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Chapter One
He was going to lose his mind. Kaleb Linden averted his gaze away from his sister and her fiancé. Their love oozed from them, making him frustrated and wishing the same for himself, all at the same time.
Scarlet waved her hand in front of her face. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Kaleb had to admit, the ring Shane Cooper picked out suited his sister well. Especially since the diamond belonged to their mother's wedding ring. He hadn't told his sister that yet. It had been two months since Shane and Scarlet got engaged. And each time they were together, she'd give a contented sigh and flash her ring.
Kaleb tired of hearing it. He hated his attitude, and he knew he needed to change it. Otherwise, Scarlet would pick up on it and feel bad. It wasn't her fault she found the love of her life. It wasn't her fault she was extremely happy and it showed in everything she did. Even if they were waiting a year to get married.
Shane and Scarlet spent most of the first year of their dating relationship apart. She traveled to Ireland, Scotland, and Australia to learn more about farming sheep and how to implement new techniques in Colorado. Shane visited her in Australia, but they still felt they should be near each other for a good year before walking down the aisle. He completely agreed.
Kaleb reclined in his chair in the living room of their home, stretching his legs out in front of him. It didn't really matter if he agreed when they should get married. Scarlet made it perfectly clear she could run her own life. Because she was thirty-one years old, Kaleb grudgingly accepted he had to let go of his baby sister.
Being the oldest sibling of the Linden clan became difficult after his parents died over ten years before. He took on the role of provider, protector, and leader, even if Grady and Scarlet didn't want him to. No one else had guardianship over his brother and sister. Kaleb felt he had to do all he could to see they were both well-established before moving on with his life.
Giving up his one true love was what he regretted most. Not a day went by he didn't wish he'd made a different choice. Watching Shane and Scarlet only added salt to his already open wound. A wound that should've healed over a decade before but never did. And it was all his fault.
Kaleb glanced at Scarlet. Her face lit up like a firecracker on the Fourth of July. Shane made her happy, that was certain. And she deserved it. She'd given up just as much for the farm as he and Grady had.
A little voice inside his head reminded him of all he'd lost for the sake of being his siblings' guardian and for the good of Linden Farms. Saying goodbye not only to his parents but also to the woman he loved tore him to pieces. Kaleb couldn't think of anything else to do in order to keep his remaining family intact.
It wasn’t easy for Kaleb. He grew up with Cinnamon, but they dated others before finally admitting their feelings for each other. When his parents died, it would've been comforting to have her by his side.
Kaleb knew that now. Back then, he thought he knew best and built a wall between them.
"I'm going outside to cut firewood." Kaleb pushed himself out of the recliner.
"Right now?" Scarlet's brow formed a deep v.
"Yep." Kaleb left Grady, Scarlet, and Shane in the living room.
Outside, the sun poked its head behind the dark clouds already filling the sky. A thunderstorm brewed above his head. He didn't mind it. If he got caught in the rain, it may wash away his bad attitude.
Kaleb set the log on the large stump, lifted the ax, and slammed it down. Shards of wood splattered around him. He lifted the ax high above his head and came down on the log again. Over and over, he repeated his actions.
"I think you've got enough there for all of next winter."
Kaleb spun around, ax moved to strike.
"Whoa, brother." Grady held up his hands in defense. "Remember what Dad taught us?"
"Yeah. Never sneak up on someone chopping wood," Kaleb growled.
Grady grinned and dipped his head. "That, too. But he also said to take care when we have a weapon in our hands. We don't want to accidentally hurt someone."
Kaleb stretched his head side to side. "Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."
"Stating the obvious but go on." Grady waved his hand in a circular motion.
Kaleb chucked the ax in the wood stump. Some brothers found themselves at odds with each other. Kaleb and Grady had their moments, but overall, Grady was Kaleb's best friend. Four years separated them, and yet, he knew he could always rely on his younger brother to keep his secrets.
"This about Scarlet getting married?"
Kaleb began walking, knowing Grady would follow suit. When his brother joined his side, he nodded. "I wish it wasn't, but yeah."
"Regretting your decision with Cinnamon?"
"Yep." Kaleb kicked a pinecone. "I wish I made different choices."
