In fact, it gets heavier.
“Dad?” I hesitate to ask the question that’s weighing me down. “What about Cade?”
I don’t even want to call him an uncle.
Dad’s jaw tics as he leans back and his amber eyes darken to nearly black. “He’s not allowed anywhere near this ranch. He ain’t a part of it, his name was taken out of all the paperwork back when—” His fist lands on his knee before his nails claw into his jeans.
“I get it,” I say softly.
When Mom died.
It all changed that day.
“Do you think now he wants it back?” I know this is the elephant in the room.
So it’s a surprise when Dad shakes his head. “Cade is a stubborn fuck. If he wanted a part of it, he wouldn’t have signed it away. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t want us to suffer.” His face appears haggard in the dim light.
Dad might be still in his mid-forties.
Tonight he could pass for sixty.
“Count on Sawyer,” he finally murmurs. “He’ll step up. Teach the younger ones what they want to learn. I’m gonna sit downwith Dixon and we’ll go over adding your names to the brand ownership now that you’re old enough.”
He empties his cup and stands, reaching for mine, taking them both to the sink. “And once I’m dead and in the ground, if you all decide as a family you’re done, I’m counting on you to make sure it’s all split evenly.”
“Sheesh, thanks for that. No pressure.” I roll my eyes.
Deep down, I appreciate his trust in me.
His warm palm pats my shoulder, then he heads down the hall past my room to where Lori and the baby boys are staying.
“I love you, Soph. Your mom would be proud of you.” He gives me the warmest smile I think he can muster before disappearing.
I love you too, Dad.
No matter what, I won’t let you down.
Skipping the steps
Oliver
RacingQueen: Do you want kids?
TheBigO: Pretty sure you’ve skipped a few steps.
RacingQueen: Like, in general.
TheBigO: Yes. More than one.
RacingQueen: Why?
TheBigO: When my mom died, I don’t think I would have survived without my brother. They might need each other some day.
Brent and I maybe opposites, but we both know we’re in this together.
RacingQueen: Same. For everything. I want lots. It’s why I just want to skip all of that dating shit.
TheBigO: That’s a required step.
