in the sight of all his close family and friends. Everyone starts making their way to him to give hugs and a more personal happy birthday as music filters through the speakers. Not nearly as loud as Cash’s voice was, but still loud enough to hear the country music someone put on.
Mom reaches over, taking my arm in hers before I can escape. “So, how’s it been? I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but this ranch is in your blood, same as everyone else’s?—”
Before she can keep going, I cut her off, keeping my voice even. “Mom, I love you, and I know you want the best for me, but this town has never fully accepted me. I know the Thornwood’s are practically family, but that doesn’t change my feelings or make me wanna stay here any longer than I have to. I’m doing my best to learn and get experience here, same as everyone else.”
She licks her lower lip, and I brace myself for the same speech on how I belong wherever I want to and everyone doesn’t feel that way,blah, blah, blah.
“Colton Lee, your dad was here pretty much his whole life, and your sister might as well be a granddaughter to Ben. You’re not in high school anymore; youchooseto not let people accept you. You’re so angry that you can’t let the chip on your shoulder go like everyone else has. You were kids; it’s time to grow up.” She squeezes my arm gently as we shuffle forward in the makeshift line everyone made. “I thought working with Rhett would help you, but it can’t if you won’t let it.”
Working with Rhett on Thornwood Ranch has done several things. Like leave me with a serious case of whiplash and blue balls, but I don’t tell her that.
Instead, I nod, her words on repeat in my head, while trying to make myself believe they don’t sting. Pasting on a smile, we finally make it to the front where Halle has her arms wrapped around Ben, giving him a big hug. He whispers something to her, and they laugh for a moment before letting each other go.
As she walks over to Dad, Mom and I both tell him happy birthday and give him hugs. He and Mom yap for a moment, and I stand there quietly, taking in the room around us, and everyone in it.
Ben Thornwood has to have some of the strongest fucking genes I’ve ever seen. Each of his boys have his features, and all of their kids do too. It’s wild.
When I think of a cookie-cutter family, this one would be the picture of it.
Finally, Ben and Mom stop talking, and we walk over to Dad and Halle. They’re sitting down, catching up, and I can tell it’s serious by the look on both of their faces.
As we get close enough, I finally hear Dad saying, “You’re getting a divorce, quit your job as a teacher, and now you’ve dyed your hair pink. Halle, what are you doing, honey? You’re a thirty-two-year-old school teacher, not a bartender. What are you doing to yourself?”
Oh, hell no. Nope. Time to end that shit right the fuck now.
My eyes dart around the room quickly, hoping to find someone to help me cause a ruckus. Aunt A is nowhere to be found, and Rhett looks happy, so a fight with him doesn’t feel right either, but then I see someone perfect for the job.
Cash Thornwood.
I slide my arm from Mom’s and hurry over to Cash.
“I think you wanna dance, Cash—liven this place up.”
He looks at me, confused. “The fuck? Mom and Aria are coming out with food any moment. I don’t want to dance…What’s your deal?”
I cut my eyes over to where Halle is now being grilled by my dad and mom. “She needs a break from all the questions. Please. Dance with my sister, dude.”
His eyes follow mine and land on Halle. Immediately, he nods. “Yeah. Fine. I’m on it.”
Before I can get another word out, Cash is heading over to find the phone connected to the speaker system and a microphone.
“Hey, everyone! What are we doing here?This won’t fucking do, not onmybirthday. Grab a drink, and let’s dance.”
Dropping the mic, he grabs a beer before heading over to Halle and extending his hand for a dance.
You’re a good man, Cash.
As they make their way to the center of the barn, Luke and his wife follow suit, then Mom and Dad. After a few minutes, everyone is dancing and twirling around—having a great time.
It dawns on me then that everyone is busy, so I take the chance and run while I can. Sneaking out the side door, I go around the corner and behind the barn. The sun is low in the sky, giving the last bit of light for the day, while the faint thumping of music and laughter floods out the barn so it’s not too quiet.
