Page 27 of Samuel

She saw the remorse written on his face. He’d already apologized for being mean to her, but there was something satisfying in reminding him just how hurtful his words had been.

“Of course. What do you want to know?”

“What was it like growing up here?”

“Incredible. I ran wild and free all over these pastures. Built forts to try and keep Abby away when she was old enough to follow after me. Caused a bunch of mischief with my friends. Stayed out from sun up until my mom rang the dinner bell almost every night.”

“Sounds fun.”

“It was. Until I was old enough to start taking on ranch responsibilities. I think my dad would have started me younger if my mom wouldn’t have thrown a fit. She was adamant about me getting to have a childhood.”

“I knew I liked your mom.”

“If she had her way, the ranch probably would have been sold off when my dad died.”

“She didn’t want you to run things?”

“No. She wanted me to follow my dreams. Not be saddled with making sure the family legacy carried on.”

“And your dreams were…”

“To become a Texas Ranger.”

Evie nodded. “I could see you doing that job.”

“I was obsessed as a kid. I always knew that one day, I’d have to come home and take over on the ranch. It was every eldest son’s duty, and I was the only son, so it fell to me. But Dad and I always talked about that being after my career with the Rangers. We thought we had time.”

“What happened?”

“I was getting ready to take my peace officer licensing exam. Dad and I were out moving cattle one day and he said he wasn’t feeling good. I told him to head up to the house, that I’d finish things with Zeke and Derrick, but before he could even turn his horse around, he was falling to the ground. Massive heart attack. Gone instantly.”

Evie reached over and laid her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry, Sam.”

His eyes drifted down to where they were touching. “Me too. I think you would have liked him. He was the complete balance to my mom. Strict. Orderly. Demanded accountability. But he was also really funny. The life of the party. He had a big personality.”

“He must have in order to handle Sylvie,” Evie laughed.

“Yeah. I think that’s why Abby has such a hard time being around Mom. She feels our dad’s absence more when there isn’t that balance to her eccentricity.”

“Speaking of your sister,” she grabbed a cookie and nibbled on the edge. “How long has she been with John?”

“Less than a year.”

That answer truly surprised Evie.

“Surprising, right?”

“Their family unit is just so… cohesive.”

“They sort of just fell into place with each other. I sometimes forget that Katy isn’t biologically related to me. She’s so connected with my sister, and my sister with her.”

Evie felt her hand drifting to her belly, Jellybean waking up from her nap to give a gentle roll. Family didn’t have to be those related to her by blood. Putting roots down in Bell Ridge was the right choice. There were so many wonderful people there who wanted to welcome her into their families. She would be crazy not to accept their kindness.

The breeze carried the sounds of cattle lowing in the distance.

“Are we close to the herd right now?” she asked.

“Yeah. We have the heifers grazing in the next pasture over.”

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