Page 103 of Lassoed Love

I’d swung by the local pet store to grab a new collar for Luna after I had left the clinic. I had made a mental note that I’d be needing to get a personalised one for her online—matching Buddy’s, you know, to make it all official.

Now as the afternoon sun strolls in, casting a warm silhouette along the horizon against the fields before me, I sit in the lounge chair on the back porch—arms resting on my knees, with both Buddy and Luna idly at my side. Luna seems to have taken to farm life well, and I can’t help but wonder if Katy was onto something with her farm-friendly background. She’s warmed up real fast to the animals and even the horses—it had taken Buddy a while to get used to those big bucks. She’s a natural.

I can’t shake the desire to reach out to Isla. It gnaws at me, a persistent ache in the quiet moments. The thought of picking up my phone and sending her a text lingers like an unresolved chord. But Iresist. Stubbornness takes the reins, fueled by a need to respect the distance she’s put between us. I hate it, every damn second of it.

The back screen door creaks open, and my father steps out, standing next to me in silence. Irritated by the lingering presence, I glance at him and mutter, “You just gonna stand there all afternoon doing fuck all or what?”

He retorts with a smirk, “You gonna sit around and mope all day like a fool?”

Touche.I just shrug.

My father, a man of few words, eventually brings up Luna. “New addition to the family, I see.”

“Yeah,” I reply, my tone shifting into something more contemplative. “Felt like we needed a new addition for a while. Old Bud’s getting on, and I figured a companion for him wouldn’t hurt.” My father nods an acknowledgment.

“Your uh—your Mum told me about Thompson,” he says with a sigh. “Damn pity, that is. His alcoholism would’ve caught up to him soona or later,” he adds matter-of-factly.

“That ‘Thompson’ guy is Isla’s father, and he’s in a fucking coma, Dad. Show some respect,” I retort sharply, frustration bubbling up. “Is this why you came out here, to rub it in my face or something?” I grumble.

“Watch your tone, boy,” he warns.

“No, you watch it! I’m not twelve years old anymore, Dad. I’ll say it how it is,” I snap back, fighting against the tide of emotions.

He responds with a nonchalant “hm”and a knowing look. “Yougot a whole lotta pent-up anger. What’s really botherin’ you, huh?”

“You—this whole damn situation between her father and you. The man is in a coma, and yet you still hold bitter resentment for the bloke. Get the hell over it now,” I retort, my frustration pouring out.

“Xavier,” his tone a warning. “Just give it a rest.”

I stand up, the anger boiling over. “No, I don’t give up on things that matter, unlike some people,” I shoot back, my voice escalating. “You can’t just dismiss everything and everyone like it’s nothing, Dad. Isla’s going through hell right now, and all you can do is pass judgments. You’re fucking heartless!”

“The other night, she fucking offered memoney, the money her damn father owesYOU! Don’t you realise how fucked up that is, Dad? This is fucked. Get over your petty vendetta with her father. I won’t have it interfering between Isla and me. You need to grow a pair and get the fuck over it!” I shout, causing a scene on the porch, not caring about the attention it draws.

He says nothing, so I press further.

“Who knows how long he has, or if he’ll ever fucking wake up. This ends now. You get over the bullshit between you and her father, or that’s it,” I threaten

He gets in my face, challenging, “Or what, boy? What are you gonna do?”

With a clenched jaw, I fire back, “That’s it, I’m done. This farmrunsbecause of ME. It makes usmoneybecause of ME,” I assert, my voice carrying the weight of finality. “Figure out your issues or beprepared to lose your son and this damn fucking place.”

His eyes widen at the abruptness of my statement.

Before he can respond, Bradley and my mother rush out, their faces etched with concern.

“What the fuck is going on?” Bradley barks, stepping between us, while my mother directs her worried gaze between me and my father.

Bradley steps firmly between my father and me, creating a physical barrier that matches the tension in the air. “Xavier, back off. That’s enough,” he barks, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

I seethe, my fists clenched at my sides. “If you can’t let go of your damn resentment, then I’m gone,” I growl at my father, my eyes lock onto his. “I won’t let you ruin what I have with her.”

His response is dismissive. “Seems like things already are, if you ask me.”

That’s the breaking point. I lurch forward, ready to unleash my pent-up frustration, but Bradley intercepts me, standing his ground. “Xavier! Enough!” he commands, his voice sharp.

My mother, now visibly distraught, cries out, “Stop it, both of you! Please!”

My father’s provocations continue. “What’s the fixation on her? You in love, are ya?” he taunts.

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