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“Is everything okay?” Worry lines spread across her forehead Ten years later and this woman can still read me like a book

The sound of boots scuffing on gravel pull my attention toward Wyatt as he makes his way closer

“I should get going,” I tell her

“Will you be back toine and roll down lance at Wyatt, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me for a second

“Wasn’t planning on it,” I say

She tuts “That’s too bad How er will you be in town?”

“At least another week” I could stay longer if I wanted, but seeing as hownowhere with Wyatt, what’s the point?

“Let her leave, Mao and people to see Can’t keep her all to yourself”

Renata cups ht I won’t keep you Just proo back, okay?”

How could I say no to that?

“I pro at her son Unlike him, I plan to keep mine

She backs away, giving me a quick wave as I pull onto the drive

I drive home in silence

I’ I could lasso myself back into his life with a few funny stories, some quality time, and a banana nut muffin

As soon as I get hoe of clothes beforemy dad downstairs for our walk date Only it isn’tfor me at the front door—it’s Odette

“Where’s Dad?” I ask

Her face is pale and her eyes are glassy

“He took another fall thismore tests … I tried to call you several times” Her voice is curt

I haven’t looked at my phone once all day—that and cell service can be spotty at the ranch, especially the closer we are to the mountains

“I’m sorry—I didn’t know,” I say

“I just cas before I head back if you care to ride along withMaybe she does love him? Maybe he isn’t just a companion benefactor?