After a moment of her giving him intense scrutiny, her expression lost its fearful look. “I’m sorry. When did it happen?”
Her soft, guarded words unlocked the doors he’d bolted against the memories. But he couldn’t allow that and slammed the door again. Perhaps a few details would satisfy her. “Six days ago.”
“You didn’t waste any time running away, did you?”
It would be useless to deny it. “Left as soon as the will was read.”
“Leaving the ranch to you?”
“I don’t want it.”
“So you said. And yet, he was there when you needed him. Took you in. I’m assuming he treated you like family. Like a son.”
Each word from her accusing lips burned like a hot branding iron. Yes, Chet had done all that. And how had Jace repaid him? He clenched his teeth and closed his eyes. He would not say another word on the subject.
The air grew heavy in the ensuing silence.
His chair creaked as he slouched deeper on it. Then he jerked up and added another log to the fire. Sparks flew up the chimney. If only his thoughts could follow them and leave him in peace.
Dianne sat upright and turned to check on her son who slept, peacefully unaware of the tension in the air and the uncertainty of his future. She adjusted her position and yawned.
“What do you do to pass the time here?” Was she hoping for excitement to keep herself awake?
“Hunt.” Think too much. “Read.”
“I don’t see any books.”
He opened the cupboard in the corner. “Help yourself.”
Putting the blanket to the side, she joined him and squinted at the row of books Chet kept in the cabin. “It’s too dark to make out the titles. Besides, I won’t be here long enough to read a book.” She returned to the chair, covering a yawn.
It made him stifle an answering yawn.
“Don’t let me keep you awake.” Did her voice carry hope he’d go to sleep?
“I can’t sleep if you don’t. It would be rude, unseemly. Chet would not approve.” He hadn’t meant to toss out his mentor and friend’s name. He’d come here to forget everything the man meant to him.
“You care a lot for him. Makes me wonder why you don’t take over the ranch for his sake. Wouldn’t it be a way to honor him and his memory?”
Honor Chet? It was a noble idea, but it was too late. And that was something Jace had to live with.
“I don’t deserve it.” No, he hadn’t meant to confess that. “I mean, I don’t want it.”
Dianne sat up straight and stared at him.
He needed to look away, not meet her demanding look, but he was powerless to do so. Must be because he was tired. But she didn’t challenge him on not deserving Chet’s ranch.
“You moved west with your family, dreaming of having a ranch. No doubt you pictured working with your father, enjoying meals your mother made, watching your sisters grow up.”
Would she notice how he flinched at her words?
“That dream was taken from you. But Chet gave you a second chance. Isn’t this your opportunity to make a home such as you dreamed of?”
He stared. Tried not to blink. Not to let her words worm intohis thoughts. “I don’t want a home.” A home needed a family, and he would never have that. Wouldn’t even think of it. All family and home meant was sorrow and regret. “No, this is what will happen. You can go to Chet’s ranch and enjoy the place. Chet would have liked that.”
The blanket slipped from her shoulders as she leaned forward. “You know what Chet wanted, and you’re refusing it.”
“I have my reasons for doing so.”
