Page 45 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“But I’m not sure that this is my home.”

“Really? Because it seems like you’ve settled in.”

Noelle started to answer, but paused. Two weeks ago, she could have answered that question without a bit of hesitation and now she had doubts. During the fire she’d swore that if Rip was safe, she’d reveal all her secrets to him. That’s when she knew Ollie needed away from Second Chance until she knew he was safe. If she could ever call the town home again, she had to confront the past and set the demons free.

“Looks can be deceiving.”

“I saw a familiar face as I was being dropped off by airport transportation.” A slight smile covered Patricia’s mouth. “Hehasn’t changed a bit.”

Noelle didn’t need to ask who her mom referred to. “No, Rip hasn’t.”

“What does he think of you being here, at the ranch?”

The questions brought up even more questions. “Honestly, I think there’s an elephant in the room that we are ignoring.”

“Does this have something to do with graduation night?”

Noelle flicked her gaze up. “You know?”

“Not every detail. I guessed just enough. Tuck said it wasn’t his place to tell me everything and I was angry at first. You were my daughter and you chose to rely on him, but after a bit I knew I needed to respect you to tell me inyourtime. I felt you were protecting me from something. I also realized I’d been very wrong about Rip. A mother can make mistakes. Everyone has twenty-twenty vision when looking in the rearview mirror.”

“I can agree. We do”

“You know, if I had to do it all over again, I’m not sure I would have left this place.” Patricia looked around the room, a gentle smile parting her lips. “Tuck and I could have had a good life here together. He was a kind man with a big heart. I haven’t found another Tuck and I never will again. I never believed in soul mates until he came along. I saw him across the arena and I felt like I’d been flung around like a ragdoll by an invisible tornado. Whew, and was he handsome.” She fanned her face. “When we’re young we’re prideful. Steadfast about things that won’t mean anything down the road. I was prideful. I thought this would always be his home with Cybal and I’d be nothing more than a visitor. But like I said, Tuck had a heart and room for me there. And here. Don’t do what I did, kiddo. Don’t wake up one day with regrets. Love is a valuable thing that doesn’t come and go easily.”

“So, Rico isn’t your soul mate?”

She snickered. “He moved out. It was for the best.”

“I didn’t see that coming.” Noelle hid her sarcasm. “Mom, I don’t know how you did it. Came here and took care of Cybal when you were in love with Tuck. And then there was the secret about me.”

“Honey, you weren’t a secret, not to Tuck. Cybal was a good woman. Kind. Brilliant. She forgave me and I owed her. I bet Rip could forgive you.”

“Mom, Rip and I aren’t…” What could Noelle say?

“What? It’s never too late to share secrets, the past.” Her eyes filled with moisture but she blinked and a smile returned. “Take it from someone who gave away her happiness for something silly.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being reasonable.” Noelle laughed.

“Don’t act like it’s that hard to believe. By the way, I spoke with Sammie before I came. It’s not my place to tell you the details, but she called off the wedding.”

“What?” Noelle couldn’t believe what she was hearing, although a part of her felt like it was the right decision.

“You heard me. The wedding’s off. Let her come to you and tell you though.”

“That will be hard, but I see your point.”

Patricia stood. “Ollie, are you ready to take a road trip with Mamaw?”

Noelle stood too. Her heart ached, but she knew she had to face the demons in Second Chance alone. “Take my car.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. I have Tuck’s old beat-up truck I can drive if I need to.”

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