“You don’t need to worry about coming back,” I said, lifting my beer to my lips and taking a long sip. I was sprawled out on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table, half-watching reruns of one of my favorite old sitcoms while I talked to my mom on the phone.
She and Dad were never around—always somewhere else, chasing rodeos and show circuits, bouncing from one side of the country to the other. That meant the house I grew up in had basically become mine by default. I kept it up, paid the bills, did the maintenance. But the deed still carried their names. Every few months, they’d blow into town, stay a week, then vanish again like tumbleweeds on the wind. I had to give it to them—they were always consistent.
“Are you sure?” my mom asked. “We could add it back to the schedule, make the pit stop at home. It might throw us off by a day or two, but?—”
“Really,” I said, cutting her off gently, shaking my head like she could see it. “It’s fine. Nothing’s changed here. No point in wrecking your route just to stop by for a night.”
It had been nearly six months since I’d last seen them. And honestly? I wasn’t complaining. Having the house to myself was kind of a luxury. I’d grown up with the silence, the emptiness, and I’d made peace with it. It was all I’d known.
They weren’t bad people. Not neglectful or cruel. Just… wild spirits. Two people who were never meant for the quiet rhythm of a small town, never meant for PTA meetings or backyard barbecues. I was the accident that threw a wrench in their plans—an unexpected pregnancy that nearly cost my mom her barrel-racing career.
I was an only child by blood but had brothers by choice after spending the majority of my childhood at the Cassidys’. My parents used to tell me the road wasn’t made for children, which is why they never took me along. In a sense, I guess they were right, because for me, the novelty would’ve worn off—being at home was where I belonged. I couldn’t imagine constantly being on the move.
“Maybe you could come see a show sometime,” she offered, her voice lighter now. “When we get to Florida, you could fly out for a weekend?”
“I’ll look into it,” I replied, taking another long pull from my beer as I sank deeper into the couch cushions and tipped my head back. The familiar creak of the leather beneath me, the low hum of the TV, and the soft buzz of her voice were all just part of the background noise.
“I’m having my best season right now,” Mom said, her voice brimming with pride.
I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest. “I know. I keep up online.”
I tracked her stats religiously—before and after every competition. I’d watch the events live, cheering her on from my couch like some proud little-league parent.
Still, I hadn’t been to one in person in almost a year. Life on the ranch had swallowed up most of my free time. Between Boone taking over for his dad, us expanding the acreage, and keeping the day-to-day operations running, I barely had time to breathe, let alone travel.
“How are things going there?” she asked. “How’s Boone?”
“He’s good. Everything’s solid. Do you remember Mac?”
She hummed in recognition. “How could I forget that little hell-raiser? He left a lasting impression. Wild as they come.”
I chuckled at the memory. Mac had always been the loudest in the room, doing dumb stunts with Boone while Rhodes and I stood off to the side, shaking our heads and pretending we weren’t amused. I never had the confidence to make a fool of myself like those two did. Still don’t.
“He’s having a kid,” I said. The words left my mouth before I could stop them. I needed to tell someone. I couldn’t spill it to the guys, and I definitely couldn’t say it to Ellie. So Mom was my safest bet. Who was she going to tell?
“Oh dear God,” she laughed. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
I realized then how little I’d told her about what had been going on lately. She knew about Boone and Aspen, but I doubted she’d kept up with the full cast of characters—Theo, Rhodes, Penny…
“Penny Hudson,” I replied.
“Aspen’s friend?” she asked, her tone jumping with surprise.
“Mm-hmm,” I said, leaning back against the couch.
A loud, urgent knock rattled the front door.
My focus snapped straight ahead. The beer in my hand grew suddenly heavier.
“Everything okay?” Mom asked, her voice tight now. “What was that?”
“Someone knocked,” I said, sitting up, my pulse quickening. I adjusted the waistband of my sweatpants and didn’t bother reaching for a shirt. “I’ll call you back.”
We exchanged quick goodbyes and I love you’s before I hung up. I crossed the living room, confusion spiking in the moment. I wasn't sure who would be showing up at this hour.
Just as I grabbed the handle of the front door, another knock came—louder this time.
I opened the door and familiar blond hair caught my attention.
