Page 40 of Broken Boundaries

“Yes, sir.”

I turn to leave, but then remember something. “And Aspen?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget your boots.” It’s always good to wear boots when you’re riding, but more importantly, she looks damn good in them.

“Got it!”

Aspen arrives at the stables right on time, which doesn’t surprise me one bit. She’s never once been late to work. Everything Harper or I have asked her to do, she’s done quickly. She’s organized and on top of her work. I can only assume that that kind of dedication and work ethic crosses over into her personal life as well.

“Hey, you ready?” I ask her once she’s close enough. She’s changed out of her work clothes and into some tight jeans and a black tank top, which are accompanied by the boots.

“Ready!”

I hand her the reins for Sparkles and watch her mount. She looks like she’s been riding for years with how comfortable she looks in the saddle.

“Gettin’ good at that,” I say as I mount my own horse.

“Beck has been a great teacher.”

“Good. I knew he’d help ya out. Alright, let’s go.”

She follows me out of the stable, and I slow down a bit so we can ride side by side. A slight breeze catches us, and I hear Aspen take a deep inhale. “It’s so nice out here. Makes me wonder why I spent so many years surrounded by buildings and cars and people who don’t give a shit about anyone but themselves.”

I laugh. “Yeah, this place will do that to you.”

“Did you ever think about leaving?” she asks.

That’s an easy one to answer. “Nah. This place is my home. Couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Even if the guest ranch failed and we never made another dollar, I don’t think I could leave.”

“I’m jealous. It must be nice feeling so tied to one place.” There’s a twinge of sadness in her voice. I hate that she grew up without a strong family presence. I don’t know what I would’ve done without my parents when I was a teenager.

“I’m sure you’ll feel tied down somewhere one day,” I offer the only encouragement I can, even while secretly hoping she starts to feel tied down to Blue Haven. I’m not really sure why, but I feel like she belongs here.

“Yeah…”

The lull in conversation gives me a chance to bring up the one topic I really wish I could avoid. “So… are you ok after everything with Zach yesterday?”

“Yeah. Thank you for stepping in. I’m sorry that this is coming between you and Zach.”

I huff a laugh. If anything, I’ve talked to him more since their breakup than I have since he moved back. “We were already broken, Aspen. I’m not sure anything can save us at this point.”

“Why are you guys broken?” she asks carefully as if she’s worried I’ll get angry. “Zach wouldn’t ever really talk about it.”

“It’s kind of a complicated answer. I mean, I’m sure I wasn’t the best father, but I did the best that I could. Zach and I were basically growing up together. It was hard on all of us. But I think a lot of it stems from his mother. She wanted to get married and have the perfect family life, and I didn’t want that with her. She got mad when I ended things, and she’s held a grudge ever since. I’m lucky she even let me see Zach when he was younger. I think she only agreed to it so she could get the child support.

I just couldn’t give her what she wanted. Not at eighteen years old. She still thinks I chose the ranch over her. And hell, maybe I did. But I still stand by my decision. I wouldn’t have been a good husband for her.”

“Well, I think it’s admirable that you recognized that at such a young age. She’s the immature one for still holding on to a grudge after twenty years.”

“Yeah, well…”

“I couldn’t tell Zach this, but I never got good vibes from her. Honestly, I’m surprised you were ever with her. You two are so… different.”

“We’re in a small town. There’s not a whole lot of options, honestly. Back then, she was willing to let me, well, you know. No teenage boy can turn that down.”

She tilts her head back as she laughs. Her curls fall down her back, and the setting sun makes her skin look like it’s glowing. I can’t help but admire her beauty even when I know I should look away.