“One way to put it. She could out-ride and out-rope most men in her day.”
A grin tugs at my lips. “Impressive. So what happened?”
He shakes his head. “Missy Callahan, Ricky and Dusty’s mother, showed up, brought stock, competed. Missy provoked Carrie. Dared her to compete in her husband’s place. Show good faith to her guests.”
I cover my mouth, feeling sick to my stomach.
“She got hurt. Rushed to the hospital. Died three days later.”
“Oh my God.”
“Two years before Dallas took over.”
I clutch my heart. “I didn’t know.” Tears well in my eyes, and I’ve lost my appetite.
“Look, I’ll talk to him,” Wes offers.
“And tell him what? Sorry my sister’s so unaware?”
“I don’t plan on apologizing for anything you said today. You’re right. A rodeo, maybe not as big as they used to be, would be huge here. What I meant was he needs to stop acting like people are attacking him for not hosting one.”
I shoot him a sour look. “You know I’m no fan of unwarranted apologies either.” My shoulders sag in regret. “But this was hismother.”
He sighs. “And you didn’t know.”
I glare at him because it doesn’t change the fact that I hurt him.
He holds up his hands. “Or .?.?. you can handle it yourself, like you always do.” He watches me. “But you know, Rose, sometimes, it’s OK to let people help you, to be there for you.”
Stubbornly, I don’t say anything.
We finish our dinner with small-talk, and then he drives me home. I’m grateful for the distraction but exhausted. It’s been an emotional day. I haven’t been able to shake how upset I made Wilder today when I challenged him. And when I found out why, my heart broke for him.
Why does this man carry so much without ever letting anyone in?
The irony of how alike we are doesn’t escape me.
I make myself a cup of tea, get in bed, then plug in my phone, finding a text message.
Wilder:Glad you’re home safe, I was worried.
My heart tugs and I don’t know how to respond. I shouldn’t be hurt by the way he lashed out at me today. But I am.
I know I pushed him too far today and as bad as I feel about it, I can’t help but also feel resentful fornot knowingthis about his mother. Because he refuses to open up to me.
For Christ’s sake, there was an entire production of push and pull just to learn his favorite flower.
I don’t want to avoid him. But I’m also not ready to face him.
Rose:I’m sorry I worried you.
Wilder:Can I come by? I need to say a few things.
Rose:I’m tired. Actually, I was hoping it’s OK if I work from here tomorrow? I have my laptop.
It’s a long moment before he responds.
Wilder:Of course.
