Page 44 of Knocked up By the Mountain Man

The evening passes slowly. I manage to make dinner, though I have little appetite, and I tuck Thomas in to bed with stories and songs. As I sit by his side, watching him fall asleep, I promise myself that I’ll find a way to make things right.

Somehow.

But not sleeping isn’t going to help that plan. I’m no good to anyone exhausted, it always makes me feel dreadful. Just like I do right now. My head feels heavy, and my limbs are weak. I really can’t let this get the better of me…

Uh oh.

As time passes, the dull ache intensifies, spreading from my bones to my muscles, and my throat feels raw and inflamed. I shift on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, but it’s no use. The queasiness in my stomach turns to a nauseating churn, and I realize with a jolt that this isn’t just stress.

My head spins as I rise unsteadily to my feet, clutching my stomach. I make my way to the bathroom, the nausea growing more intense with every step. By the time I reach the sink, I’m already gagging. I barely manage to lift the toilet lid before my stomach convulses, and I vomit violently.

The retching continues until I’m left dry heaving, tears streaming down my face. I sink to the floor, resting my forehead against the cool porcelain of the toilet bowl, trying to steady my breathing.

Oh God, I don’t know what the hell is going on with me, but I do know that I can’t work in this condition.

One more thing to upset Beau and Wyatt. Might as well make things worse, right? Because that’s all that happens in Silver Ridge. For me, it’s the town where my dreams come to die.

And now, without Daniel as my lifeline, I might end up stuck here for way too long.

20

BEAU

The news hits me like a freight train. I’m sitting in the office, staring at the worn wood of my desk, when my phone buzzes with a text from Dad. He wants to meet. Urgently. I already know what it’s about. The doctors have been hinting at it for weeks, but Dad’s been stubborn, refusing to accept what’s coming. I wonder if he’s finally ready to face the truth. I’m not sure I am though.

With everything going on with Wyatt and Clara, my head’s already a mess. Wyatt’s stormed off, and Clara’s devastated. I have never seen her this broken, not even when she was living with her uncle. My heart aches for her, but I feel powerless to help. And now this.

I make my way to the main house, my boots crunching on the gravel path. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows, making the ranch feel eerily quiet. Inside, I find Dad in his study, slumped in his favorite leather chair. He looks up as I enter. The sadness in his eyes confirms my worst fears.

“Beau,” he starts, his voice raspy, “we need to talk.”

I sit across from him, trying to steel myself. “Yeah, Dad. What’s going on?”

He sighs deeply, running a hand through his thinning hair. “The doctors say it’s time. I don’t have long, son.”

My chest tightens. I knew this was coming, but hearing it out loud makes it real. “Dad, I...”

He holds up a hand, cutting me off. “I’m not looking for sympathy, Beau. I’ve made peace with it. What I need to do now is make sure the ranch is taken care of.”

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “What do you need me to do?”

“I’m going to sign the ranch over to you,” he says, his eyes locking on mine. “But there’s something you need to know.”

I brace myself, knowing this won’t be easy. “What is it?”

“The Ryders,” he says slowly, “they need to go.”

I blink, taken aback by his words. “Dad, what are you talking about? Clara and Thomas are like family. And Wyatt... he’s a pain, but he’s been through a lot. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

“Exactly,” Dad snarls. “You aren’t where I want you to be yet, but I’m left with very little choice, and I blame Wyatt for that. Plus, you haven’t been as focused since Clara arrived. Everyone says so.”

“Dad, you can’t be serious,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Clara and Thomas... they’ve been like family.”

“Oh, I’m serious alright Beau,” he says, his voice hardening. “They’re more trouble than they’re worth. Clara’s reckless and irresponsible, dragging that kid around without any stability. And Wyatt? He’s a lost cause. He’ll never be anything but a burden.”

“Dad, that’s not fair,” I argue, trying to keep my voice steady. “Clara’s doing her best. She’s been through hell and back, and she’s working hard to provide a good life for Thomas.”

Dad scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. “Her best isn’t good enough. I don’t need charity cases here. And don’t get me startedon Wyatt,” Dad continues, his voice dripping with disdain. “He’s a hot headed trouble maker, just like his uncle. Always causing drama, always making things difficult. We don’t need that kind of chaos around here, especially not now.”

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