“You know me. Practical to the end. The furniture is sturdy, so I kept it.”
She sighed. “That right there is the real reason we never worked out, Gray. You’re predictable and unadventurous.”
“So you snuck into my bedroom to insult me?”
“For someone else, it might be an insult, but not for you. You like being that way. I could never change you.”
“Just as I couldn’t change you. I’d say we both had a good life, considering.”
“We did.” She rose to her feet and pressed a hand to my cheek. “But it’s time to end it now, isn’t it?”
“It ended a long time ago, Emma. Now we have to make it official.”
“My only question is why now? You were happy to keep things the way they were.”
I stared out the window overlooking the ranch.
“You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”
“What?”
“Come on, Gray. Don’t pretend with me. Why, after so many years, would you ask for a divorce now? That is what you want, isn’t it?”
“Yes. And yes, I’ve met someone.”
“Where?”
“That’s not important. Our children are grown now. We don’t need to have this back-and-forth.”
“What if I tell you I’ll fight you for half of everything you have?”
My chest tightened at the veiled threat, but I forced a calm smile. “You can have it all but the ranch. That’s a legacy that must remain in this family.”
“You must love her very much if you go this far for her.” She took a step back. “You know, Gray, if you cared about me half as much as you care for that land, we would still be together.”
“No, Emma. We both know that’s not true. We are too incompatible. Frankly, I don’t even know if we would have been friends had we met now.”
“Deep down, I know you’re right. You don’t have to worry, Gray. I don’t want your ranch, and I don’t plan to make things difficult for you. You’ll always be my boys’ father.”
My shoulders dropped, and I let out a sigh. “Thank you, Emma.”
“Now that we’ve cleared the air, what do you think about that Ozzie for Carter? Is it just me, or do you think they’re unsuitable as well?”
My mouth bobbed open, but no words came out. What could I say? I didn’t want to talk down how special Ozzie was, but neither did I want to talk him up either. Not when I wanted him for myself.
“Emma, don’t interfere. They’re grown and can handle their own affairs.”
“All right, fine. I won’t be the one to cause a ruckus over the wedding. I’ll take over the wedding arrangements.”
“You should let Ozzie handle it. He’s very capable.”
“I’m sure he is, but as the mother of the groom, I can ensure their wedding gets talked about for years, even if I predict a divorce in their future.”
25
OZZIE
“Rise and shine, sweetheart. We got a lot to do today.” The spill of sunlight promptly followed the swish of curtains parting on the tension rod into my bedroom. Groaning, I shielded my eyes with my hands and bit my tongue instead of lashing out at the witch in my room, interrupting my sleep.
