Page 20 of Broken Boundaries

“I wasn’t really invited,” she says quietly. “I think she wanted to spend time with just Zach. I’m not sure she likes me very much.”

Harper scoffs. “I’m not sure that woman likes anyone.”

I’m glad that comment came from Harper and not me. I try really hard not to talk shit about Lacey, but she’s gotten worse to deal with over the years. I’m sure she’d blame me for her attitude. I was sixteen when Zach was born. I was in no state to take care of a baby or make long-term decisions. Lacey wanted to get married. I didn’t. I realized we weren’t compatible after Zach was born. I tried to make it work, but it wouldn’t have been good for any of us if we had forced the relationship. I might have been young and stupid, but I knew enough to understand that.

That didn’t mean I didn’t do my share. I paid her child support. I spent as much time with him as I could. I was at every doctor’s appointment, every school event. I did everything I thought a father should do and enjoyed doing it. But I was still made into the bad guy.

I actually enjoyed having Zach with me at the ranch. Yeah, my mom helped me a lot when he was younger, but it was kind of like having a little best friend with you all the time. I thought he enjoyed it too, but I guess I was wrong.

After we eat, we all order milkshakes to go, and when the check comes, I don’t even let the ladies think about paying.

“Aw, Daddy Brooks is taking care of his girls,” Harper teases.

“Shut the fuck up,” I say as I put my card down on the table.

Everyone laughs, but her comment makes me wonder if other people might consider it strange that I’m having dinner with Harper and two of my younger employees. It’s not like this was planned, but I can see how it might look from an outsider.

After a quick glance around the diner, it doesn’t seem like anyone is paying us any mind, so I squash those thoughts. What I do is no one’s business anyway. Unfortunately, in a small town, everyone thinks they’re entitled to everyone else’s business.

We all walk out of the diner, milkshakes in hand.

“Thank you for dinner, Brooks,” Aspen says.

“Yeah, thanks, Bossman,” Jasmine adds.

“No problem. Y’all get home safe.”

Harper and I stand on the sidewalk and watch the two girls to make sure they get in their car before we get back in my truck.

“Have you had any luck with Zach?” Harper asks once we’re on the road back to the ranch.

I sigh. “No. Not sure why I’m paying for the kid’s cell phone bill if he doesn’t even text me back on it.”

“You know Lacey is poisoning his mind.”

“Yeah, I know.” I’ve known for awhile but I was hoping I was wrong. “At this point, she’s got him so far on her side, I’m not sure there’s anything I can do to win him back over.”

“Have you asked Aspen to talk to him?”

I shrug. “Kind of. She said she would ask him to come by the ranch.” But I could tell by the way she avoided eye contact with me that she knew he wouldn’t.

“I’m sorry, Brooks. I wish there was something I could do to help.”

“It’s all good. I’m still hoping he’ll come around.”

She gives me a sad smile because we both know it’s unlikely at this point.

CHAPTER 8

Aspen

“You’re sure this is a good idea?” I ask Harper. I crack my knuckles again out of nervousness. She’s walking me to the stables for my first riding lesson with Beck. I’ve got my boots and belt buckle on per Jazz’s instructions. I’ve even braided my curls back and added a Moonlight Ranch baseball hat. I look the part. But my stomach is in knots.

What if I fall off?

What if the horses don’t like me?

What if I can’t do it, and then everyone is disappointed in me, and I get fired?