Page 51 of The Oath We Take

My grandpa nods. “I see it.”

We stand in silence, watching Big Don walk around, stomping his hoof into the dirt and snorting snot around like it’s a ticker tape parade.

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Of course it does. I didn’t build this ranch into what it is so your dad could sell it to the highest bidder.”

I swipe a bandana across the back of my neck. It’s going to be a hot day. “But you’re gonna hand the ranch to him anyway?”

“It’s the way it’s always been.” Grandpa slaps me on the shoulder, more firmly than his wiry frame should be capable of. “I’ll take care of your future, Hudson. You need to trust me.”

And I know better than to ask how. Because my grandfather is a man of his word.

I just can’t imagine what he’ll do.

16

EMBER

Ihear a ping and vibration that makes me jump.

My phone.

I rummage in my purse, and there it is, swimming around in the bottom with a half-eaten pack of gum, three pens, and four hair elastics. My brain tries to pull together how it ended up there, but I come up with blanks. Either way, I’m happy I found it.

Atom:I’m an ass. I know you don’t have your phone right now, but I wanted to say it anyway because you were on my mind.

I glance between my phone message and the new proposed contract for Atom’s family to consider. It’s fair and balanced and well written because I spent time thinking about how to make it beneficial to both sides.

Hopefully, Atom’s family will agree.

I glance over to my dad, who has been distracted near the bar by one of the club girls, Karlie.

Me:You were.

Atom:You found your phone?

Me:I did. That whole thing was unnecessary.

Atom:Yeah, well. I’m new to this shit. You’re gonna have to give me time to figure out how to do this right.

Begrudgingly, I smile at that.

Me:I’ll hold you accountable when you fuck up. How does that sound?

Atom:Better than you being mad at me.

Me:Not sure I’d have managed to hold onto that mad much longer. How was your meeting?

Atom:I’m basically Big Don’s pimp. I had a thought.

Me:And?

Atom:What would be your perfect date?

Me:What?

Atom:Exactly what it says, sweetheart.

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