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My eyes met his over Georgia’s shoulder, and he nodded in agreement.
She was ours.
And we would never let her go.
SEVENTEEN
GEORGIA
The Blazer’s engine rumbled, protesting every inch as I crept forward, waiting my turn in the carpool line. Kids of all ages ran around, some heading to the playground next door. The older students huddled together in various groups since the school was so small it housed kindergarteners through seniors.
As I pulled up to the front, I waved frantically, catching Gracie’s eye. Head down, gaze on the broken concrete sidewalk, she hurried to the car, threw the door open, and basically flew into the passenger seat before slamming the door closed behind her. Sinking into the seat, she fought with the wonky seat belt to get it secured, knowing I wouldn’t move until she was safely buckled in.
Worry and nerves rolled my stomach. “How was your first day?” I hedged as I slowly started forward, careful to miss the students.
“Fine.” She sighed, avoiding my gaze.
Clearly a lie.
“Gracie—”
“Just drop it, Mom. It was fine. Most of the kids were nice and whatever. I just want to go home.”
I was torn. Half of me was elated that she’d called our temporary housing “home” while the other half struggled to not pester her for more information.
Heaving a resigned sigh, I pulled out of the parking lot and headed for home, the silence that filled the SUV stifling. Something happened, but she wouldn’t open up until she was ready. My mind whirled with ideas on how to speed up that process, desperate to know what had her in a funk.
“Would going out to see the horses and alpacas improve your day?” Gracie’s head whipped my way, her straight dark hair shifting with her frantic nod. I chuckled and handed her my phone. “Text Anne to see if it’s okay if we come by for a little while.”
Within a minute of Gracie sending the text, Anne wrote back saying we were always welcome and that she’d take a break from her chores to hang out with us for a bit when we arrived. A part of me was jealous that Anne—or more so her property and animals—could completely shift Gracie’s mood. But deep down I knew it had nothing to do with me.
Since moving here, I’d watched Gracie, seen who she’d become while I was too busy with work. My previously outgoing girl had, at some point, shifted to more of an introvert.
Which she absolutely got from me. Growing up, I’d preferred the quiet, my computers and video games to going out to parties or hanging out with friends. So maybe this change of pace, getting her out of the hustle and bustle of a packed, active schedule, was exactly what she needed at the perfect time.
And if she were anything like me after a busy day of being surrounded by people, having to be on all day, she craved the quiet and peace a place like Anne’s ranch could provide. It was better than her just going home and plopping down in front of the TV.
We’d just passed the construction site where the huge distribution center was being built when a loud bang rattled through the interior of the SUV, and the wheel jerked hard to the right. I yelled a string of curses, fingers wrapping around the wheel so tight the color bled from my knuckles as I fought to stay on the road. On instinct, I slammed my foot on the brake. Gracie and I lurched forward, seat belts snapping into action, keeping her from hitting the dash and me the steering wheel.
A billow of dust surrounded the SUV when we came to a stop along the shoulder of the road. Breathing hard, I slowly twisted in the seat to face Gracie, who’d done the same. Her wide eyes met mine, tears filling the lower lids.
“Are you okay?” I rasped, voice shaking. She nodded while patting down her front. “I think the tire literally exploded.” It took several tries to get my seat belt unlatched. The instant the tight canvas strap loosened, a wave of relief calmed my panic. I searched Gracie’s lap for my phone. “Hand me my phone, and I’ll call Trap or Shade to come help us.”
After releasing her own seat belt, she fumbled around the floorboard for a few seconds before handing over the archaic device. I flipped it open and frowned when it showed zero bars.
“Shit,” I grumbled before flicking an apologetic side-eyed look to Gracie.
“I’ve heard you curse before, Mom. It’s nothing new.”
Keeping the useless device clutched in my hand, I shoved open my door and stepped out into the bitter wind. I shivered, clutching my new coat, courtesy of Trap, tight around my neck to keep the cold from seeping into my skin. Though my Chucks did nothing to keep my feet warm, my toes immediately stiffening.
Skid marks lined the road from the direction we came, and bits of rubber and debris were scattered along the pavement. A pitiful groan escaped my trembling lips as I took in the left front tire. Completely shredded, plus parts of the metal around the wheel were jagged and bent too. Gravel crunched beneath my toes as I swiveled, eyeing the back of the SUV.
Sure, there was probably a spare back there. And all the equipment needed to change the tire and get us back on our merry way. But did I know how to use said equipment?
Hell no.
Design a complex code that changes the lives of millions? Sure, I’m your girl. Give me a few Red Bulls, a carton of cigarettes, and some Twizzlers and it would be done in no time.
