Page 28 of Every Single Wildflower
“Fifty grand,” he admits.
“Fuck,” Ryder scoffs.
“Language,” mom scolds before facing my father. “Fifty grand, Emmett?”
“I know.” He shakes his head. “It’s my responsibility. It’s not your burden.”
“It’s our ranch, dad. We all carry the burden,” Cooper says.
“It’s public record. That’s how he knows.” I can practically hear the growl in Ryder’s voice.
Fantastic. How long before anyone else finds out?
“Ok. Dad, I need to know where you keep your files. I need everything.”
He winces as he scoots up in the bed. “Most of my stuff is kept in the office. But I keep some of my receipts and invoices in the black binder. It’s in my truck.”
“Thank you.” I reach for his hand again. “I will do my best. I’ll comb through it all. We’ll figure this out. You just focus on getting out of here.”
I give my speech before I’m up on my feet. I can see by his eyes he wants to talk. To say more, but right now I’m not ready. I’m not ready to reopen that old wound. So, with my promise to figure it out, we leave the hospital, and I keep my mind focused on one thing.The Mayson Legacy.
Chapter twenty-two
Maddox
“Ok, I’m done.” I drop my palms onto the couch, my arms burning from shaking Trace’s makeshift bull that’s set up in my mother’s living room.
“One more. Pleeaase,” he begs.
“It’s bath time, mister.” My sister walks into the living room, bending down to pick up his rope and spurs. “You’re filthy. You need to get clean before super.”
“But mom….”
“No buts. Go.” She points.
His arms cross. “You ruin all the fun.”
“Trace.” My voice is stern, and he knows I mean business.
“Yes ma’am,” he finally mumbles before he holds out his fist and I tap it with mine.
“Bye Uncle Mads.”
“Later kid.” I ruffle his hair when he walks by.
Laiken sighs and leans against the door frame. Pushing to my feet, I approach her and tug her in for a hug.
“You’re doing a good job, Laik.”
“Am I?” She pulls away, placing the items in her hand into the box full of farm animal figurines that’s tucked in the corner. “I’m a twenty-five-year-old single mom who still lives with her mother. And apparently, I’m no fun.”
I chuckle. “You’re a badass mom, who worked hard to become a physical therapist and you’re saving for your future.”
Laiken has a bad habit of always thinking she’s screwing up. She doesn’t see the things she’s accomplished.
“Yeah, if it wasn’t for that scholarship I wouldn’t have that degree.” She stuffs her hands into the pockets of her purple scrubs.
“I’m proud of you,” I tell her as her eyes mist over. “Dad would be proud of you.”
