Page 69 of Untamed

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Page 69 of Untamed

My stomach knots at the message. “Ready?”

“Heck yes.” She nods and follows me out the door, telling me all the while how excited she is.

When we’re downstairs, it hits me again what leaving means for my family.

Who’s going to do my chores around here and what will my dad say? Technically I’m eighteen and he can’t say anything or stop me, but is leaving town the responsible thing to do? And what about Morgan?

I didn’t think I would care, but now, moments away from my life changing, I’m nervous.

Luckily for me, Mom is in the kitchen and Dad’s outside. Morgan’s still sleeping.

“Oh, hello, Haylee.” She greets my best girl politely, wiping her hands down the front of her apron. “I made some breakfast if you’re hungry.” And then she notices my bag and smiles, drawing in a deep breath. “Your dad’s down in the south field.” It’s like she’s giving me the okay. “And the boy down the street’s been looking for some summer work. I think I’ll give him a call to help out.”

Haylee’s not sure what to make of all this, but I know exactly what my mom’s getting at. She’s giving me an out.

Mom pulls Haylee in for a hug, her arms tight and nurturing like she always is. “Drive safe.”

Holy crap. This is really happening. Haylee looks nervous staring at me over my mom’s shoulder. “Always, Mrs. Calhoun.”

Mom then turns to me. “Have fun, baby.”

“I will.” My nerves hit again, but so does my smile, anticipation racing through my heart.

“And call me when you get there. Wherever it is you’re going.”

I used to think that my mom was unhappy. I mean, how could she be happy living on this ranch her entire life? The thing was, this was the life she wanted. And she understood it wasn’t what I wanted. What my dad can’t see, she understands so easily. I guess maybe, I’m a bit more like her than I realized.

“What about Dad?” I knew it wouldn’t go over well with him. In his world, you don’t walk away from your responsibilities. “And Morgan.”

“He’ll get over it. And Morgan, honey, she loves you, but doing what’s in your heart is more important and shows her you follow happiness. Remember your own words, honey. If it sets your soul on fire, be fearless,” she whispers. “Now, go. I’m sure it’s a long drive.”

It’s funny to me that she knew where I was going, but then again, it’s not. She always knew.

When I was ten, I got bucked off Clay, my horse, and broke my arm. There was no way my mom could have seen it, but she met me on the porch with ice and her purse in hand, ready to take me to the doctor. I asked her how she knew, and she smiled, helping me in the car. “You’re my blood, baby. I know when you’re hurt.”

I thought when the time came to leave, I’d be out the door so fast nothing could have stopped me. Now I’m hesitating.

I wrap my arms around my mom, tight, letting her know with my hold, I’ll miss her regardless if I’m gone a day or a year. “Thanks, Mama. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Drawing back, her hands that have held me close since my first breath cup my cheeks. “Show that boy you’re worth it and believe that you are, sweetie.”

Haylee grows impatient and touches my shoulder, in no way trying to rush my mom, but still eager to get going. “We really need to get going if we’re gonna catch that rodeo.”

She’s right. We do. We have no idea how long it’s going to take to get there. I haven’t even looked at a map.

With one last hug, I let my mom go. Haylee and I make our way outside. Mom follows to the porch and waves us off with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

Haylee and I are in the truck. She grins, excitedly. “Buckle up, bitches.”

“I’m the only one.”

“Right. Well, buckle up.”

Heading down the driveway, I take one last look at the house. There goes my childhood.

Toward Highway 90, I glance over at Haylee. “We should get gas.”

That wasn’t what I was getting at and she knows it. “I’ll just text my mom. And Tucker won’t care.”


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