Guilt assails me. But there's nothing I can do about the past. I blurt out, "We aren't kids anymore."
Dad turns his disapproval on me. "This is my roof you live under."
"Then I'm leaving with Wyatt," I proclaim before I can even think about it.
Dad's eyes widen.
I remind him, "I only moved back home because my apartment got infested with roaches and I didn't have time to find a new one since I've been traveling so much. But it seems like I should have left sooner because you must have forgotten I'm an adult now."
Dad's face flushes red and hardens.
Mom steps between us. "No one is going anywhere. Wyatt can stay in the Butterfly House. Willow, you're not moving out right now. End of conversation." She pins a look on Dad.
He looks like he wants to argue but doesn't.
"Thanks, Mom." I rush out of the room, up the stairs, and into Wyatt's room. I shove his clothes into his bag, grab his toiletries, and run down the stairs.
Dad stands near the landing with his arms crossed.
"I'm sorry we lied, but you're going to have to get over it," I state.
"Watch your mouth, young lady," Dad warns.
I sigh. "Dad, I'm sorry. I hope you forgive us soon." I kiss him on the cheek and bolt out the front door.
Wyatt's standing in the cold next to the passenger door.
"Why aren't you in the cab? It's cold out here," I remind him.
He grabs the bag from me and slings it over his shoulder. Then he opens the door. "I'm fine. Get in."
I don't argue, hopping into the truck. He shuts the door, tosses his bag in the back, and gets into the driver's seat. He starts the engine and then turns toward me, asking, "How bad was it?"
I cringe and hold my fingers an inch apart. "Only a bit."
"I'm sorry."
"A little warning would have been nice," I say.
He chuckles. "No way you'd have let me tell them."
I stare at him, fighting myself. I've always wanted to be with him, no matter how much I told myself I was over him. Now that our secret is out, maybe we have a real shot.
But what if we don't?
His face falls. "Stop worrying, sugar. Things will only move forward with us this time."
I offer a tiny smile.
He slides his hand in my hair and leans closer. "Trust me."
I quietly reply, "Okay."
He matches my soft grin and pecks me on the lips. He releases me and asks, "Are you sure your dad isn't going to shoot me in the night if I stay on the ranch?"
I shake my head, wincing. "Nope."
He chuckles and pulls forward, passing the barn and turning down the snow-covered dirt trail.
