Page 16 of Travis

He swallows and then walks back towards the window, contemplatively. “She was shot. Died before the ambulance could reach her.”

My gaze darts to him. I’m in total disbelief. “You’re fucking kidding me.”

He shakes his head, but he doesn’t look at me.

“Well, I figured when Farley told me you didn’t drink anymore because y’all used to be a drunk, that it was because your wife threw you out. I had no clue, man.” I pause, shaking my head. “God, I’d rather die than lose Becky permanently.”

“I told you, man. Something’s always on the other side. While I loved Kelly with everything I had, if it’s possible, I love Laura more. Much, much more. And the love is so different.”

“Are you saying that there’s someone else out there for me, Grayson, because the thought of that just about makes me want to slit my own goddamn wrists.”

“That’s how I felt, too, man. But over time, it goes away. And then if y’all meet someone that’s better suited, everything falls into place.”

“Nobody’s better for me than Becky, man. Nobody.”

“That’s what I thought, too. Now look at me.”

“I don’t know, Grayson. Maybe it’s just too soon to be thinking like that is all.”

He walks back towards me. “That’s true, man. Kelly’d been gone several years, and I’d been to the drunk tank and back, before Laura came into the picture.”

“All I need is time then, is what you’re saying.”

One of the tractors drives by, carrying a huge Christmas tree in the back. Grayson and I watch it mosey on down the pasture. Grayson looks at me and smiles. “That or a goddamn Christmas miracle.”

We both chuckle.

“Okay, you bring that one over here further.” Laura instructs, as we assemble the Christmas trees around the pasture, which will be lit with small lights. We’ve got a large tree, a medium size tree, and a smaller one, and she wants them placed in graduated heights, stacked specifically to make the larger one the highlight, but the smaller ones still somewhat of a focal point.

“Yes, ma’am.” I say politely, as Farley gets the anchors ready. Kurt’s over in the stable, with the other hands, as we prepare to decorate that area as well.

“You boys feeling festive yet?” Laura chuckles, watching us struggle to move the enormous trees.

“This place is going to look like Rockefeller Center.” I comment, just as I see Becky’s car pull up. Laura gives me an apologetic look and I give her a perfunctory smile. God love her. She so wants to keep the peace. I’ll see to it that that happens.

“Hi, Becky.” Laura says. I give my wife a polite nod, but otherwise keep my head down, focusing on the task at hand.

“I hear you’ve been called to duty.” Becky says.

“That’s right. I hope this isn’t going to be overwhelming for you.”

“No, not at all. It’s not my first rodeo. You should see what I did to my sister’s place for my niece’s birthday a few weeks ago.”

I lift my hand. “I can attest. She did a phenomenal job.”

“Your niece wanted a Christmas themed birthday party? That’s unusual.” Laura comments.

“It’s a tradition for me to decorate for Macey’s parties. Since she could speak, she’s been asking.”

“Well, as you can see, we’ve gone ahead and started.” Laura gestures to the trees.

“Thank you so much for doing that. I’ve never ordered a tree that large.”

“We didn’t order it, darlin’.” I interject kindly. “It’s from Laura’s land out back.”

Becky smiles at Laura.

“I’ve always wanted to cut down those bigger trees and plant newer ones.” Laura states. “So, this is perfect.”

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