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“I’ve always got it. Now, go spend some downtime with your girls and let me do the work.”
We part ways, and I climb into the car. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I shoot a text to Simone.
Sebastian:Looks like I’m finally heading to the place you suggested for a getaway. Rose Ridge, wasn’t it?
Her response is instant.
Simone:Yeah, it is. We just got back from there. Some friends, April and Spencer Cook, were there recently. They loved it. It’s such a peaceful place. It recharges my mental batteries. How are things going? How are the girls? I can’t wait to see them again.
Sebastian:Things are going okay. I haven’t been able to get a seat to race, which is driving me nuts. Luke is handling that, though. The girls are doing good—getting bigger, and Ry is just so smart and is becoming more and more like her mother. Ruby is chubby, cute, and a teething monster. All in all, we’re doing good, but I’m being forced on vacation so I’m going to take time out from the world and all the opinions on my racing and how I’m raising my family.
Simone:You’re doing the best you can. You got dealt a bad hand, and my heart hurts for you and the girls, but I know how strong you are. And you’re such a great dad. I’m here if you need anything. You know that.
Sebastian:I know, and I really appreciate it. I’m going to book now for Rose Ridge.
Simone:Mention me, and you’ll get a discount. They know me pretty well.
Sebastian:Okay, will do. Thanks. I’ll check in later.
Simone:Take care.
I google the ranch and then search for a contact number. I hit dial, and it rings a few times before a female voice answers, “Rose Ridge Ranch, you’re speaking with Delilah.”
“Hey, Delilah, I’m wanting to book a stay in one of your cabins for myself and my daughters, please.”
“Ah, okay, yep.” She sounds flustered, and I can hear the click of keys on a computer, and she curses under her breath as I hear something drop. Not a good start to the week for her, maybe.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, sorry. It’s been a while since I’ve done this. Give me a moment, and I’ll get someone who actually knows what the heck they’re doing. Sorry, I’m a little all over the place. I’m not usually the one who answers the phone, as you can probably tell. I’m not so great at this job.” She laughs nervously.
I chuckle. “It’s all right. Take your time. I’m not in a rush.” I turn in my seat and check the girls, and they’re happy playing. That won’t last much longer for Ruby, as her coos slowly start turning into little cries. She hates her car seat when the car isn’t moving.
After a few more curse words and some muttering, Delilah comes back on the phone. “Sorry about that. First time on the phones in a couple of years. What dates are you after?”
“Um… I was hoping for tomorrow, and I currently don’t have an end date. It’s for me and my two daughters. Do you cater for almost one and five-year-olds?”
“Of course,it’s all ages around here. Plenty for everyone to do and enjoy.” I hear the smile in her voice. “We have some cabins available. So arriving tomorrow, and I’ll add a tentative departure date for the system, perhaps just a couple of weeks, and we can adjust as we need to.”
“I’d like that very much.”
“What’s your name, sir?” she asks, not sounding so flustered anymore.
“Sebastian King.”
Silence.
“Hello?” I ask, checking to make sure she’s still on the line, but the call is still connected.
And I have no idea why she’s gone so quiet, but I hope it doesn’t mean she’s heard all the stories about my racing and parenting too.
THIS MUST BE MY BROTHERSplaying some kind of joke on me. I turn to Harley, who’s standing nearby, tapping on the computer to bring up the bookings page. It’s a system I haven’t used before but looks straightforward.
I cock an eyebrow. His eyes go wide, and he shrugs, mouthing,“What?”
“TheSebastian King?” I ask, slightly breathless, and as I speak his name, Harley’s mouth drops, and he scrambles to change the cabin he’s picked to one of our top ones.
“The one and only.” His voice is deep and sexy. I mean, he’s a hot Formula One driver. One of my favorites.
