AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, I suppose.”
“What do you want to talk to him about?” he probes.
“I want to talk to him first. Sorry.” I shrug.
“No, don’t apologize. You do what you need to. What are your thoughts on running the horse training and breeding program again? Like we were doing before you left.” Harley grabs his boots and pulls them on.
“I’m not sure. I guess we can see how we go. I’m not planning to leave again, but other things may come up, and certain people may not want me here anymore, so I’m not committing to anything.” I’ve got Olive under my feet now. She’s a major factor in my decision-making. I worry that some of the family won’t be welcoming to her, but who can hold her father against her?
“Sounds like a good idea. Let’s get out of here and see what beauties we can pick up,” Harley says, and I follow him out to his truck. He hitches up the horse float, and we’re off, just like the good old days.
While Harley drives, I stare out the window. The sun has started peeking over the horizon. I’ve missed these mornings. The orange and yellow colors beam light across all the green, making it look brighter. Neighbors are out on their machines, getting an early start to the day while it’s not hot. My phone chimes with a text.
“Who’s sending you a message this early in the morning?”
Glancing at the screen, I say, “It’s Isla. Just checking up on me.” I laugh.
“Of course, it would be her, but she isn’t an early morning person. Is she sick?”
No, she’s babysitting my daughter who likes to wake at the butt-crack of dawn,is how I want to reply. Instead, I say, “I’m not sure. People change their habits.”
I swipe and read her message.
Isla:It wasn’t a great night. She was up every hour. How the hell do you do this on your own?
Delilah:Oh, I’m so sorry. She’s not usually that bad.
Isla:She’s grumpy and crying already. I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep her with me for another day. It’s clear she wants her momma, someone familiar. I’m a stranger to her.
I guess I won’t get time to prepare my family. I can’t leave her miserable with Isla. This is our first time apart except for when she was born, and I was in the hospital. Eli thought it best to keep her from me while I was healing and waiting. He was wrong.
Delilah:Okay then. Come around lunchtime. I’m not there at the moment. Harley asked me to go to the horse sales.
Isla:Sounds like you’re stepping right back into the job you left behind and loved.
Delilah:You could say that. I spoke to Dad briefly this morning. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. I think there’s still a lot of hurt there.
Isla:That’s understandable. Maybe little Olive can start to change their attitudes.
Delilah:I hope so, or I’m going to end up homeless.
Isla:Don’t be silly. You can stay with me if things don’t go to plan, but I have a feeling they will work out how they’re supposed to.
Delilah:Anything is an improvement compared to where I was a year ago.
Isla:That’s true. You’re already doing so much better by going home. I’ll see you at lunchtime.
Delilah:See you then.
“That seems like more of a conversation than a simple check-up,” Harley says, giving me a sideways glance and then back to the road.
“You could say that.” I pause, and while I had wanted to tell Dad first, it seems I’m going to run out of time.
I’ve got to tell someone about my daughter.
I may as well start with Harley.
TAKING A BREATH, I SAY, “I have to tell you something. I was hoping to have a little more time to prepare everyone, but it seems I don’t.” I rub my hands over my jeans.How is he going to take this news?
