Page 81 of Careless Hope
Her words settled in me, deep and true, like roots taking hold in rich soil. She was right. Home wasn’t just the sprawling acres of land or the creaky boards of the barn. It was this moment—her hand in mine, the shared breaths, the silent understanding that we had each other.
As our foreheads touched, I closed my eyes and breathed her in. Her scent, the softness of her skin, the steady beat of her heart against my chest—it was all the medicine I needed. And in that tender moment, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that we were embarking on a journey together, one that would take us through the valleys and peaks of life.
“Whatever comes our way,” I vowed, “we’ll face it head-on, together.”
“Always,” she murmured, her breath warm against my lips.
With that single word, even more hope bloomed in my chest, fierce and unyielding. We had found something worth more than any ranch or legacy could ever offer—each other. And as we embraced, our love became our strength, our bond the foundation upon which we’d build our future. Together.
28
Caroline
The dustfrom the gravel road swirled up in little devils as I steered my sedan along the familiar bends of Red Downs Ranch. With every jostle and bump, I snuck glances at Walker, wondering how he’d take in the big change when he saw it.
“Careful, Doc,” Walker teased, a playful lilt in his voice as he gripped the dashboard, “I’m only just out of that hospital bed. No need to send me right back.”
“Sorry,” I chuckled, easing off the gas just a tad. “Old habits die hard.”
Walker’s light blue eyes roamed the vast expanse of the ranch, taking in the golden hues of late afternoon sun on the fields. We passed the old oak tree where kids from town used to carve their initials, daring each other to climb higher.
“Looks like some things never change,” he said, but his gaze was distant, thoughtful.
“Change can be good, though,” I replied, slowing even more as we approached a stretch where the fences opened up to a half-constructed ring of wood and metal. I could practically feel the anticipation buzzing through me.
“Hold up,” Walker leaned forward, squinting as if the act would clear away the construction dust. “What’s going on here?”
“Look at the sign,” I nudged, my heart skipping a beat.
“Red Downs Equine Therapy,” he read aloud, his brow furrowing then lifting as if the words were puzzle pieces falling into place. “Gray and Mason did this?”
“Yep.” I couldn’t keep the pride out of my voice. “Your dream, Walker. You’ve all made it real.”
“Wow.” The word came out soft, barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of a thousand emotions in its syllables.
“Your brother and Mason have been working on it nonstop since you woke up in the hospital that first day.”
“Can’t believe Gray would . . . ” He trailed off, shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and a smile that reached his eyes for the first time in days.
I thought of Gray’s determination to see this through. “He believes in you, Walker. We all do.”
“Guess it’s high time I start living up to that belief, huh?” Walker mused, his gaze still locked on the burgeoning structure that symbolized so much more than just timber and nails.
“You already are,” I affirmed, the car now idling as we both took in the sight, basking in the silent promise of new beginnings and old dreams taking root. “And I’ll be right here, cheering you on.”
“Thanks, darlin,” he said, turning to give me a look that held a world of gratitude. “For everything.”
The familiar silhouette of his home came into view, nestled among the sprawling oaks that stood sentinel over the property. As we approached, figures emerged from the front porch, their bodies backlit by the late afternoon sun. There was Gray, armscrossed over his chest, but his posture betrayed his concern. Beside him stood Mason, hat in hand, the ever-present smirk softened today into something warmer, more welcoming. His Mom and Gran were there, sitting on the whicker rockers. Eryn, Sutton and Damon stood to the side, letting the others get their hugs first, but Mason’s adorable little girl, Abigail, sneaked her way through everyone to approach the car.
I pulled up close to the steps, cutting the engine, and the quiet of the ranch enveloped us. Walker hesitated for just a heartbeat, a man on the threshold of a life reimagined. Then, with a deep breath that seemed to draw strength from the very earth beneath us, he opened the door and stepped out into the embrace of his family.
“Uncle Walker!” Abby squealed as he unfolded himself carefully from the car.
“Careful, Ab!” Mason called out, grinning wide as the rest descended the porch steps. Laughter and hollered greetings filled the air, as natural and easy as breathing.
“Easy there, cowboy,” Gray rumbled, clapping Walker gently on the shoulder. “Don’t go busting your stitches now.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Walker replied, though his light blue eyes were bright with unshed tears.
