“Or cattle roping. Or horse riding. Or…”
River’s laughter was infectious, and he wanted more of it. She shoved her hands deep in the pockets of her coveralls and shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe I like the idea of a big, strong man collecting eggs. I’ve always wanted chickens. Ever since I was a little girl.”
It was his turn to laugh, but it came out as more like a chuckle. “I could definitely see you herding chickens.”
Her smile was worth every second of this strange conversation.
He’d never been interested in working a farm or a ranch. In truth, he wasn’t thrilled about being around animals of any kind, probably due to his upbringing. He’d left country life behind for a reason. All his siblings had. There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with the lifestyle; he’d just wanted more for himself. Hence, picking a career that would ensure he steered clear of muddy ground and dusty animals.
Or so he thought.
Maybe chickens wouldn’t be so bad.
River was still watching him with open curiosity. It was like she was waiting for him to do or say something more. Maybe she thought he was here for her.
He’d have to nip that in the bud. Clearing his throat, he nodded toward the hangar. “I’m looking for my uncle and my dad.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, they were out here earlier, but I think they went into town. George said that someone would be by to get started on baling, so he wanted me to make sure the hay balers were running well.”
Mathew let out a quiet breath. Of course. He gave her a short nod. “Thanks. I’d better get started then.”
Hours later, with an entire field taken care of, Mathew caught sight of his uncle and father returning. It wasn’t a secret that his father spent more and more time out at the farm. And for the life of him, Mathew couldn’t understand why—especially when his mother’s dementia would only continue to worsen.
The thought twisted his gut.
Before he could talk himself out of it, he strode over to where his father stood speaking with Uncle George.
George smiled broadly. “How far you get?”
“Got a good bit done,” Mathew muttered before turning to his father. “You said you needed this done quickly—before the rain. You said you needed me so you could get back to Mom. So why aren’t you at home with her?”
His father’s face darkened. His eyes flicked to his brother-in-law, then back. “George, can we have a minute?”
“Of course.”
As soon as his uncle stepped away, Mathew lowered his voice, forcing control. “She can’t be alone all day, Dad. Not like that. That’s why I came, so you could be home with her.”
His father scowled. “I needed to go into town with your uncle. Plus, I figured it’d do you some good to get back to your roots. There’s nothing better than hard labor to remind you where you come from. Ever since you left for college, you act like you’re better than us.”
“This isn’t about my career.” Mathew’s chest tightened. “And I know I’m not innocent here.” The words scraped on the way out. “I’ve hidden behind my job too. But Mom needs you. She needssomebodywith her.”
His father’s jaw worked. “She’s not helpless right now. It’s better for me to be here helping out. It’s how I provide for her. When I retired, I didn’t account for her illness. This is going to get worse, Mathew. How am I supposed to pay for all the care she’ll need?”
“I’ll help with that,” Mathew said immediately, because it was the truth. “We’ll figure out the money. But you can’t replace time with her.”
His father looked away, shifting his weight. The fight drained out of him and he let out a heavy breath.
Mathew’s voice went quieter, the anger thinning into something worse. “One day she might not recognize us. I don’twant you to wake up and realize you missed your last good years with her.”
That sobered his father fast.
Mathew couldn’t decide if he was glad his father wasn’t fighting back or upset that he knew what he was doing and still refused to change. Maybe this was his father’s way of coping with the fact that his wife wasn’t the same woman he’d married. And that? It hurt even more. His father was abandoning his mother in the worst ways.
Huffing, Mathew stormed toward his car. He wasn’t about to listen to his father lecture him again about his career when all he’d ever done was try to make his father proud.
Time and time again, his father had made it clear he didn’t think being a doctor was all that. He valued work in the fields over Mathew’s career.
It felt like no matter how hard he worked, it was never going to be good enough.
