Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21569 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21569 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
They both nod.
“And she will always be your mother. If I met someone else, that woman would not take away from the fact that you had a mother that loved you… you know that, right?”
They just nod, and I’m beginning to wonder if I’m saying this the right way. I sure haven’t had any practice with it, and I’m so worried about saying the wrong thing. What if I do this and Ethan regresses? I can’t let him go back to not talking.
Just when I’m about to take it all back and bring the framed photo back from the hallway, Ethan says, “Dad, if you start seeing someone, will it be Gia?”
Evan bounces on the bed. “Yeah, Dad. She already loves us… she would be great.”
My phone rings, and I look at it and sigh when I see Miller's name. He knows the boys are sick, and I know he’s only going to call if it’s something important. I answer, and Miller starts talking. “Sorry to bother you, just thought I should catch you up. The tractor stopped working. It’s done. I’m going to sell it for parts and order the new one, but it’s going to be awhile.”
Before I can make a suggestion, he says, “I talked to Rhett and Elliott, and they’re both going to let us use theirs until your new one comes in in two weeks.”
When he stops, I can tell there’s more. I shove my hands through my hair. “And?”
“Well, another bull is down. I’ve quarantined him, and the vet is coming.”
“Is it the same—”
“Yep, the same thing King had, from what I can guess. I’ll test the rest of them and let you know.”
I nod, speechless.
There’s yelling on the other end of the line, and I count to ten to try and not freak out. This is ranching. Everything can be going great and then fall apart in a minute. “Okay, well, I’m sorry I can’t help more.”
“It’s fine. I got this.”
I hang up with Miller, and the boys are now lying in the bed in their towels. “You okay, Dad?” Evan asks.
I nod. “How about we watch television in here for a while?”
They both agree and lie back to see the television. I turn it to the station they like to watch.
I try to focus on the television, but instead all I can think about is Gia and her videos. She’s so happy and carefree. She deserves more than what I can give her. I’m surrounded by a dirty house, vomit, broken-down tractors, sick bulls, and the list just goes on and on. Nope, the right thing to do is let her go. Even if it’s going to kill me to do it.
CHAPTER 17
GIA
I drive the truck right up the driveway and park next to the house. For three days, I did my job, and I love my job, but I missed Dalton and the boys. I left earlier than I’d planned to just to make sure I made it home before the boys went to bed. They’re supposed to start camp tomorrow, and I wanted to make sure I get to see them.
I’m both nervous and excited to see Dalton and the boys, and I practically run up to the porch and open the screen door.
As soon as Ethan and Evan see me, they scream my name and run to me. I drop down to my knees to catch them both in my arms, and they hug me like they haven’t seen me in years instead of just three days.
“We’ve been sick,” Ethan says.
I am holding each of their hands, and I look between them. “You’ve been sick?”
They both nod, and it’s obvious they’re still a little peaked looking. “Oh no! Why didn’t you call me? I would have come back earlier.”
Evan gives his dad the evil eye. “Dad wouldn’t let us.”
I look at Dalton, and he’s giving me an uninterested look. I expected him to be excited to see me, but I was wrong because he looks at me like I’m an intrusion more than anything else. “Well, I’m sorry you were not feeling well. How are you doing now?”
“Better,” they say in unison, and I laugh. “Well, good. Are you excited about camp tomorrow?”
Evan shrugs and looks at his dad again. “Dad says we’ll have to see how we’re feeling in the morning.”
I nod. “Okay, well I thought we could go dig up some worms and maybe go fishing tonight. What do you think?” As an afterthought, I look at Dalton. “I mean, if your dad is okay with it.”
“But it’s going to be dark soon,” Ethan exclaims.
I clap my hands together, excited. “I know. I love night fishing.”
“Night fishing?” they ask at the same time.
I nod, laughing. “Yes, it’s the best. Have you never been night fishing?”
They both shake their heads, and I turn to Dalton. My smile falters at the way he’s looking at me. “What about it? You okay with us going night fishing?”