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Two days fly by. The elation I felt in seeing Livy and meeting Kimpton was such a high… one I wouldn’t have experienced had I been numbed out. And now, I’m going home.
My first stop is at the ranch for a celebratory dinner.
“Mr. Ranger, your brother is here.” The young girl smiles as she leaves my doorway.
“Thank you.”
I walk to the office to find Cynthia. “I’m indebted to you. Please let me know how and when I can help you or Natomas Hills, okay?”
“I’ll take you up on that. Give me a call if you get triggered or feel overwhelmed. Our doors are always open. You’re welcome when you want to come sit in group or just talk privately.”
“I’ll take you up on that.”
With one last wave, I walk out the doors into the afternoon sun.
Braxton is in Emberleigh’s SUV, and I climb in after tossing my bag in the back seat. He gives me a fist bump and hands over my wallet, which I slide into my pocket. He points at my phone. I tap the screen and see several dozen messages from Livy and nearly as many from a group called “Team Takedown,” whatever that is. A handful are from George and another scattering from friends and family.
I set it face down in the charging spot. It can wait.
“This thing is so weirdly quiet,” I say, looking around the Tesla
“It’s eerie. I like the sound of a motor.”
“Same.”
“It’s smoother than my dually, though, and not nearly as high.”
“Appreciate the thought, Brax. How’s Emberleigh doing with her mom’s anniversary coming up?”
“I’d love to say I’ve asked. Shame on me. I’ve had my mind on other things and didn’t give it a second thought. Thanks for reminding me.”
“Do you ever look up and realize how fast life is moving?”
“You made fun of my Goonies line only to hit me with a Ferris Bueller one? But seriously, yeah. Two years ago, Mom was still with us, and Colt hadn’t been born. A year ago, I didn’t have a fiancée, and Pop hadn’t been shot. A year ago, we didn’t know about Bright and Eli, and you wouldn’t have considered moving home…”
“A year ago, Livy and I hadn’t crossed paths. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you. So thank you, Brax. Thanks for sticking your neck out for me at a time when I couldn’t for myself. Thanks for hiring Livy. Thanks for getting her here and not taking no for an answer. Thanks for rallying when things changed.”
“You were right, you know.” Brax stares out the windshield.
“I’m sorry. Come again.”
“I’m admitting I was wrong, and you were right. About the ranch and watching my kids grow up. We have the staff, and I don’t have to work fourteen hours a day. Not most days anyway.”
“Whoa. Back up. For clarification… I was right?”
He nods.
“And you said kidssss,” I draw out the ‘s’ to make a point. “As in more than one?”
If my brother could blind me with his smile, it would be happening to me right now.
“We haven’t told anyone, and it’s super, super early. The home test yesterday says she’s pregnant. We haven’t even gone to the doctor to confirm, so we’re not saying anything. Besides, Kimpton was born the day before yesterday, and you come home today, so it’s a joy sandwich but not our moment. At least, that’s what she says.”
“Get the blood test, urine test, poop test – however it is they figure things out officially and then share that shit far and wide, Braxton. We need some happy!” I clap him on the shoulder as he turns into the ranch gates. “But I’d love to hear it again. Say it with me now… Layton was right.”
“Shut up, fucker.”
“So damn happy for you, Brax. Now make an honest woman out of that girl. She’s already said yes. You just haven’t made it a priority.”
