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“What else could we do? It gave us another chance to consider talking with Porter about our families. But we were also nervous it would reopen old wounds,” Mom says.
“And tarnish our reputation?” I accuse.
Dad shakes his head. “We’d rather make things right. If after all this time our customers and neighbors don’t know who we are and what we stand for, then so be it.”
I meet my father’s eyes and know he means it. My parents have never been anything but upstanding, fair-minded business people trying to live an honest life and have something to pass down. They weren’t perfect, but they meant well and raised me to have respect and compassion not only for the animals and the land, but our employees too.
“We could tell how pleased you were having Porter back in your life, which only made us consider our options again. It’s the reason we planned on telling you first. It’s complicated.”
“It’s definitely complicated.” The words climb to my lips, and I finally let them fall free. “Because I love him!”
“Of course you do, he’s your fr?—”
“No, I’m in love with him. Always have been.” My parents sit motionless, watching me. “He was my first love, and no one else even comes close.”
Mom throws Dad a look. “So, Aimee…”
“Was a misguided decision to do the right thing. To be a good son and make you proud, especially since losing Faith left me as the sole heir of this ranch.”
Mom looks stricken at the sound of my sister’s name.
“Oh, honey. I wish you’d told us sooner that you felt that way.”
“I didn’t feel like I could. We don’t talk about Faith very often, but we should. Visit her grave more too. I was only five and don’t remember all that much, but I do know part of your dream died with her. I wanted to help with some of that, by meeting the right girl and giving you grandchildren.”
“Oh, honey, no.” Mom’s hand briefly rests against her mouth. “That only works if it makes you happy too. And it’s obvious it doesn’t.”
I blink back tears. “No, it doesn’t, and I can’t hide it anymore.”
Dad grips my hand. “And we wouldn’t want you to, no matter what that means.”
We sit silent for a long moment, lost in our thoughts, when Mom leans into my line of sight. “Looks like we’ve got some fixin’ to do.”
My stomach bottoms out. “You know that foundation I poured a few years back?”
Dad nods. “The house you were considering building.”
My parents likely thought it was for my future family, even after Aimee and I ended up staying in my wing of the ranch house. And I suppose it was, in a way.
“I did that for me and Porter, even though I figured he wasn’t coming back.” I point in the direction of the mountains. “That stream is our stream. Every part of this land reminds me of him. I want to build a life with him, and now…no way he’ll accept any of this, let alone put it behind us.”
“Oh, honey.” Mom rubs at her heart like it hurts her too. “I’m so sorry. We feel awful. Where is he now?”
Suddenly it occurs to me where he might be.
“I might know.” I turn for the door, focused on only one person. My person.
Porter Dixon.
I head toward the stables and Midnight.
Chapter 32
Porter
When I hear a horse behind me, there’s no doubt in my mind who it is. I don’t turn around, though, still sitting on the foundation of the house Sully wants us to build together.
Because he feels guilty he took what’s yours…because he doesn’t want you to fight him for it.
