He snaps his briefcase shut before leaving.
Okay then.
I drop down into my chair, the leather squeaking under me.
I inherited a ranch. A place I worked during high school and during the few summers I came home. Back when I thought…well, that life is gone now.
My life is here.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, my life has changed.
Again.
Chapter Three
KADE
“Are you sure you can manage everything while I’m gone?” I ask, not for the first time.
“Jake is here should anything come up that we need, but it’s not like you won’t be conferencing in on the calls,” Kelly says.
“I don’t like being gone in the middle of a merger.”
“We’re in the homestretch. It’ll be fine. Besides, Raven is already looking ahead and buying stock in the Seattle women’s soccer team. You’ll have something else to worry about soon.”
“Of course she is.” I laugh. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Were you able to pick up the rental?” she asks.
“Headed there now. Thanks for your help with all of this.”
“No problem. Call if you need me.”
She ends the call and I stuff my phone into my pocket.
My feet take me on the well-known path to the rental car counter. Fake trees and stuffed bears recreate the wildlife you can see in town with portraits of Pinecrest lining the walls. Walking through the airport always feels like I am in a museum.
I never thought I’d be back here so soon after my last visit. When I come to town, it’s to see my mom and sister, with the occasional trip to see Verne. That’s it. Anything else, and I was at risk of seeingher.
I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but I don’t want to see her. I haven’t seen her since that night, and I don’t plan on starting now. Nerves settle low in my gut at the thought.
I get my SUV from the rental place without issue and head out into the clean, fresh, Montana air. This is one of the things I always miss about being here.
The air.
The cool, crisp fall breeze helps to soothe the uneasy feeling growing inside me.
Getting into the white SUV, I head toward my mom’s place. I’ve made this drive hundreds of times. The mountains and pine trees that line the highway welcome me back. I roll the windows down, letting in the wind.
Damn, does it ever feel good.
Thankfully, I don’t have to drive through town to get to Mom’s place. With her living on the outskirts, I turn the vehicle down the familiar road. A few people are out on their porches, and it’s not a surprise to see my mom waiting for me on her wraparound.
She stands, waving as I pull in.
“Hey, Mom.”
“There’s my baby boy.” She holds her arms out wide for me. Stepping into them, I wrap her in a hug. She smells the same. That clean, laundry scent. “How was your trip?”
