Page 13 of Every Single Wildflower
“Grumpy motherfucker,” Cooper scoffs.
“Really Coop?” I step back from the fence. “You had to go there?”
“Someone needs to call him on his shit.”
I shake my head, turning to travel back to the office. Luckily all the bucking bulls are kept in a separate area of the property along with the breeding barn which has been my domain for the last two years.
On the way to my office, a Mayson Ridge fire department truck pulls up. My brother Brady, along with Dobs, another Mayson Ridge fireman step out.
Brady adjusts his cap before he nods at me. “How are things this morning?”
I shove my hands in my pockets with a shrug. “About the same as last night. Burned all to hell.”
Brady spent about three years chasing tail and staying drunk before he decided to get it together. It was slowly killing our mother, and after some serious talks and even a night in jail, he finally got his head out of his ass and applied for the fire academy. It’s the best thing he ever did for himself, and the last few months have been smoother. Less tension andmore conversation like it used to be before the accident that catastrophically hit our family.
“Chief wanted us to do a recheck. He’ll be sending someone out later to do the inspection and determine the cause.”
We fall in step with each other as I lead them over to the side by side.
“You can take this. Key is in the cup holder.”
“Thanks man.” He slaps my shoulder. “Beers later this week?”
I know my face shows surprise because his expression turns solemn.
“Sure," I agree. “I’ll swing by after I stop by mom’s. She needs her filters changed.”
They take off toward the scene of the crime while I head to my office. I can already feel the tightness in my chest. That ache that’s been persistent for the last ten fucking years.
I love my brother, but he blames me. And I guess my punishment comes in the form of loving her. It’s a vicious circle.
Loving the one woman I can’t have.Because he had her first.
Chapter nine
Ivy
I’m sitting next to the hospital bed, staring at the steady rise and fall of my father’s chest. Dakota was able to take me by the town market to grab a few things for mom. She hadn’t showered in two days, so I volunteered to sit with him while she got cleaned up. There were so many words scrambling around in my brain. So many unsaid things. So many resentments.
With a heavy sigh, I reach for his hand, holding the callused palm against mine.
“I’m sorry I left daddy.” I brush my fingers over his knuckles. “But you broke my heart.”
The tears threaten to come, but I don’t let them. I cried enough four years ago. I feel a light squeeze against my hand, and my eyes flicker up to his face. His eyes are still closed. His face void, but then I see it. The tiny tear that trickles down his tan skin, sliding over his temple.
The door to the bathroom opens, and my mom glides into the room with a smile. I retrieve my hand, pushing to my feet.
“Feel better?” I ask.
“So much better.” She places her bag down next to the end of the bed.
“The doctor came in an hour ago. CT scan was clear. No bleeding or swelling, so that’s a good sign. He will still be kept until his oxygen levels are stable and also for the burns.”
“Ok.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Anything I can do?”
“Update your brothers.” Her hands move to tie her hair in a low bun. “And I would really like if you could do a walk through at the house. I know most of everything is gone, but…” she clears her throat. “There may have been something that didn’t get destroyed. I would like to get those things.”
“Of course.” I lean in to hug her, smelling the fresh coconut from her body wash.
