Page 61 of Shattered Melodies

I looked at him, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his tone. “You think so?”

He nodded, holding my gaze. “I know so. And that’s why I want to make you an offer.”

My heart skipped a beat, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. “An offer?”

“The job,” Hank clarified, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I want you to come work for the ranch, even if it is part time. Starting tomorrow, if you’re willing.”

I stared at him, my mouth suddenly dry. “Are you serious?”

He laughed, the sound rich and warm in the clear mountain air. “As a heart attack, son. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”

I felt a grin spreading across my face, so wide it made my cheeks ache. “Yes. I’ll take it.” But then a thought occurred to me and I hesitated, biting my lip. “What about the pay, though? I mean, I know ranch work isn’t exactly lucrative.”

Hank waved a hand, dismissing my concerns. “Don’t you worry about that. We’ll work something out. And besides, something tells me you’re not here for the money anyway.”

“You’re right,” I said softly, meeting Hank’s eyes. “Money’s not what matters to me. Not anymore. What matters is finding my place in the world, figuring out who I am and what I want.”

Hank nodded, a look of understanding passing between us. “Well, I’d say you’re off to a pretty good start, kid. And I’m happy to help you along the way, in whatever way I can.”

“Thank you, Hank. Truly. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

He just smiled, waving off my gratitude like it was nothing. “Don’t mention it. We’re a family here at the ranch, and family looks out for each other.”

Family. The word sent a pang through my chest, a bittersweet ache that was equal parts longing and grief.

It had been so long since I’d felt that sense of connection, of belonging. So long since I’d had people in my corner, people who cared about me not for what I could do for them, but simply for who I was. Maybe I had a chance to find that again. To build a new family, one of my own choosing.

The thought filled me with a warmth, a hope that I hadn’t felt in years. And as we rode back down the hill towards the stables, Peanut trotting along beside us, I felt lighter than I had in ages.

We reached the stables and dismounted, Hank showing me how to unsaddle Pancakes and rub him down. I listened attentively, determined to remember every detail, every little trick of the trade.

Peanut was waiting for us when we finished, curled up in a patch of sunlight like a contented little loaf. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to the top of her fuzzy head.

“C’mon, girl,” I murmured, cradling her against my chest. “Let’s go make things official.”

Hank led the way back to the office, holding the door open for me with a flourish. “After you, ranch hand.”

I grinned, feeling a rush of pride at the title. Ranch hand. It had a nice ring to it, a solidness that grounded me, anchored me.

We settled back into our chairs, Hank pulling out a sheaf of paperwork and a pen. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road. I’ll just need you to sign a few things, and then we’ll be all set.”

After signing the documents, we said our goodbyes and Hank told me that he will be seeing me tomorrow. I definitely wouldn’t let the man down.

I got back to my car, settling Peanut on the passenger seat. As I reached for my phone, I saw the screen light up with a barrage of missed calls and messages.

All from my parents. All demanding to know where I was, what I was doing.

I sighed, a heavy weight settling in my stomach. I’d been avoiding them for weeks now, dodging their calls and texts like they were poison darts.

But I knew I couldn’t run forever. Knew that sooner or later, I’d have to face the music.

Might as well get it over with.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and hit the call button. It barely rang once before my father’s voice exploded through the speaker.

“Liam! Where the hell have you been? Your mother and I have been worried sick!”

I winced, pulling the phone away from my ear slightly. “Hi, Dad. I’m fine, thanks for asking.”

---