We all make our way out of the barn and back toward the main house where Wy and the other men are closing the truck’s tailgate and saying their goodbyes to him.
Meanwhile, Red walks slowly by my side, seemingly giving his son time with everyone.
He looks over with a grin playing on his lips. “That was quite the start to the mornin’, wasn’t it?”
I bump him with my shoulder. “Wouldn’t expect anythin’ less from this ranch. If you’re not careful, those animals might attempt a coup. I’m not sure they’re entirely… animal.”
That makes him chuckle. “Yeah, well now that the excitement’s over, we can hit the road. You ready for our very first road trip together, Mags?”
“Areyouready to put Wy on that plane?
He stares at me for a spell, and in that time I see a myriad of emotions cross through his gaze. When it finally settles on happy, I know we’re good to go.
“Yeah, I think I am. What you said, about trustin’ in the man I’ve raised, the one you’ve had a part in raisin’ too? That hit home.” His eyes drift over to the truck again where Lee and Colt are hugging Wyatt. “So yeah, I’m ready. I’m glad you’re comin’ with me though.”
His trademark honesty never fails to bring a smile to my face. “What are we waitin' for then? Let's go."
7
RED
As we hit the open road on the other side of Spring Haven, memories of my previous life on the road come flooding back to me. I spent so many years travelling all around the state–and sometimes out of it–that having stayed put in Spring Haven in recent years, it seems like a bit of a novelty now.
That’s not to say I’d change anything about my life on the ranch, but there’s a certain freedom that comes with winding the windows down and having your hair blown out by the wind on the open road.
It’s one of the things I’m looking forward to most about this trip. The freedom to do a little exploring, experiencing new things, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of my home state. The fact I get to do it with my best friend and my son–at least for part of it–is a bonus.
Old country tunes play on the radio as we drive along the highway toward our first destination—Anchorage. We’ve got rooms booked for the night and tomorrow, we’ll put Wy on aplane destined for Amaknak Island. Until then, we’re going to make the most out of this time together.
So far, the drive has been uneventful. Every now and then, Mags hums along softly from the passenger seat, Wy joining in from the back. Whenever it happens, I can’t help but smile.
Stealing a glance across the truck, I take in the way the sunlight dances in her hair, highlightin' a few streaks of silver that have crept in over the years. Mags and Anna were of the same belief, wanting to age gracefully and willing to accept whatever their bodies andlifethrew their way. Since I’ve always thought there was nothing more beautiful than a woman who owns what she’s given, it has never escaped me that Mags is stunning.
I’ve lost count of the number of male customers who’ve passed through the diner over the years and tried to shoot their shot with Mags. And every time, every one of them has left with a full stomach andnophone number, let alone plans for a date. I rib her about it whenever it happens and all she does is scoff and brush it off, rolling her eyes and telling me I’m seeing things. When she’d start teasing me back, I always knew all was right with the world.
I mull over what Wy said about Mags being another me for him and another Anna for me. He’s wrong but also… not. She may not realize it, but I wouldn’t be where I am today—themanandfatherI am today—without the support and friendship Mags has given me.
That’s why it’s so apt–soright–that she’s coming on this trip with me.
Sneaking another glance her way, I find her staring out the window, her features relaxed and an undeniable sense of peace radiating out of her.
I don’t know what compels me to do it, but without taking my eyes off the road, I reach over and take her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her body jolts with surprise before she flexes her fingers and lets out a happy sigh, smiling before letting me go.
What seemed a good idea at the time is now… not. BecauseI’mno longer relaxed. Hell, I’m as tense as a mule who’s backed into an electric fence. My heart has decided to bang against my chest like a hammer on a nail and suddenly it feels like I’m standing in the hot sun in the middle of Summer. I’m burning up and I have no idea why.
Huh.Maybe I'm overdue for a physical. I should see if Charlie can give me a workup. Iamgetting close to fifty. Then again, age is but a number, right?
I rub my chest out of instinct, secretly hoping it’ll help ease the tension and quell the confusion swirling inside of me.What’s goin’ on right now?
“You OK, Dad?” Wy’s asks with an edge of concern.
Catching sight of a rest stop up ahead, I flick the indicator on and pull off the road, coming to a stop at a lookout with a sweeping view over a lush green valley.
“Dad?”
I turn in my seat to look back at him. "Yeah, kid. Just need to stretch my legs. It appears I'm not as well-versed in drivin’ long distances as I used to be."
Mags tilts her head, her brows pinched together as she studies me, her skeptical gaze telling me she doesn’t buy what I’m trying to sell.
