Page 107 of Shattered Hearts

I shrug.

“You're wrong there, Gray. You boys turned out better than I expected. I mean, look at Sawyer and Cole. Both of them are athletes. Holden is a great dad and hard worker. Reid is becoming a leader, and he’s balancing the books better than I thought possible.”

He pauses. My hands rub together, tongue swiping my bottom lip when his hand is on my shoulder. “You’re also doing great, Grayson.” My face lifts to his serious one. “I know you’ve had your concerns and worries over the years, and I could have been more present for you when you were younger, but I am really proud of you, son.”

My throat works loudly. “It wasn’t your fault, Dad. I know you were busy, and Mum needed your help with the twins, and then Cole when he was born.”

“Yeah, but that’s not really an excuse.”

I shake my head. “You don’t need to apologise. You’ve done so much for me. I mean, you gave Reid and I the ranch to look after. You kept all of this alive for us to enjoy.”

“I think every kid should grow up on a farm.”

My chin dips in agreement. “That’s why Laynie is thinking of living here with me. She said the exact same thing.”

Dad snaps his fingers, grin widening. “I knew there was a reason I liked that girl ever since you brought her home. She has good sense.”

My tongue pokes the inside of my cheek. She does.

“I’ll have a word with your mum about that. Anyway, the reason I came in was to tell you that I am proud of the man you’re becoming, Grayson. You’re really grown recently, and seeing you take on a fatherly role… It’s very mature and manly. You’ve become such a gentleman.”

“I’m just doing what I should have done when I first found out about Laynie.”

He shrugs. “Better late than never. I’m sure she appreciates it too. She’s been in love with you for years.” He stands to his feet.

I nod, smothering a grin. “I know. Mum told me. You could have mentioned it to me, you know. Would have saved Laynie and I a lot of hassle.”

Dad snorts a laugh as I stand. His hand is on my shoulder again, squeezing it. “But then I wouldn’t have another grandchild, and I love being a grandpa. It’s much easier than being a dad.”

“You’re saying that to someone who is about to be one, you know?”

His grin grows. I snicker. “Oh yes. But know this, I wouldn’t trade being a dad for anything else in the world. It’s the best thing. Well, second best. Being a grandpa means I can spoil my grandkids even more and get away with it.”

“I hope you know that you’re really great at pep talks.”

He flicks his eyebrows at me before heading to my bedroom door. “Yeah, well, it’s one of the things I’ve learnt to do over the years.” Pausing in the doorway, I watch him turn, a knowing smirk on his wrinkled face when he adds, “Also, Cole said you’re leaving in ten minutes.”

My eyes roll as I saunter after him into the hallway. “He’s one to talk. He’s always the one making the rest of us late.”

“You’re messy. Cole is time poor. We can’t have all the skills, now can we?”

My brows flick in acknowledgment.

His hand clasps my arm, adding, “You’re a good brother, Grayson. And a good man. Don’t ever forget that.”

My chin dips. “I won’t.”

Following him downstairs to the open living area, Cole, Reid, and Macie already have their shoes and coats on. Approaching them, I hear Aspen’s muffled voice from upstairs. Holden appears, trailing down to meet us at the door.

“Great. We’ll all fit in my car,” Reid says, flicking his keys around his finger as I slip on my boots.

“What if I want to drive?” Cole asks, brow arching.

Macie shakes her head. “I’ve been in the car enough times with you to see how you drive. Not every road is a race track.”

Cole smirks. “It makes the driving experience more thrilling.”

“We don’t need that sort of thrill,” Reid interjects, pushing open the front door. We wave to our parents before filing out onto the porch. Cold air sweeps past, and I zip up my jacket as we make our way over to Reid’s ute.