Page 64 of Shattered Hearts

Following him down the gradual slope, the scent of mud and foliage heavy in the chilled air, we come out to the bottom of the hill and back on the property. The flowers that blanketed the fields only weeks ago have all dropped off, leaving it a wide expanse of green. Thick, grey clouds cover the sky, creating a darker atmosphere as a light dusting of mist floats around us. Rain is definitely on the way.

With the pastures flanking us and the main house coming up in the distance, we ride past the grazing cows, horses, and sheep, who look up as we pass by. Knox goes straight through a puddle, water and mud splashing up behind him and coating my pants, boots, and helmet. I let out a short laugh, flicking some off my hand as I rev my bike, gaining more speed.

Passing Knox, I ride through an even bigger puddle, spraying him with murky water. I hear him cackle, bringing a grin to my face as we head towards the shed where the bikes are stored.

“You’re getting faster out there. I almost couldn’t catch you,” I say as we cut the engines.

“But you did,” Knox points out, handing me his helmet. “I think I got some puddle water in my eye.”

I sniff. “You’ll survive.”

“Your concern means everything to me,” he drawls.

I push him gently, laughing. Knox chuckles lightly, removing his helmet and wiping dirty water with the edge of his sleeve. Locking up the shed, we then walk towards the main house where Aspen is outside with Dad, the two of them drawing on the porch. No doubt Mum is taking the time to clean the house or cook up something good for family dinner tonight.

I pull my keys out of my jeans pocket and show Knox to my car.

“Thanks for dropping me off, Gray,” he says as soon as he gets in the passenger seat.

I grin and switch the car on, backing out and driving slowly to avoid the various mud puddles on the drive. “It’s nothing.”

“Well, I appreciate it, and so does Paisley. Means she doesn’t have to rush home from picking up Hallie from work just to get me before helping out Mum.”

“If it helps, then I’m happy to. Besides, it gives us some more time to chat. What got you into wanting to ride dirt bikes anyway?”

Knox sniffs a laugh. “I’ve always wanted to. I used to see my oldest brother go out with our dad when they had time. I was a lot younger then, but they always looked like they had fun, so I wanted to try it when I was old enough. He now has an actual motorcycle, but he lives in Newcastle.”

I hum knowingly as we reach the main road. “Does your dad still ride?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Knox still for a moment, his hands no longer tapping his thighs. He clears his throat. “Not sure. He left three years ago.”

My eyebrows pinch together as I slow, waiting at a crossing. “Left? What do you mean by left?” I ask, but I think I already know the answer. I just don’t want it to be true.

Knox sighs. “Dad packed his bags one Saturday morning and left. Didn’t tell Mum where he was going, he just went while we were out.” He scratches the back of his neck as my heart pounds heavily. “Mum pretended that she wasn’t upset, but I could see it in her eyes. She looked sad but also relieved. Later that night I heard it, too, through the walls.”

My stomach knots.

He just left his family one day. What is wrong with some men?

“He just walked out on you?” I ask in a hushed tone.

“Yeah, all seven of us. Left Mum to raise six kids on her own.”

My shoulders droop as I squeeze out, “Crap. I’m so sorry, man.”

He shrugs again, nonchalantly, but I can see how much this weighs him down. “I mean, yeah, it sucks, but he wasn’t the greatest dad to begin with. He and Mum used to bicker all the time, then it started getting physical. I think it was best that he left.”

“Physical, as in…”

“Yeah,” he murmurs as we come to a stop out the front of his house, “that…”

I drag a hand down my face, my chest feeling as if it’s being pressed by an invisible weight. Turning off the car, I look at Knox, whose face is so troubled it hurts to look at. “You okay?”

“Yeah, it was three years ago. I guess I should be over it by now, right?”

My mouth quirks downward as I shake my head. “You don’t need to be over it. It was a cowardly move.” Much like another coward I know.

“Maybe. I know Paisley’s still angry that he’s gone, but honestly, I’m kind of glad.” He pauses to look me in the eye, all amusement and joy gone, leaving nothing but sadness. “Do you think that makes me a horrible son?”