Page 100 of The Outlaw and the Heir

"Understood," I said, turning to his father. "You seem awfully unsurprised and calm about all this."

"I'm usually calm," he told me.

"One might even say cold and uncaring."

"One can exist without the other."

"So you aren't cold, but you are uncaring?"

Ambrose sighed. “Samuel."

I chuckled. “Sorry, sorry. I'll try not to be an antagonistic ass for a while."

"I give you two minutes before you break," Ambrose said, turning to his father. "Areyou alright, Father?"

"As good as I can be considering the losses we've taken today, not the least of which is a betrayal not only from within but one of my own children," he said with a shake of his head. For a moment, I saw his expression waver, catching a flash of pain before it disappeared. "My father told me the world was not as gray and bleak as some made it sound, for even in darkness, there is light to be found if you look hard enough."

Ambrose blinked, a little surprised, but cleared his throat. “What light is that?"

"That my family's teachings rang true because we have plenty of people here willing to fight for this place and this family. No fire can take that from us, only the buildings which can be replaced. I might have lost my oldest today, but I discoveredthat my other son and my daughter are more than capable of handling things. There was nothing I could do to fix this problem, and yet you two," he said and glanced at me, "and you, as well, all found a way to fight back. Whether it was the fire or the attack that was meant to be hidden by the fire, you all found a way. If I were to die tomorrow, I would die knowing this place is not going to fall apart without my part being played."

"You're still important here," Ambrose said, eyes wide with shock.

"For now," came the reply. "But it's about damn time you realized you're better than you think you need to be. I taught you as best I could and tried to guide you in my way, so now it's time for you to take whatever you learned from that and start using it. Stop playing a backstage role and acting like you belong there. You are your mother's son in your heart, but the rest of you is an Isaiah...and today marks the first time I've seen you prove that."

I rolled my eyes but kept my mouth shut because it was obvious Ambrose was at a complete loss for words. That wasn't exactly the rousing 'I'm so proud of you, son' speech Ambrose had been hoping for all his life, but it was far more than he'd ever believed he'd hear. I thought it could have been a little more heartfelt, but considering that heartfelt wasn't my style either, I would keep my comments to myself.

"Now, I'm going to go see how progress is doing with the ranch," he continued, straightening his back. "I'll expect the two of you to pitch in as well."

"Of course," Ambrose said.

"Will you be bunking the other two former outlaws with the rest of the men?"

"Father?"

"Well, I imagine Samuel will be bunking with you for the foreseeable future and?—"

Ambrose choked. “Father?"

The older man snorted. “Don't give me that. Be better than to deny it."

"I just...it's not?—"

I took pity. “I think what Ambrose is trying to say is?—"

"I know what he's trying to say, but there's no point in having a conversation about it. I need someone who will take my place one day, and that will be him. What he does otherwise is between him and the Lord...and you, I suppose," he said, turning away. "Now, the other two?"

"If they...want to bunk with the men, sure. But if not, don't see why we couldn't give them the choice to leave and be free men if they want."

"Think they're ready?"

"Yes."

"You're willing to stake our reputation on it?"

"Yes."

"Are you?"

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