“Good night,” he said, anxious to review the files and figure out how to tackle everything. Entering his room, he threw the paperwork on his bed, took off his shoes, and set his pie on the bedside table. Settling on the bed, Owen opened the manila envelope and dumped the contents. Seven envelopes fell out, all addressed to him and his brothers, except for one. He picked it up and read the name, Conner. Who the hell was this guy?
He picked up the pie and stared at them as he ate the warm dessert. Nothing they contained would change his feelings toward his father. His drinking made family life tough. Owen spent most of his childhood parenting his brothers. Mom always attempted to make up for it by giving him an extra ten dollars from the allowance tin, a restaurant gift card for him to take out Leslie, or a later curfew than his brothers’.
It seemed like such a small gesture, and yet it meant the world to him. His stomach flipped at the thought of Leslie. Regret filled him. One day, they made plans for a future together, and a week later, he drove off the mountain without a single word. Heintended to call her once he got to the base, but the words he wanted to say stuck in his craw. Before he knew it, a year went by. He assumed she gave up on him and moved on. Why disrupt her life? Every now and then, he stared at his phone and wished for a connection. What could he possibly say to ease the pain? Owen left with a burden on his shoulders and his head in the wrong place. Anger, sorrow, and hopelessness ruled his life. The military gave him the structure he needed, but it never replaced her.
Finishing the dessert, he put the plate on the table. He picked up his envelope and ripped it open.
Dear Owen,
If you’re reading this letter, I’m finally gone. I’m surprised you didn’t throw it in the trash as soon as Gunny gave it to you. Thank you, I don’t deserve your kindness, but I’m asking for your grace.
They say time heals all wounds. I call bullshit. What I did to you, your brothers, and especially your mom, will haunt me even in my afterlife. You have every right to hate me. I hope some secrets die with me, but some need to come into the light.
As the oldest, I put you in charge. It’s not fair of me to ask it of you. Owen, you helped your mother while I tried to forget the past with a bottle. Your brothers didn’t know how badly their words cut you after the funeral, but I did. They stayed angry formonths. I spent time in prison and attended an alcohol treatment program. I hope she’s watching us from heaven, knowing I fulfilled part of my promise. It’s time I tried to fix the one thing she held together, our family. Like it or not, I’m your father. Holly made one hell of a mom, and I can’t let her down.
Owen pinched his nose, wondering why he gave a shit about his dad’s last request. He continued to read.
Help me put the family back together. Bring them to our mountain and heal the wounds. Elias hides his grief. Don’t let him fool you. Mason has suffered a cruel blow. His wife died in a car accident and left him two little boys, twins, Nathan and Noah. He’s angry and grieving. He needs his brothers to help raise those Wolfe boys. Cade and Mason joined the military as soon as they finished high school. You might’ve seen Cade along the highway. Some big Hollywood scout saw him, and he graces the covers of magazines in his underwear. Then you have Dillon, who went to college and works as an engineer.
You left a wonderful woman because of me. It’s one of my biggest regrets. Leslie has become a daughter to me. I suspect you’ll see her again soon. She still has a temper. You might want to wear a cup. Finally, we come to Wyatt. He blames himself for his actions the night your Mom died. My son should’ve never felt threatened enough to pull a weapon on hisown father. He’s hurting, Owen. I’ve kept tabs on all of you. I made sure the boys got Christmas and birthday presents through Gunny. I knew they’d never take them from me, but I stepped up for Holly.
I left instructions for my funeral, the mountain, and my possessions.
Finally, I want to introduce you to Conner. I met his mother during a low point in my life, and I needed company. I’ve never loved another woman like I did your mom. Connie must’ve known, and a year after we enjoyed a one-night stand, she showed up on my doorstep with Conner and left the next day. He’s mine. Most importantly, he’s a Wolfe. Leslie agreed to care for him and will adopt him if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive an old man for his sins. I’m hoping you’ll remember he’s a Wolfe too and won’t understand why his big brothers don’t want him. He knows about each of you, and I’m hoping you’ll take him in.”
“What the hell?” Owen exclaimed. “He wants me to care for his one-night stand’s kid? You got balls, Dad,” he muttered.
I can make all kinds of excuses, but in the end, it won’t bring your mother back. I’m truly sorry for all the hurt I caused all of us. Please bring our family back to Wolfe Mountain and show Conner what makes us special. I lost sight of the most precious thing in my life. I’ll go to my grave holding onto the pain and regret from my actions. Don’t let it take youfrom one another. You’re the only one they’ll listen to. Don’t do it for me, do it for Mom.
I will always love you, son,
Dad
Owen set the letter aside and took a deep breath. His dad asked for a miracle. He didn’t know how he’d bring the assholes to Wolfe Mountain, but for Mom, he’d do his best.
CHAPTER 3
Owen quietly went downstairswith his bag and the files. The lights in the bar shone in the hallway, making Owen peek inside. Gunny came out of the kitchen and strode toward him.
“I figured you’d want to get an early start. I made you two sausage biscuits for the road,” Gunny said, handing him two freshly wrapped packages and a traveling cup of hot coffee. “Remember, we’re here if you need us.”
“Did you know about Conner?” he asked quietly.
“Yes. Your dad hoped one of you boys might come back someday and get to know their little brother,” he confessed. “He didn’t want to put the responsibility on you. As I said, when he arrived here unannounced, he seemed determined to have me keep this stuff for you. I take it he mentioned Conner in his letter?”
“Yeah,” Owen said, sighing. “Elias plans to come this afternoon. I’m hoping Mason will take the boy. I live remotely, and it’s no place for a kid.”
Gunny chuckled. “Life has a way of changing plans on you when you least expect it. Keep an open mind. Conner has known about you, and your dad told him last year why his brothers don’t visit. He doesn’t have any family left except for Leslie. She didn’t hesitate to take him.”
Shaking his head, Owen glanced at the older man. “Why did Leslie keep in contact with my father all these years?”
“She has her reasons, and I suspect you’ll learn them soon enough. Leslie helped your father through some dark days, and she’s the reason he stayed sober and raised Conner. She still lives in her childhood home. I know the Wolfe family can be hotheads, but it’s time to face the past. For a few of you, it may be the only way to save your future.”
“I’d best be going,” Owen said, not understanding what Gunny meant. It seemed his dad kept a lot of things from them, including his involvement with Leslie.
“Send us the funeral arrangements when you get them figured out,” Gunny held out his hand.
Taking it, Owen hugged him. “Will do. Thanks for everything.” He headed to his truck, climbed inside, put his coffee in the console holder, and unwrapped one of the piping hot sandwiches.
