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Knox slowed his truck in front of Prosperity Ranch, and as expected, the memories of his youth came roaring back. Some good, some not so good, especially the way things had ended with his family several years ago. He still remembered the night he and his dad had gotten into a big argument—Christmastime. Macie was pregnant, and they’d been married only a few months. His dad had finally consented to hand over Knox’s share of the farm in cash.
But the animosity had been stifling. What happened to being encouraged as a kid to follow his dreams? Apparently, that had applied only to everyone else in the family. Yet, he knew now it had all been a mistake. If he hadn’t cut himself off from his family, would he have gone down such a dark path? Would he have destroyed his marriage? Would he have been in the position he was now? Being only a visitor to the ranch to pick up his daughter for a couple of hours?
All these thoughts surfaced, and they’d surfaced before, yet, now… the sting wasn’t so sharp. The teeth of regret weren’t sinking so hard into his skin. He felt… lighter, somehow. Like some of the weight had been lifted.
His daughter was happy. She was surrounded by doting grandparents, her mom, her step-dad, her aunts and uncles. Ruby was healthy. She was as smart as a whip. And Macie… after all the turmoil of their marriage, and all the pain of the divorce, she’d found happiness. Should he begrudge that it was with his brother?
No…
And Knox… spending time with Jana had been good for both his heart and his soul. He could see that now. Talking to her, making jam with her, listening to her read her book, laughing with her… it had been a balm. Like a vacation, really. One sorely needed.
And that kiss… wow. He’d had to force himself to step back after a few minutes of indulging. Because Jana was a beautiful woman, and her scent, touch, and taste were all intoxicating. There was no doubt that she was the real deal, and the last thing he wanted to do was mess things up, or hurt her.
He was done hurting people.
Which was why he wouldn’t stay at her house tonight. Their kiss had changed everything, and he hoped that she wasn’t freaked out or anything. He hoped she knew he wasn’t playing the field. No, he was done with that life for good.
He wanted what his parents had, what Macie and Holt had, what he believed his sister Evie had with her boyfriend. And he knew it took a lot of hard work and a lot of trust. He never wanted to betray another person’s trust again.
“Daddy!” a little voice shouted.
He looked toward the barn to see Ruby running out, her grandpa close behind.
Knox’s dad, Rex, had been the mayor of Prosper for many years, but he also had no problem putting in a day’s work on the ranch. Beyond the barn was the training arena where Holt brought in horses that needed training or other types of care. Holt’s truck wasn’t around, so maybe he was off on an errand. Which was just fine with Knox.
He climbed out of the truck and smiled at Ruby. “Hey there, baby. You ready to go have some fun?”
Ruby kept running, and behind her, Rex chuckled. “You sure you’re ready to handle this spitfire?”
Just then, Ruby launched herself at Knox. He hoisted her up and hugged her tight.
“Any words of advice, Gramps?” Knox said, smiling at his dad. He loved that he and his dad had patched things up, and they could have conversations like this.
“I’ve heard it said that this particular little girl likes ice cream.”
“I do!” Ruby said. “I love it so much, Daddy.”
Knox chuckled. “Then we’ll have to get you some.” He straightened and grasped her hand, then led her to the passenger side of the truck. After buckling her in and closing the door, he found his dad still standing there.
“You’re looking happy, son.”
Knox dipped his chin. “Time with Ruby must bring it out.”
His dad nodded. “Yeah, likely. Might be something else, too.”
“Won the bull-riding last night.”
Rex chuckled. “That’s a typical night for you.”
This was a compliment coming from his dad, because Knox’s passion for following his dream had been a sore point between them. “It was great all the same.”
Rex clapped a hand on Knox’s shoulder, but his gaze studied him. “I’ll figure it out.”
Knox adjusted his hat. “I’m putting a few ghosts to rest, I guess.”
“Good for you,” Rex said. “I mean it, son.”
“Thanks.” And Knox meant it, too.
