When he’d first heard the story about how they all came to be at the same place, he’d thought they had to be crazy. Who in their right mind would want to live so close to family all the time? Didn’t they understand that it was good for the soul to put some distance in there somewhere?
Distance making the heart grow fonder and all that?
But then he’d really started to get to know all the cousins who acted more like siblings than anything else. They protected their own. Stood up for each other. Made sure everyone knew they were loved and wanted—such a stark contrast to his own upbringing.
All he had was Ryker. And Jacob had pushed him away the first time he’d felt betrayed.
Jacob blew out a breath and returned his attention to Hallie’s house. Never in a million years had he believed he would find someone capable of pulling his attention from his dreams. The possibility simply didn’t exist.
Until it had.
He pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes and rubbed but his oncoming headache continued to worsen. This might be his only chance to talk to her, to ask her what she wanted.
What if she wanted the same things he did? If she was willing to go on the road, would he be able to accept that sacrifice so they could both be happy?
He wasn’t entirely sure at the moment, but he liked to think so.
His hands dropped to his lap then he lifted one to the handle before a light tapping startled him. Jacob’s head snapped up. A figure loomed outside of the passenger side window, arms folded. When he dipped lower, recognition flooded Jacob’s mind. He pressed the automated button to lower the window then murmured, “Brent…”
“What are you doing here, man?”
Jacob glanced back toward Hallie’s house. “I…”
“Haven’t you done enough?”
Swallowing hard, Jacob slowly swiveled his gaze back to Brent who was now leaning on the edge of the open window. “I need to see her.”
Brent shook his head. “No, you don’t.”
“But…” Jacob didn’t recognize his own voice. It was broken and uncertain. He wouldn’t be surprised if Brent could tell that Jacob wasn’t even sure why he was here.
“I get it, okay? You grew attached. It happens. But you made your choice. You pushed her away. Now you have to accept the outcome.” Brent continued to watch him as if he expected Jacob to argue or lash out. Then he shook his head again. “No one knows better than me the difficult decisions that come with this lifestyle. Deep down in your soul you know the right one to make. You made it a long time ago. And if you get out of this truck and walk up to that door, you’re only going to extend the pain. You’ve done enough damage. You broke her heart.”
Jacob flinched.
“And now she’s trying to heal. The best thing you can do is leave. Walk away. Let her heal and keep chasing your dream. She’ll befine. So will you. But only if you make a clean cut.” Brent’s words were soft but that didn’t stop them from tearing into Jacob’s heart. Based on what he’d witnessed, Hallie was already taking steps to feel better.
Brent’s perspective was right. It would be difficult, but letting go was for the best. Jacob only prayed that he could do so quickly. The last thing he wanted was to be back here with more regrets.
He nodded and Brent withdrew. They didn’t say another word to each other as Jacob rolled up his window, started his truck and drove away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
It had beena week since Hallie had seen Jacob. The National Finals Rodeo was coming up in a couple days and if she were honest with herself, she’d admit she was a ball of nervous energy.
Jacob had won the competition where she’d left early. Then again in Tennessee. His earnings placed him in the running to win the World Champion title, but he still had to do ten rounds at the NFR to get that on top of earning the most money throughout the year.
Even if he didn’t, he had a shot at winning All Around Champion based on the money he’d made at two of the higher ranked competitions. And if he placed in all the rounds at the NFR, he’d earn the title of Average Champion. That one wasn’t based on his earnings but just on the NFR placement.
If Jacob were with her right now, he’d be ecstatic. He wouldn’t settle for anything less than the World Champion title and she wouldn’t let him. She fully intended on screaming her heart out for him while they watched the finals on the television when they started in a few days.
Well, she’d be screaming on the inside.
Sammie had been treating her with kid gloves ever since they left the arena last week. She seemed more nervous than usual about how Hallie was handling everything. She didn’t have to worry. Hallie had already come to terms with the reality of her situation. She wasn’t able to keep the guy. Heartbreaking as it was, she could accept it because somewhere deep inside her, she knew that was how this would all turn out.
Hallie didn’t need Sammie, or Jacob, or anyone else to help her. She was capable of pulling through on her own. She fully intended on leaning into the love she had for photography.
Lately, there had been less to be done around the ranch.
