Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
“Stella, I don’t have a relationship with my father like you and Ty Senior do with the boys. I feel like I hardly even know him. He’s never been there for me in all the years I’ve grown up, and honestly, I’m afraid to start counting on him now. Look what he did with the Covey place.”
“Timberlynn, I never had a little girl, but you, Lincoln, and crazy-eating Kaylee out there are my daughters. I know you’re not married to Tanner, but I think of you as family. And I know that what you and Kaylee grew up with is completely different than how my boys grew up. But I saw something in your daddy last night and this morning that tells me there’s going to be some healing between the two of you. Just take a deep breath, and let it be.”
I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. “Let it be.”
“Yes. Let it be. There’s something in the Montana air, just trust it.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I want him in my life, Stella. I truly do. But I know the moment I let myself believe he’ll be there, he’ll be gone again.”
She squeezed my hand. “I know how to cheer you up. Put your coat on—we’re going to visit the Pocket Kings.”
“Is that a horse?”
She stared at me with a dumbfounded look on her face and then laughed. “No, sweetheart. We’ve got some work to do. Let’s go.”
Two hours later and I was laughing alongside Stella as she taught me how to play Texas Hold’em. I heard my father’s voice behind me and turned to see him standing there, a smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. I don’t think I had ever seen him look so at ease.
“You two look like you’re having fun,” he said as he glanced down at the cards in our hands.
“I’m teaching your daughter how to play Texas Hold’em. Once every few months we all get together for a fun—and profiting—game of family poker. The women are on a winning streak the last few months, and I’d like to keep it that way. Game night is next week.”
I laughed and placed my cards on the table as I looked at Stella. “Full house.”
She pretended to wipe a tear away as she smiled and nodded. “Yes, indeed. You will make a fine addition to the women’s team, especially with Kaylee and her pregnancy eating. She might eat a can of Crisco and be out for the entire game.”
We all laughed as my father came and sat down at the small table that was in the main barn’s office.
“How was your ride?” I asked as my heart sped up a bit.
“It was great. This ranch is probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Stella.”
Pride showed on her face as she grinned. “I won’t argue with you on that. Well, look at the time. Do you know how to play, Frank?”
“It’s been a while, but yes.”
Stella handed me the cards and stood. “Enjoy, then. I’m off to start a late lunch.”
“Thank you, Stella, I had fun.”
She winked and replied, “So did I, sweetheart. Work up a good appetite, Frank, I’m making burgers with homemade fries.”
“Sounds good,” my father answered.
Stella turned and quickly left the small office, shutting the door quietly behind her.
“Want to play?” I asked as I held up the cards.
“Deal away, sweetheart.”
I did and we played the first few games while making small talk about the ranch, like the horse he had ridden that morning and Stella’s amazing cooking skills. I also found out what Kaylee had eaten that caused Blayze to throw up.
“Liver and onions?” I repeated.
My father shuddered. “Yeah. Brock was telling us about it on the ride. She asked Stella if she could make some when Ty refused to allow her to cook it in their house.”
I laughed. “That’s gross.”
“Women get some pretty weird cravings. Your mother ate watermelon with chocolate syrup on it.”
I stared at him. “Is that why I hate watermelon so much?”
“Probably.”
We both laughed. It was nice to hear my father talk about my mother. It was something he rarely did.
I went to deal again when he held out his hand. “I was wondering if we might simply talk, sweetheart.”
My heart dropped, and I set the cards down carefully. “Dad, if you’re going to demand that I return to Georgia, I’m not leaving Montana.”
He smiled and shook his head as he looked down, then back up at me. “No, I’m not ever going to demand anything from you, Timberlynn.”
“You’re okay with me living here?”
He slowly drew in a deep breath, then quickly let it out and sat back in his chair. “Timberlynn, you’re a grown woman with a pretty hefty bank account. You can do whatever it is you’d like. And I don’t want me, or anyone, to hold you back any longer from the dreams you have.”