Page 43 of Betting Brett

Darlene’s gaze falters, the icy exterior cracking under the weight of Brett’s truth.

“I pity you, Darlene,” Brett continues. “You’re imprisoned by your own hatred, your own prejudice. But I won’t let that darkness touch Izzy. You tried today, and you failed. That should tell you all you need to know.”

He turns and starts walking away, my hand still in his. Darlene stutters to speak but can’t get any words out, and we’re already gone, down the courtroom steps and heading toward the parking lot, every step putting us farther and farther away from the root of all this evil and closer to the brightest source of light in our lives.

24

Brett

Mytruckrollstoa gentle stop, the dust from the gravel driveway billowing around us before settling back to the ground. I turn off the loud pop song Andy was singing along to at the top of his lungs. I unclasp my seatbelt, its click echoing in the now quiet space. Freedom. Maybe I was being dramatic, but unclasping the seatbelt and taking in a deep breath made me feel a hundred pounds lighter.

Today was a good day. A great day.

I glance over at Andy, his golden-brown eyes reflecting the hues of the sun. We’ve weathered the storm, and now, we’re stepping into the calm. It’s an aftermath that’s painted with all the vibrant colors of the rainbow.

“Looks like Wyatt’s throwing a party,” Andy says, looking around at the number of parked cars up and down the long driveway and across the front of the property. Kids are running and playing tag, adults are drinking beer and eating hotdogs.

“I told him the good news, and he said he’d get some people together. I didn’t realize he meant this many people.”

“I’m not surprised. Wyatt could send up the bat signal, and the entirety of Shafter Falls would show up.”

That’s the truth. Wyatt was loved by everyone in this town, and that clearly showed by the amount of people who came to celebrate at his ranch.

As I step out of the truck, the crisp air fills my lungs. It’s invigorating, a breath of new beginnings. Wyatt’s ranch sprawls before us, a picturesque landscape of rolling green fields dotted with wildflowers swaying with the gentle breeze. The wooden fences outline the boundaries, creating large pens for regal-looking horses and happy-looking cows.

The main ranch house stands majestic, like a queen watching over her land, its painted white and black wooden structure exuding warmth and welcome.

Before I can take another step, a burst of energy comes sprinting towards us. Izzy. Her laughter is the purest damn thing I’d ever heard. She crashes into my side. “Daddy!” Her voice is like a song that sings directly to my heart. I almost can’t believe how much I love her, my heart brimming over. I wrap her in my arms and hold her close, her heartbeat against mine a reminder of the stakes we’ve played for and the victory we’ve just claimed. “Have you been having fun with Uncle Wyatt and Uncle Mark?”

“Yes! We fed the chickens and horses and the goats, and I went for a ride with Hank and Lee!”

“Aww, that sounds fun, sweetheart.” I gently let her go. Andy’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining. With her at our side, I follow Andy towards the gathering. The ranch is buzzing with life. People are chatting, kids are running around, and the aroma of barbecue fills the air. It’s a typical party at Wyatt’s place, only this time, there’s an added layer of relief and joy in the atmosphere.

We’re greeted with smiles and pats on the back. Lee and Hank are manning the grill, Lee talking non-stop, as lively as ever, with Hank smiling and nodding along. Leanne is there too, her famous pies promising a sweet end to the meal, her smile wide as she laughs with Jen over something that must have been extremely funny.

“Brett, Andy!” Wyatt comes over, his wide grin reflecting the collective mood. “Glad you could make it,” he says with a wink.

“Look who finally decided to join us,” Lee calls out, a playful grin stretching across his face.

“Can you blame us? We’ve been soaking up all the love,” I reply, clapping him on the back.

I can feel the warmth of their camaraderie, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile atmosphere of the courtroom we were just in. Here, surrounded by friends, the weight of the past few weeks is completely gone.

“So, Brett,” Lee starts, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He has on a cute white lacy t-shirt and bootcut jeans. “How do you think you’re going to celebrate today’s win?”

I pretend to ponder the question, my gaze drifting to the open skies above the ranch. “Well, I was thinking of taking up skydiving. You know, nothing says celebration like a leap from 12,000 feet from a moving plane.”

“Skydiving, huh?” Wyatt raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “I’d pay good money to see that.”

“Hey, don’t encourage him,” Andy chimes in, his arm wrapping around my waist. “I need him in one piece, thank you very much.”

Mark lets out a hearty laugh, the sound rich and full. “Don’t worry, Andy. We won’t let him do anything too crazy. Well, not without us, anyway.”

Hank flips another burger, the sizzle and mouthwatering scent of beef filling the air.

“So,” Lee begins, his tone more serious now, “how’re you both really feeling? I mean, after all that courtroom drama. I can’t even imagine.”

I exchange a glance with Andy. The relief is foremost, but there’s a depth of emotion there, layers of feelings that we’ve yet to unpack completely. They weren’t necessarily bad feelings. Just those prickles of anxiety that would need time to heal fully.

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