“Wren,” Dad says sternly. “You are far from stupid. He manipulated you. Used your mind against you. That’s not your fault.”
I sniffle and force a nod.
Growing up, I was always a daddy’s girl. I could never do wrong in his eyes. Whenever I needed something, he’s who I went to. It caused a lot of tension between my parents, but Dad always had trouble telling me no. I can count on one hand how many times he raised his voice toward me, but hearing the hurt in his tone now is heartbreaking. It kills me to know I’ve hurt the people I loved while trying to protect them from the truth.
“I’m safe,” I settle on, tipping my head toward Officer Ryan. “They’re making sure I stay that way.”
His jaw clenches. “Your room at the house is always available.”
My lips curve. “I’m good, Dad, but thank you.”
We stand in silence for a moment, the barn looming behind us and acres of farmland spilling around us. Land my family has poured their blood, sweat, and tears into. Heat blooms in my chest at the awareness I’ll be adding to the family legacy. Notby planting and harvesting crops, but by restoring a part of our history and sharing it with our community.
The barn on Drummond Farms is my legacy.
“Dad…”
This conversation has been one I’ve avoided, but I don’t see a better time than now to rip off the Band-Aid.
“I-I need to talk to you about something.”
He crosses his arms over his chest, leaning against the bed of his truck. With his attention locked on mine, he waits.
I suck in a deep breath and blurt out, “I don’t want to run Hannah’s Haven.”
He doesn’t react except for widening his eyes. It doesn’t feel like anger or disappointment, but more like shock. Surprise.
“I know Mom loved it,” I rush out. “And I love that she loved it, and I’ve loved stepping in for the season, which I’ll see through. But I don’t think it’s my dream.” I spin around, arms outstretched as I look at the barn. “This is my dream.”
He’s quiet for a long moment, and worry settles in my bones.
“Planning events. Making something out of nothing. Being a part of someone’s special moments. That’s my dream.”
I risk a glance over my shoulder and find his eyes already on mine. There’s a sheen over familiar brown eyes. When I think he’s going to protest my decision, he steps forward and wraps his arms around me. His hug smells like earth and musk…and his Old Spice deodorant.
“Your mom always said you had bigger ideas than this land. As much as she missed you, you made her proud. I imagine she’s over the moon excited to hear you’ve found a way to leave your legacy on our farm.”
My eyes sting with unshed tears.
“You’re not disappointed?”
He chuckles. “I could never be disappointed in you.”
I cling to him for a second longer than I mean to. I didn’t realize how much weight I’d been carrying over the decision toback away from Mom’s farm. I thought I’d feel guilty, but I only feel relief.
“I love you, Wren. Your mother and I have only ever wanted to see you happy.”
I sniffle away the pressure in my nose. “I’m happy, Dad.”
He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Glad to hear it, Pumpkin.”
Chapter 39
Jett
JulyinOhioisa different kind of hell.
And we’re barely halfway through the month.
