Page 93 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Even if they want nothing to do with me?” Lucas asked.

Seeley nodded. “That’s right. It’s not about what anyone else does. It’s about being true to your word. But in Dare’s case, he fell in love with Billie when they were kids, and when a Whiskey gives away his heart, it’s forever. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her.” He winked at Juliette.

Her heart skipped.

It had been a busy, wonderful week since they’d gone on their date at the Roadhouse and she’d had the sheer pleasure of waking up in his arms, and it felt like they’d all turned a corner. She and Lucas were back on solid ground, talking more and even joking around a little like they used to, and Lucas and Seeley were enjoying their driving lessons.

Juliette was enjoying getting to see Seeley after those lessons, when he’d stick around to spend time with them. Lucas usually headed off to do his homework and text with his friends, but that was fine with them. It gave them time to talk and steal a few kisses. They’d even managed to sneak in two lunch dates at Grandma’s Kitchen, a local diner they’d gone to as kids. They’d ended up back at his place tearing off each other’s clothes, which she’d also thoroughly enjoyed, and when Lucas went to hang out at Layla’s house last night, they’d stolen another few hours alone.

Things were looking up.

“So Dare fell for Billie when they were kids, and you fell for my mom when you were teenagers,” Lucas said, petting Sadie as if he hadn’t casually mentioned Seeley’s feelings for her.

They’d been careful not to even hold hands in front of him. Juliette didn’t think he knew they were a couple, even if they were spending a lot of time together. But they were already in so deep, maybe it was time to clue Lucas in, so he didn’t feel duped. She’d have to talk to Seeley about it later.

“That’s right,” Seeley said.

“Is that a Whiskey thing, too?” Lucas asked, drawing her from her thoughts. “Falling in love when you’re young?”

“Guess so.” Seeley laughed. “Sasha and Ezra shared their first kiss as teenagers, too, and neither of them ever fell for anyone else.” He glanced at Juliette, and he didn’t have to say a word for her to hear, like us.

Lucas looked out at the track again. “Dare really set the standard for Billie, didn’t he?”

“He sure did,” Seeley said. “But if you think this racetrack is cool, wait until you see the new racetrack and clubhouse he built for her.”

“He built her another one?” Lucas’s eyes were wide saucers. “Why? This one’s huge.”

“Because it’s also too close to their house, which is right up that path.” He pointed to a dirt path heading back toward the rest of the ranch. “The kids she teaches aren’t residents at the ranch, and we all know how mischievous kids can be. Come on. I’ll show you.”

“This place is so cool,” Lucas said as they followed Seeley across the grass. “No wonder you’ve never wanted to live anywhere else.” He picked up a stick from the ground, and Sadie barked. “You wanna play, girl?” Sadie’s tail wagged, her eyes trained on him. “Watch, Mom.” He threw the stick, and Sadie sprinted after it, snagged it off the ground, and darted back to him. “Attagirl!”

Juliette had wondered how it would feel to be on the ranch with Lucas. She worried it might be uncomfortable for him or for her as memories rolled in, but it wasn’t. Even after all these years and after hollering at Seeley a few weeks ago right there on the ranch in front of Sasha and whoever else had been in earshot, being there still felt like coming home. Somehow the ranch made everything feel calmer, better, happier. It was still the only place where she could truly let down her guard and just be. It didn’t make a lick of sense, but that’s how she felt, and sharing it with Lucas made it that much better.

She watched him playing fetch with Sadie and chatting with Seeley as they made their way across the property, and a memory crept in. During one of her and Seeley’s cabin rendezvous when they were teens, she’d asked him why he thought Redemption Ranch had been able to help so many people. After explaining all the tangible reasons, like competent therapists, well-rounded programs, and a family atmosphere, he’d said, But my grandfather used to say this land had a touch of magic in it.

Seeing Lucas so carefree made her wonder if there was some truth to that.

A massive racetrack and a large clubhouse came into view, and Lucas nearly lost his mind with excitement. There was a young guy wearing a cowboy hat who looked to be eighteen or nineteen watching two people racing around the track, flying over bumps and jumps and onto raised flat platforms and ramps.

“Hey, Doc,” the guy said.

“Hey, Kenny. This is”—for a split second, Juliette saw Seeley wrestling with how to introduce them—“Juliette and Lucas.”

“Hi,” Juliette said as Lucas said, “Hey,” and petted Sadie, who was happily holding her stick in her mouth.

“Dare told me y’all were coming by. It’s nice to meet you.” Kenny shook their hands. “I hear we might play paintball later.”

“I hope so,” Lucas said.

One of the racers flew up a ramp and did a flip on the bike. Juliette gasped.

“Whoa! That was cool,” Lucas exclaimed as the other racer followed in the first racer’s wake, also doing a flip. “I want to learn to do that.”

“Lord, help me,” Juliette said more to herself than to anyone else.

Seeley put a hand on her back and said, “It’s a little safer than bull riding.”

“It’s only as safe as the rider,” Kenny said. “Lucas, if you’re thinking of learning, Billie was a professional motocross racer. She’ll make sure you’re as safe as you can be, but it’s up to you to listen to what she teaches you. These bikes aren’t toys.”