Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“You’re welcome.”
I spend a few hours with Roger, helping him plan some gardens for his backyard, and we even watch an episode of an old TV show that he likes. After surprising him once more with the cupcake and the birthday candle, I head over to my apartment above the garage.
It’s just a one-bedroom space with a tiny kitchenette, but it’s what I can afford without dipping into my trust fund.
And I’m determined not to dip into that at all if I can help it. My dad was so mad at me when I wouldn’t let him buy me a fancy house on the ski mountain or in a gated community. But I didn’t want that.
I want this, to live within my means, in the community.
I want to do this on my own.
And, speaking of my parents, it’s time for my weekly video call with them. So, I change into comfier clothes and settle on the couch with my phone.
Mom answers on the first ring.
“There you are,” she says with a smile. “I wondered if you were going to call tonight.”
“I’m only a half hour late,” I reply and shake my head. Then I look closer. “Mom, do you have pink in your hair?”
“Yep.” She turns her head so I can see it more clearly. “I used to put colors in my hair all the time before I had you girls, and I’ve decided I want to do it again. How are you, baby girl?”
“I’m great. I am sorry that I’m late. It’s Roger’s birthday, so I spent some time with him after work.”
“Is it wrong that I kind of love that you’ve befriended an old man in this new town of yours, and I don’t have to worry about some man your age?”
“It’s not wrong. Roger’s sweet. Anyway, what’s Dad up to?”
“I’m here,” I hear him say from somewhere else in the room. “I’m coming.”
Suddenly, they’re both on the screen. Dad might have a couple more gray hairs mixed in with the dark brown, and I’m sure that’s all thanks to me and my move to Montana.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“You look good,” he says. “Are you exercising?”
“Of course.” I can’t help but laugh. Leave it to my dad, the former professional quarterback, to worry about that. “It’s even warm enough to start walking to and from work again. I’m on my feet all day. What’s new with you guys?”
“There’s always something going on with the family,” Mom says. “You know how it is.”
“Yeah, everyone’s been great about texting me updates. But what’s new with you?”
They look at each other, and I frown.
“Are you getting divorced?”
Dad laughs, and Mom just stares at me in shock. “What? Why in the world would you ask something like that?”
“I’m as obsessed with your mother as I was the day I married her,” Dad assures me.
“You look…serious. Is Zoey okay?”
“She’s great,” Mom says. “Dad and I are thinking about selling the house and moving into something just a little smaller. We’re empty nesters, and we don’t need this huge house anymore.”
My heart pings at the thought of them selling the house I grew up in. All of my firsts live in that house.
“At least it’s not divorce,” I reply with a forced smile.
“But it makes you sad,” Mom guesses correctly. “I know you.”
“It makes sense for you. If that’s what you guys want to do, I say do it. Buy something fancy and modern, but a little smaller. I can’t wait to see it.”
“Zoey had a harder time with the idea,” Dad says. “In fact, there were tears and threats.”
“She’ll get over it.” I sigh and then yawn. “You don’t have to save my old stuff. Donate it or toss it.”
“That’s my sentimental girl,” Mom says with a laugh. “I miss you, baby.”
“I miss you, too. When are you coming to see me?”
Dad’s eyes narrow. “Maybe sooner than you think.”
Chapter Two
Remington
“Your mother wants to retire.” My dad and I are sitting on horses, almost ready to pack it in after a long day of checking calves.
“You’re already supposed to be retired,” I remind him. “That’s why I’m in charge now. Yet, you come to work every day.”
“Hell yes, I do. I get to enjoy the ranch without any of the responsibility for the first time since before you were born. I’m having a hell of a time. Am I in the way?”
I can’t help but laugh at that and shake my head. “Of course not. I don’t know what this place would do without you. So, what does Mom mean, exactly?”
“She wants to retire,” he says, stressing the she, and I nod slowly. “She’s been taking care of the books for this place since we got married, and she’s damn good at it. But she’d like to pass the torch to someone else.”
“We tried.” I rub my hand over the back of my neck. “We’ve been through several bookkeepers, but they’re never up to Mom’s standards, and we end up letting them go, and Mom goes back to business as usual.”