“It’s all going to work out, my gumption girl,” Sara said with a big smile.
“I think you’re right,” Miranda said, forcing a smile she didn’t really feel.Even though her business was taking off, each day she didn’t spend with Renn felt like a punch to the gut.And she knew he’d be gone for good soon.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Renn
Shutdown
For two daysRenn didn’t see Miranda in the morning when he helped Jeremy with the horses and coached him on his spiral.He’d put off his decision on whether or not to sign with the Aces as long as he could and it was time for him to either sign the contract or walk.Which was why he was pacing outside Mrs.Hart’s garden as he considered his next move.Miranda wasn’t wrong about him being scared to accept his dream or that he came to Sandy Point for more than just confronting his brothers.
“Grandson, you look like you’ve got the weight of the entire world on your shoulders.”
Looking up, he saw that Mrs.Hart stood with two glasses of sweet tea.“Let’s talk about it.”
“How’d you know I like sweet tea?”
“I’m observant, and all big decisions should be made over a cold glass of sweet tea.”
She handed him a glass and then sat in one of the white Adirondack chairs and took a long sip of her glass before setting it on the matching garden table.“Alright let’s hear it.”
“Well, the Aces have made me a really good offer to be quarterback for the next three years.”
“And you signed?”
“Nope.”
“Why not, honey?”
“The thing is, I’m not sure I deserve the job.”
“Renn Ripley Walker, why wouldn’t you deserve it?You’ve only been studying the game since you were old enough to hold a ball.And just when your team needed you, you more than delivered.That job has actually been yours for the taking for years.Now what is this self-doubt really about?Dig deep, grandson.It’s time to be honest before you lose your shot.”
Renn let out a breath he’d probably been holding for sixteen years.
“Because if my own father didn’t want me, why would anyone else?And when the truth about my background comes out, and it will, I’ll just bring shame to you and my brothers.”
“Oh, I see, you’re worried we won’t want that spotlight?That me and the boys might disown you?”
He looked her in the eyes.
“The truth is I’m mad my son didn’t claim you the second he knew about you.He chose his marriage over a relationship with you and I’m disappointed in him for that.Because he chose for all of us.But now we each get to choose for ourselves.And there is no story or salacious reporter who can get me to give you up.”She pointed at him.“You are my blood.My grandson, and I’m keeping you.”
Emotion swelled in his throat and when her hand reached out, he gripped it, seeing her old blue eyes well with tears cut something loose inside.“Do you understand me?So, you go be a quarterback, join Broadway, wear a tutu in Times Square.I don’t care.You’re mine and I’ll claim you every day for the rest of my life.”
“Yes, ma’am.”He nodded.“What about…”
“Your brothers won’t turn their backs on you—they’re incapable.”
He nodded.“I’m just so mad at him, my dad.”
“I know, me too.But we’re going to have to find a way to forgive him if we want to move on.That anger will just eat us up.”
He nodded and leaned forward to hug his grandmother and couldn’t help but wonder if his father hadn’t died, if things could have been different.Maybe his dad would have changed his mind or faced his sins when Renn showed up at his door again.But they’d never know, and holding on to his heartache was only hurting him now.
“Now what about you and Miranda?”
“She said she wouldn’t speak to me if I don’t take the contract with the Aces.And right now, she needs some time to focus on herself.”
