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“No, I think she knew what I needed. To finally come home,” I say thoughtfully.
Hudson is silent for a beat, wraps his arm around my shoulder, and tugs me against his side. “Welcome back to Rose Ridge Ranch, sis. You’re home.”
TEARS STING MY EYES. IT’Sbeen too long. Turning in a circle, I take in the full scope of the property, the lush green hills and tall trees. In the distance on the far hill, I spot the old house, the white exterior with overgrown bushes surrounding it. My chest squeezes when I think about my times with Eli in that house.
“Dee…”
As I spin around, I see Odette is doing her best, running toward me. I catch her. Her arms tighten around me, and this time, I can’t stop the tears. They fall freely. I’ve missed her sweet spirit.
“Hey, baby sister.” We stay like this for a moment before she finally releases me.
“Good see you,” she stumbles over her words—her speech impediment has always been a challenge for her. But she’s come so far, and no disability will hold her back.
I hold her out at arm’s length and study her. Her dark hair is plaited in pigtails with red ribbons tied on the ends. Freckles are lightly sprayed on her nose and cheeks, and her excited blue eyes stare at me.
“It’s so good to see you as well. I’ve missed you.” I swipe a tear from my already wet cheek.
“I miss… you too.” Her eyes shut and clench as she tries to get the right words out. “You… stay?”
“I’m staying for as long as I’m allowed.”
Odette throws her arms in the air and spins in a circle, her head turned up toward the sky—her happy dance. I’ve missed seeing this girl. She always manages to bring a smile to my face.
I laugh, and the happiness that flows through me because of this simple moment steals my breath. I haven’t felt this light in a long time.
“Come. You m-meet Devon, m-my boyfriend.”
I glance over my shoulder and shoot a questioning look at Hudson.
“Yeah, her boyfriend. He’s been working here almost a year, and he’s a cool kid. His sister is married to the basketball player, Parker Kent.”
My mouth drops. “You’re joking, right?”
Odette takes my hand and leads me away from Hudson, who follows us.
He shakes his head. “No, no joke. He was having trouble with college and fitting in as he’s got special needs as well. Addison, his sister, and Parker came to stay for a holiday and realized what we did here. The next time, they showed up out of the blue and brought Devon with them, and he hasn’t left.”
“Parker Kent’sbrother-in-law works and lives here?” I ask, unable to hide my shock. I’m a massive sports buff. Basketball and Formula One are my ultimate favorites.
“Yeah. Devon and Odette clicked right away and became close friends. It was actually pretty cute. They’re both smart kids.”
“Wow, I’ve missed so much. I wonder why Sybil didn’t tell me when we spoke and messaged each other.”
Hudson shrugs. “That’s something you’d have to ask her.”
Odette continues to pull me along as we head down to the largest and oldest big red barn. It’s been here the longest—so long the red has faded to a brown and is peeling in places.
“Why did you never try to contact me?” I ask Hudson. Even though he gave me the warmest welcome I could’ve asked for, he was one of the reasons I left in the first place.
Hudson drags a hand down his face and sighs. “I’m sorry, Dee. I guess…” he pauses for a second and then continues, “. . . I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me. I’d said some hurtful things, and I suppose they were probably unforgivable…” I’m taken straight back to that night he’s referring to. He told me I was stupid and said I was making the biggest mistake of my life. If only I could tell him he was right. Maybe one day I will when my pride isn’t hurting so much.
“I don’t think I’d have wanted to talk to you if I’m being honest. I’ve been angry for a long time. It’s only been in this last year that I think I’ve needed my family… needed to mend those broken parts of our home.”
Hud’s big, calloused hand reaches out, takes mine, and squeezes it. For a moment, I think he looks as though he’s going to cry, but that moment disappears when Odette stops.
“This D-Devon,” Odette says.
I’m staring into the face of an incredibly handsome young man, maybe in his twenties. He has dark hair, and it’s short and neatly cut. His big dark eyes go wide when his gaze lands on Odette’s. He wears jeans with a red NBA shirt with Parker’s number on it. He’s his brother-in-law’s number one fan, I’d guess.
