Walker guffaws, as if I’m the disappointment. “Aren’t you a ray of gloating sunshine?”
Rather than stoop to his level, I exhale softly. I’m choosing to use this as an opportunity for a fresh start. “Don’t be jealous. I’ll send you a letter from wherever I end up.”
The irritation I’ve been swallowing for the entire two-hour drive crawls up my throat when we arrive at our destination. What I’m sure is a lavish farmhouse barely registers. My gaze is locked on where Bianca and Colton are practically glowing while strolling down a makeshift aisle. Their expressions reflect the type of unconditional bliss that can only mean one thing.
“We missed it,” I grumble.
Chance winces from the passenger seat. “Sorry.”
I grip the steering wheel tighter while parking behind my uncle’s truck. “Don’t apologize to me.”
My younger brother blinks in what I imagine to be confusion. It pairs well with the theme of his behavior. He’s reckless and irresponsible and it’s gotten worse lately. This is precisely whythe burden of my dad’s betrayal fell solely on my shoulders. It’s up to me to prove that Chance and I aren’t like him. We want to escape the shadow that our father cast over us.
It sure would be nice if my brother’s actions could at least support that message. Just this week, I gave him the simple task of finalizing a delivery for the auction barn. The hay wagons showed up this morning rather than tomorrow as planned. More often than not, I feel like firing him from the family business. But the kid has to learn eventually. His rodeo career will only get him so far.
Just as I’m about to harp on him about prioritizing bulls and broncs over our legacy, an unforgettable shade of red catches my eye. I’m not surprised to see Colton’s cousin at his wedding. After a brief discussion with Bianca earlier this week, I was informed that the happy couple chose to forgive Frankie for her past crimes and believe she’s planning to straighten out. It sounds like petty theft was her specialty. That’s easy enough to keep an eye on.
Which is why the sight of her doesn’t aggravate my upset. Instead, the confirmation that she’s somewhat redeemable soothes the beast. It’s a risk I’m willing to take for Ronnie’s sake.
I squint to get a better look. Frankie is wearing a… pink dress? A chuckle almost slips free. That’s a sight I’m going to appreciate up close and personal.
“Let’s go congratulate the bride and groom.” And confront a certain bridesmaid.
On cue, Ronnie chooses that moment to wake up. Her afternoon nap stretched to cover the whole ride. My little girl rubs her eyes before glancing out the window. Any lingering drowsiness evaporates instantly.
“Puppies!”
That goes to show how out of character Frankie’s outfit is. Ronnie doesn’t recognize the ex-con or even spare her a glancewhile racing across the yard. My daughter has thought of little else other than that woman, but Bianca’s pack of dogs steal the scene. Maybe not all hope is lost.
Only one way to find out.
I tug on my tie, striding toward the newlyweds with an excuse already perched on my tongue. Frankie is talking as I approach. It gives me a better opening than I could’ve planned.
“Not to barge in, but time is of the essence. I need a place to crash,” she tells them. “Your house is about to become the honeymoon suite and I’m not dealing with that.”
The urge to smirk overpowers me. “You can stay with us.”
Frankie whirls to face me. Shock blanches her expression as if I appeared out of seemingly nowhere. In the next second, her eyes narrow. “Do I know you?”
“No, but you’re about to get a thorough introduction.” But first I tip my cowboy hat at my cousin and her groom. “Congrats on getting hitched. Sorry we’re late. Chance had trouble at the auction barn.”
But my brother and his problematic work ethic are no longer a concern.
Without further delay, I return my gaze to the redheaded enchantress. Her dark tattoos and nail polish contrast with the cheerful color of her dress. It’s a striking combination.
“Now, where was I?” A pleased rumble rolls out of me as I give Frankie another once-over. “You’ve been haunting my dreams, darlin’. My daughter is convinced that you’re a superhero and we need you in our lives. She won’t listen to reason. Don’t fuck this up.”
She’s already shaking her head, having the audacity to pretend there’s nothing between us. “Definitely have the wrong—”
“Daddy, you found her! You found her!” Ronnie is running full speed toward us, but her sole focus is fixed on the woman she’s been obsessing over.
Recognition pinches Frankie’s features as she braces for impact. “This is gonna hurt.”
I grunt. “She’s harmless.”
“But I’m not.”
Frankie doesn’t get the chance to elaborate. My little girl crashes into her, wrapping them in a familiar embrace. An uncomfortable warmth spreads across my chest. That sensation strengthens as Ronnie gazes longingly at her new favorite person.