“I changed my mind. After our talk the other day, I realized I’ve been too hard on you, especially when it comes to you being deputy,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “I won’t lie, I was bitter when you first started volunteering. It felt like you abandoned your responsibilities, and I struggled to understand why it was important to you. However, I’ve seen the positive impact you’ve made over the years and how much you’ve enjoyed it.”
“What makes you think that?”
He sets Logan on the porch, and he immediately bounds over to snuggle next to Nugget. Heath then turns his attention back to me.
“After every shift, you have the same contented expression I get after a long day in the fields—exhausted but proud of the work done. I’m bringing on a foreman so you have the freedom to choose your own future, whether that’s becoming a full-time deputy or doing something else. You deserve the same choice that Dad gave me, and I’ll support whatever decision you make.”
I meet his sincere gaze. “You mean that?”
I may not have any concrete plans yet, but knowing he’s in my corner no matter what I choose lifts a weight I’ve carried for years.
Heath claps me on the back, shooting me a pointed look. “Damn straight I do, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for helping out on nights and weekends during the busy season.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “There’s the Heath I know. Don’t worry. I love the ranch, and even if I do change careers, I’ll still pitch in whenever I can.”
“Looks like I couldn’t get rid of you even if I tried.” He winks, his expression softening after a few seconds. “Now tell me, how’s Birdie’s mom holding up?”
“She should recover from the pneumonia, but she’s been dealing with other health problems for over a decade.”
“Damn, I’m sorry to hear that,” Heath replies, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “I can’t imagine what Birdie and her family have been going through, but whatever it is, I’m glad she’s got you by her side to help her through.”
“Yes, she does,” I state. “There’s something else I need to tell you, but it has to stay between us—especially from Ma. It would destroy her if she found out.”
Heath cocks his head, sending me a sidelong glance. “Are you about to admit to committing highway robbery or pulling off a bank heist? Because I’m not prepared to hide a fugitive, even if it’s my brother.” He laughs lightly at the thought.
“It’s nothing likely to land me on the wrong side of the law, unfortunately.”Unless we’re counting tampering with evidence.“Birdie and I were faking our relationship to start—well, she was. She’d never dated anyone before and asked me to teach her. I’d wanted her for so long that I suggested we tell everyone we were together so I could keep her close.”
Heath lets out a low whistle. “Damn, I figured you’d make a move eventually but didn’t think you had it in you to fake a whole damn relationship to pull it off. I’m impressed. You were clearly hooked when you kept going to the feed store every week, loading up on hundreds of dollars of supplies we didn’t really need just so you could steal a few minutes alone with her.”
“Guilty as charged—and I’d do it all again to end up here.”
He studies me, amusement dancing in his eyes as he strokes Rory, who’s just stirring awake.
“I take it that means your relationship is legit now?” he asks.
“Yep, Birdie’s finally mine,” I declare.
I can’t stop grinning like a fool, thrilled to stake my claim openly. Nothing has ever felt so right. At this moment it hits me how deep my feelings for her run. I think a part of me has always loved her, and now she holds my whole heart and soul in the palm of her hand. More than ever, it’s clear there’s no future I want that doesn’t include her at my side.
However, I keep my thoughts to myself for now, wanting Birdie to be the first to hear me say the three little words that convey everything I feel for her.
Heath leans back, smiling at me. “I’m really happy for you, Brother.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
It’s a relief knowing that I have Heath’s full support in not only building a career for myself but, most importantly, a life withBirdie.
Hearts Made Whole
It’s been a long day, but thankfully, Mama has settled into her hospital room and has spent most of her time sleeping. Dad and I have stayed close by, mostly in silence. We’ve agreed to wait until we’re home to have any serious conversations. For now, I’m setting aside my frustrations and focusing entirely on Mama.
Dad stepped outside to take a call from one of his deputies, and Mama was craving a smoothie, so I ran down to the cafeteria to grab one for her. On my way back, I spot Walker in the hallway a few strides ahead of me. He has a bag slung over his shoulder and is carrying a stack of books in his arms. He’d left earlier to tend to the animals and run some errands, but he promised he’d be back later, and sure enough, here he is.
I don’t call out to him. Instead, I slow my steps as he disappears into Mama’s room. Once I reach the slightly open doorway, I look inside but keep mostly hidden, wanting to observe their interaction before I join them.
Walker takes a seat beside her hospital bed, setting the books on the chair next to him.
“My ma sent me with some romance books to help pass the time,” he explains, leaning over to straighten Mama’s blanket.
