Dean was awake beforethe sun broke the horizon. He disappeared toward the barn to see if there was anything he could do to prep for the day, and when Soul and Venom rolled up after breakfast, he took them on a tour around the ranch. He was never great about sitting still, and even if he won’t admit it, the smile on his face when he left this morning was proof that a part of him missed this place.
A few hours ago, he came back to the cabin and showered before heading into town to talk with his lawyer. He probably would have dragged me along with him if he knew I was planning to go visit my father the moment he left, but I didn’t say anything. This is something I need to do by myself.
I take the road to Elliott Ranch instead of cutting along the path that connects it to Ironside Ridge. While I’ve used that quick access hundreds of times over the years,something about it doesn’t feel right anymore. The short time I was in Vegas created this distance between myself and this town.
Between who I was before and who I want to be now.
My entire life, I considered this place home. I planned to stay here long after my father was gone. This land was mine to tend, and someday, I saw my children running around like I used to. But that was a future I was never going to have with Kincaid. And now, I’m wondering if that was meant to be my future at all.
Maybe I was always meant for something else, and I was too scared to realize it.
Now, when I stare out at the horizon, a different future sits ahead of me. One where I don’t stay here at all. One where Dean and I build our own life, on our own terms, far away from here. I’ll miss this horizon and the animals. But I won’t miss the version of myself who thought I didn’t deserve more.
I refuse to be her again.
Dad spots me walking up when I’m almost at the barn. He tosses a bag of feed to the side and brushes his hands on his jeans.
It’s busy around the ranch in springtime. Seasonal ranch hands bustle around, fixing fence lines and irrigation issues that cropped up during the winter months. Dad hurt his back last summer and never fully recovered, so this past year, he’s needed even more help.
“Surprised you’re showing your face.” Dad rests his arms on the gate between us.
“I came to talk about Nightmare.”
He tips his head back in a laugh. “You’re here about your fucking horse?”
“Harloe offered for me to move her to her family’s ranch. They have a stall ready for her, and they’ll be here later this week to pick her up. I want to make sure you aren’t going to cause any problems.” It takes everything in me to keep my tone even.
I’ve never had a spine around my father. He made sure of that by whittling down my confidence over the years. As I stare into his light-blue eyes, I remind myself that I no longer want to be that person.
“I’m not the one causing problems around here, Willa. You’re the one intent on destroying your family. Showing your face in town with Dean Graham. I thought I warned you about him.”
“He makes me happy.”
“Happy?” Dad’s voice is filled with amusement. “You think happiness keeps this place running? That it feeds the cattle or repairs the roof over your precious, spoiled head? You and I had a deal.”
“It’s pointless now.” I shrug. “Kincaid and Tate cut you out. They’re selling the land. It’s done.”
“Why do you think that is?” His tone is ice cold. “If you’d have done your job keeping him happy, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“My job?” I laugh, stretching my arms at my sides. “This is my life, Dad. I’m tired of you treating me like I’m just one of your employees. I’m done with this ranch and all the expectations that come with it. Kincaid and I are over.As far as I’m concerned, Eden can do your bidding now. I’m done.”
“You’re done when I say you’re done.” His teeth clench. “Your sister’s been soothing the situation you fucked up, but this is your mess. You’re going to fix things with Kincaid and make sure he gets me my mineral rights.”
“I’m not doing anything for you.”
“Oh really?” He narrows his eyes, straightening up. “It would be unfortunate if something happened to your new boyfriend just because you were an uncooperative, selfish little bitch.”
This time, he doesn’t bother veiling his threat like he did years ago. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Dad has only become more ruthless over the years, and it’s worst with me and Eden. There was a time that he scared me. Now, I’m done bowing down.
“Are you threatening Dean’s life?”
“He’s a biker. A felon. I’m sure his kind turn up dead all the time. Cops wouldn’t even worry about it.”
My hands clench into fists. “You know what, I dare you to try something. Dean isn’t the kid you remember. You want to go toe-to-toe with him, then I’ll let you two work it out.”
I turn to walk away, but he raises his voice.
“What about your mother? Maybe the cops would be interested in what really happened the night she died.”
