Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
I nod. “I hope so. I love my family too much to never see them again.”
“Psh,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s been two days, Millie. Trust me, it’s going to be fine.”
“When should I try to talk to Dad? Should I give him space and let it fester or go confront him right away?”
“Your father loves you deeply. Don’t ever forget that. I’d give him a couple of days, and then go see him. Maybe by yourself this time.”
“Okay.” I feel so much better. I needed this time with her. “I’m really glad you came over.”
“Me, too. I wanted to run after you as soon as you pulled away from the house, but I had to settle everyone else down and help your father process some stuff. I think the bottle of whiskey he nursed all night did more for him than I did.”
My eyes go wide. “He drank a whole bottle of whiskey?”
“He went for a second bottle, but I intervened and sent him to bed.”
I blow out a breath. “Poor Dad.”
“He’ll be okay. You both will. Now, I’d better get back home.” She stands and pulls me in for another hug. “Just be happy, Millie. That’s all we want for you. If Holden gives you that happiness, you take it, and you hold on to it.”
“Thank you, Mama.” I kiss her cheek and then walk her to the door. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She pats my cheek, and then she’s off, headed to her SUV. “Oh, I made you a meatloaf.”
I can’t stop the laughter that bubbles through me. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I needed to do something, and being in the kitchen soothes me.” She pulls an insulated box out of the back seat and brings it to me. “It’s cold. I had it in the fridge all afternoon. Just pop it in the oven until it’s heated through.”
“You’re the best mom.”
She laughs and returns to her car. “Call me tomorrow.”
I wave and watch her leave, then take the meatloaf to the fridge and put it away.
I have so many feelings running through me. I’m sad for Holden and his family, and relieved that I got to talk it all out with my mom. I’m not as tired as I was when I first saw her, and I feel like a big weight has been lifted, but I really need some air.
I could go for a walk. It’s not dark out yet, and I could just take a nice, long walk through the neighborhood. But I know half of the people who live on this street, and I don’t want to get stopped to chat.
Without overthinking it, I grab my keys and bag and get into my SUV. The drive out to Holden’s ranch only takes five minutes longer than if I were going to my family ranch because the two have neighboring property lines, and I take the little dirt road to the spot that Holden took me to yesterday.
I pull up to a stop and get out of the car and stare at my mountain.
I’ve considered it to be my mountain since I was a little girl.
I take a long, deep breath, pulling in all the freshness and stillness around me, and then exhale, letting go of the hurt and pain.
I’ve carried sadness and hurt for a long time. Far longer than the past two days.
And it’s time to let it all go and move forward.
Because the bad is just too heavy to carry.
CHAPTER TWELVE
HOLDEN
“Hey, boss.” Levi sticks his head in the doorway. “There’s something on the trail cam you should see.”
I frown and immediately flip on a screen. “Which one?”
“Number six. North road. I don’t recognize the vehicle. Could be someone who’s lost, but they came pretty far in for that.”
I page through until camera six comes on screen and feel a jolt of surprise work through me.
“That’s Millie.”
“Oh.” Levi straightens. “Sorry, I don’t think we know what your wife’s car looks like.”
“I don’t plan on her being here much.” I stand and push my chair in. “I’ll go see what she’s up to. If I don’t come back to the barn tonight, keep me posted on Sunshine.”
“Will do. I don’t think she’s going to foal tonight, but I’ll keep you posted.”
I nod as I grab my keys and drive out to the spot I brought Millie to, relieved to see that she’s still parked out here when I pull in beside her.
She turns, her arms wrapped around her middle, hugging herself. Her thick, chestnut-brown hair is down and blowing in the light spring breeze. She’s not crying, much to my relief.
I’ve seen my girl cry way too much over the past few days. I want to see the fire back in her eyes, even if it means she tells me to fuck off.