Then I realize what they’re really saying. They want me to stop ranching, and this school is what they’re offering in exchange. “I’m assuming there are conditions?” I ask, because of course there are. Of course this kindness is really about them getting what they want.
Mom’s lips purse for a fraction of a second before Dad answers. “We don’t think of them as conditions, but…”
“We will pay for Madison to attend this wonderful school, and you take up our offer to move back home,” Mom says simply, knowing I could never afford to send her to a school like this on my own. “Both of you come to live with us. Madison will have the best education money can buy and you’ll continue your studies. It doesn’t have to be medical school—though that door is always open for you—but you’re a bright woman, Izzy.”
“Just so we’re clear,” I say. “You’re saying you won’t pay for Madison to attend this school if we continue living and working on a ranch?”
Their faces say it all. This isn’t about what’s best for Madison. It’s about taking control of her life and mine. Again. Doing what they think is best. “You have more than proven you’re capable of doing things on your own,” Dad says. “It’s time to let us help you. To give Madison more stable influences in her life.”
Mom looks past me to the lake, where Madison is shrieking with laughter. Dylan is scooping her into his arms, throwing her into the air, and letting her land with a splash. Both of them have water rolling down their faces, shoulders shaking with laughter.
“It’s getting a bit late for swimming, don’t you think?” Mom says.
I feel suddenly uncertain. Mad is safe with Dylan. Maybe it is late, but it’s not dark yet. “I’ll call her in soon. Why don’t you get some food?”
A pained expression crosses Dad’s face. “Sorry, darling, didn’t we say? We already ate. Barbeque really isn’t great for your gut health.”
“But we’d love to spend some time with Madison,” Mom adds, shooting another pointed looked at the lake. “And you’ll think about the school? You’ll let us know? The new school year starts soon.”
The crushing sense of failure isn’t new but it’s no less sharp as I nod and stride to the shore to call Madison in. The feeling lingers through the rest of the evening—through watching Mom and Dad dote on Madison, urging me again to consider their offer before they leave, driving back to their dust-free suburbia. It stays through helping to clean up and through tucking Madison into bed. I watch her fall asleep in seconds but find myself too restless to do the same.
I step quietly from my trailer, the door clicking softly behind me. There’s a soft glow from the ranch house, but it’s the light from the barn’s open door that draws me forward.
I find Dylan organizing some tools by the workbench. He turns when I step inside, offering me a smile that makes me feel lighter.
“You OK?” he asks, reaching for my hand. He brushes his thumb lightly over my fingers, just like he did earlier. Gentle and reassuring.
“Just my parents again,” I say. “They think I’m failing Madison.”
“That’s bullshit, Iz.”
“Is it?” I ask. “They’re offering her everything I can’t—structure, a good school, financial security, an actual bedroom. All I have is a trailer with a broken washing machine I can’t afford to fix.”
He draws me into his arms. “You offer her unwavering love. You give happiness, safety, and the space to be exactly who she is. I’ve never seen a kid more secure and confident in who she is than Madison. That’syou. That’s what you’ve given her. And no amount of money can buy that.”
The words settle into the cracks where the doubt and anxiety have taken root. I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper.
I let myself think about everything Dylan’s done for Mad… for me. The way he listens. The way heseesme. The way he put tonight together just to make Mad happy.
“Dylan?”
“Yeah?”
“Your offer—for me to keep running the ranch with you. Is it still on the table?”
There’s a fraction of a second where Dylan seems to hesitate, but I must imagine it because in the next moment he nods. “Of course.”
“Then I’d like to say yes.” And even though I mean it, it doesn’t make it any less terrifying. Because as much as I lovethese horses, as much as I know ranching is carved into my bones, a part of me wonders if I’m staying because of the way this place makes me feel… or because of the way Dylan does.
“But the other offers…” he starts to say.
I make a face. “There aren’t any other offers. I lied.” I shrug. “I didn’t want you to feel sorry for me or think I wasn’t serious.”
“Neither of those things could ever happen,” he says as he smiles broadly. “Guess I’d better start hiding the pitchforks, then.”
I laugh, feeling the tightness in my chest ease. And then his hands reach to cradle my face. Slowly, like he wants me to feel every second of this moment, he leans in and presses his lips to mine. His tongue slides into my mouth and mine into his. A jolt of pure desire shoots down my body. His hands move to my waist, anchoring me to him as our mouths move together.
When he finally pulls back, his eyes are dark and full of need. “Where’s Mad?” he asks, his voice a low rasp.
