“Your dad’s inability to take a break.”
“Doesn’t it bother you?” I take the next clean plate to dry. “Papa literally worked himself to death, and Dad is following in his footsteps.”
“Of course it bothers me, but I learned a long time ago that the Rhodes men don’t like being told what to do, especially not by their wife or mother.”
“So, what do we do?”
Nana spins around, heading toward the dining room. “Bennett, your daughter wants to talk.”
“Nana!” I drop my jaw, feeling more than betrayed.
“You’re our best hope, dear. I’m sorry.” She presses a quick peck on my cheek. “Speak from the heart and don’t overthink it.”
“But—”
“I watched you struggle at the hospital. It’s clear something is weighing on you, and I know a conversation with your dad will fix it. He may have had a heart attack, but he’s still here. Talk to him like you used to. You’ll be glad you did.”
She’s right.Be brave. This is how I grow.
Dad glances up at me with a smile on his face as I come back into the dining room, pulling up a chair next to him. I can still see reminders of his heart attack from the way his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and the exhaustion etched into his face.
“What’s going on with my favorite girl?”
I glance at Mom, who is still at the table with Zach.
“Zach, have you gotten situated in the bunkhouse yet?” Mom rises from her seat. “I can help you.”
I give her an appreciative nod as Zach takes the hint, thanking us for breakfast and following Mom toward the front door.
I sit, taking my time settling in. I’m not sure how to start this conversation.
“What’s bothering you?” Dad lays his hand on mine.
I take in a sharp breath, building up the courage to say what I need to say and quickly realizing I’m never going to be more prepared for this discussion.
“I need you to know I love you.”
Dad smiles, swiping his thumb over my hand. “I love you too.”
“You’ve been my best friend since day one. It wasterrifying getting the phone call that you were in the hospital, and it was completely unbearable to just sit there, waiting, while they ran their tests.”
I take in a deep breath. Here it goes. “I’ve been in this weird place lately because there’s a part of me that blames myself for taking time off for the hunting trip and making you feel like you needed to step in and take over.”
I trace a dark spot on the table, unable to meet his gaze. “I’m also mad at youbecause you’ve refused to rest even though the doctors tell you it will help you live a longer, healthier life, and yet I understand what it’s like to love this ranch, and the work that comes with it, with your whole soul. So I find myself in a tough spot.” I glance up at him, meeting his hazel gaze. “I want to blame myself, but I don’t. I want to be angry with you, but it’s only coming from a place of love and fear because I want you to be here for as long as you possibly can. You still have so much to teach me. You still need to walk me down the aisle someday and teach my kids bad habits that annoy me.”
I sniffle as tears form in my eyes. I think I broke the dam when Dad went to the hospital, and I might not be able to put it back up. “I need you here with me.” My voice cracks.” I’m so sorry if I’m the reason you almost weren’t. I’m trying really hard to keep the ranch afloat and to make it better, but?—”
“I’m sorry, Biscuit.” His words shock me, but when he drags me into his arms, I soak up his gentle caress paired with his use of my childhood nickname, which melts me every dang time.
“You’re sorry?”
“I’m sorry I put you through that and that I haven’t set a good example. You deserve time to take breaks and enjoy life. I promise I’m going to work on stepping back. It’s justso difficult to let go of this ranch. The thing that brings me life is the same thing that almost ended me, and it’s heartbreaking.”
His eyes shine with tears, and seeing my idol break down in front of me is like a knife to the heart.
He quickly plasters on a smile, some of the light returning to his eyes when he says, “I guess it’s time to find something new to love, like supporting you from the sidelines. Some grandchildren soon might not hurt either.” He smiles, placing his hand over mine. “I heard about you and Jax. It’s about damn time that boy made a move on you.”
“What?”
