“Oh.” I swallow, throat suddenly dry.
“One day, you will run things, go to the meetings, decide who to hire, and make the big decisions. And I have no doubt you will do an amazing job when that time comes. But if you want more responsibility now, say the word. It’s your choice, I won’t stop you, but please think about it. I can see how much you care for Knox, and this ranch isn’t worth ruining that. I’d give this entire ranch away tomorrow for one more day with your mother.”
I try to swallow the lump in my throat as my eyes water.
He’s right. How had I never put this together?
I spent so much time being angry about it, even resenting Chet who probably has no idea I feel this way. I never looked at the big picture.
Wait, did Carson turn down the job so we could still rope together?
“I never thought about it like that. But you’re right, it’s a huge commitment. Did Carson decline the job because of me? So we could rope?”
He smiles behind his beard. “That boy loves to rope and train horses just as much as you do. It was his choice whether to take the job, just like it’s now yours. Take all the time you need to decide—the ranch isn’t going anywhere. I’m sorry I didn’t offer it to you before; I just want what’s best for you. Now I realize this is a conversation we should’ve had a long time ago.”
“It’s alright. I should have brought it up before now. I was so afraid you didn’t think I was up for the job that I never saidanything, but I understand where you’re coming from. And I’m glad I have you looking out for me.”
He gets up and holds his arms out. I unfold my legs from the couch and stand. We hug for several seconds before he says, “I love you and I’m so proud of you. I know your mom would be proud of you, too. You are smart, capable, and more stubborn than all of us. You can do anything you put your mind to. Always remember that.”
“Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.”
I head home a few minutes later, Rein by my side. It feels like an enormous weight has been lifted off my shoulders—knowing Dad’s decision to hire Chet as foreman has nothing to do with how capable I am, and everything to do with how much my dad loves me and wants to see me happy.
Knox was right.
Dad told me to think about it, but I don’t have to. If it’s between Knox and the ranch, I choose Knox. Every time.
I pull my phone out of my pocket, making the decision not to wait a full month before I see him again. Three weeks is enough.
Kacey
Want to burn a couple days of PTO?
Jessie
Sure, I have PTO coming out my ass. Where are we going?
Kacey
South Dakota.
Jessie
I’m going to pretend you said a tropical
island with hot cabana boys and mojitos.
Kacey
Sorry. You’ll have to settle for hot cowboys and beer.
It’s been three weeks since I flew home, and each day only gets worse. I miss Knox more than I thought it was possible to miss another person. We talk every day, sometimes multiple times a day, but it’s not the same. I miss the feeling of his arms around me, the sound of his laugh, and the way his eyes heat at the sight of me.
I’m in my bedroom, packing my bag for my trip with Jessie to South Dakota to surprise him at the Governor’s Cup Rodeo when she comes bursting into the room. She throws herself onto my bed, right on top of the clothes I have laid out.
“Hey! I’m packing those.”
She holds up a light blue top and grimaces. “Not this one, you’re not.” She unceremoniously throws it on the floor.
