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I hum my agreement. “Yes, it would seem you’re holding all the cards in this game.”
My siblings all look on, engrossed in the building drama. Cole, Jett, and Scarlett each wear a look of anticipation—eagerness, even. Brooks’s fists are tight at his sides, and Trey…well, I still can’t get a read on him, but he doesn’t look particularly happy.
In the chair next to me, Lacy’s expression is hard to read. Still guarded. Still gorgeous. And completely unsure of what’s happening.
Better than nothing, and at least she’s still here.
“Then again.” I’m ready to call Mama’s bluff. “You’ve never played a clean game, have you? You’ve always had an unfair advantage with all your family’s money at your disposal and your ability to lie and cheat your way out of every situation. And you’ve used us, your children, to carry on that legacy.”
Her mouth drops open, perhaps to deny or argue, but I won’t allow her time to speak. Her tainted words are no longer welcome here. “But you forget, Mama, over the years, you’ve made most of us an accomplice in at least one of your schemes. I’d harbor a guess that, combined, we know all your dirty little secrets. All those terrible things you want to keep buried.”
Now she looks worried. Her eyes grow wide, and she shifts in her seat to look around the room at her brood, stopping when she reaches Brooks. “You promised me.”
“Did I?” He shrugs, the tension he’s been holding seeming to loosen with the gesture. “You know, I was under such duress at the time, I’m not sure I can recall…”
“Stop it!” Her hand slams the arm of her chair. “You promised me, and you know it.”
“Don’t worry,” I say, calling her attention back to me. “Brooks has kept your confidence. He’ll continue to do so, as will I. We all will.”
I glance around the room, hoping no one disagrees. “For now.”
Trey clears his throat, and although he hasn’t budged from his spot in the corner, the faint crease of his brow is a good indication of his growing discomfort.
Shit, I can’t let him screw this up. “As you’ve pointed out, according to Pa’s will, you’re the one in charge. It’s your call as to who gets to run the ranch, Mama. I’m asking you…”
I swallow back a sudden bout of apprehension, and in my silent panic, seek out the dark pool of Lacy’s gaze. It pulls me in, settling my nerves and lighting a fire within me. She gives me strength. Fuck, this woman gives me life—even if she has no idea what I’m about to do.
With renewed confidence, I look back to Mama. “No. We’reallasking you to make that call. The only woman I want in my life is Lacy, and since we know you won’t agree to that match, the marriage clause won’t be fulfilled. So, it’s up to you. We want you to name Pa’s successor. Right now.”
Hands gripping the arms of her chair, she shakes her head. “You think you can blackmail me into getting what you want? Do you really think I’ll name you?”
“No,” I say through a growing smile. “And I was prepared to walk away, still am if that’s what it takes, but no, Mama… You’re going to name usall.”
“What?” The color seems to drain from her face, perhaps the reality of her situation sinking in. “What kind of game are you playing?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Trey interjects, pushing off the wall to come stand at her side. “Ridge wants us to drive you out.”
Mama’s eyes narrow on me, and my gut seizes.
“That’s not—” Jett starts but is interrupted by Scarlett, who agrees, “Not at all.”
Brooks shares a look with Cole before meeting my gaze, his expression full of remorse.
Fucking hell.
They’re all going to back out on me, aren’t they? So much for family bonds and blood being thicker than water, or any of that other bullshit. Then again, the way I’ve treated most of them—not bothered by who I stepped on while making my way to the top—is it any wonder?
Hell, I deserve whatever’s coming to me, and if I’m the one who gets pushed out… Well, I guess so be it.
A firm touch smooths over my shoulders, lending me strength and comfort, and I look up to find Lacy standing at my side. Right where she belongs. Where I hope like hell I can keep her for fucking ever, no matter the outcome with Canyon Spring.
“Is that true, Ridge?” Mama taunts. “You’re trying to oust me?”
Trey beats me to the punch. “It’s true.”
His cold stare cuts through me, but I refuse to look away. Refuse to go down without a fight. Because despite not needing control of the ranch or any of it to survive, I still fucking want it. It’s part of me, and I’m afraid it always will be.
But maybe it’s a part of us all. Maybe Trey’s way of protecting it is different from mine. Or maybe his moral compass isn’t as true as I’d hoped.
