Page 57 of Rancher's Pride

“You’re only after his money.” She spat at me, moving closer.

“I assure you, I don’t need Nash’s money. My father made sure I was prepared for life and anything that came my way.” I smirked, knowing that would make her furious. She used to be the bookkeeper for the ranch, so she would have known what the money situation was.

“So what, you think he loves you? That boy isn’t capable of loving anyone but himself. He’s just like his father.” She stood and crossed her arms, staring me down.

“Violet, I suggest you shut your mouth. You’re talking about things you know nothing about.” I clenched my fists in rage. Was I above hitting a woman who was the same age as my mother? Probably not. She deserved it, and I was about to lose my temper.

“I lived here, in this house, with Nash and Fred.” Both their names were said with hatred. This woman was the epitome of a waste of skin. “They pretend to love you for a while and then their true personalities come out and you’re left ignored and alone for a fucking ranch, or an asinine coffee shop.”

“Violet, I don’t know what revisionist history you’re spinning here but, I seem to recall you left those two men high and dry. You walked out on your husband and son, not the other way around. For what? New tits and a lifted ass?” That might have been a low blow, but there was a time in my life where I was known for not being so pleasant, and it was time to get back to who I was. “Do you even have a clue what you did to them?” She opened her mouth to speak.

“I’m not finished.” Pointing at her, my stare ready to cut her down if she dared to whimper. I continued, “Fred is finally doing well, and that’s in no small part thanks to Wanda, who, by the way, is the grandma to my children, so let’s just get that straight right now. And Nash thought he didn’t deserve love because his mother didn’t even love him enough to stick around. You didn’t love him. I don’t care if you fell out of love with Fred, you could have divorced him and not been atotal cunt about it. But you walked away from your son without a look back. Trash, that’s all you are and all you’ve ever been. Trash that a good man scooped up off the side of the road. I’ve heard about your past Vi, you might be able to fool that rich son of a bitch you married, but around here, we know who you are. And who you are turned Fred into a shell of himself?” My words were calm, and my hands were flying as they did when I was mad. I may have even added a few head bobs in there as well.

“You can’t talk to me like that in my own house.” She sputtered.

“It’s my house, and yes, she can.” Nash walked into the living room, his hat still on his head and his boots dripping snow all over the hardwood floor. “I should have known you weren’t different. What you said sounded wonderful, and yes, I’m guilty of wanting my mother back in my life. But you’re no longer welcome here. Then finding out you drove the love of my life away is something I will never forgive. Also, if you won’t accept both of my daughters as your grandchildren, then there’s no room for you here.” He moved closer to me and wrapped this arm around my waist.

“You’re going to regret this one day, boy.” She spat, glaring at him, trying to kill him with her gaze.

“No, the only regret I have in my life is not dragging Fallon back here three years ago and telling everyone she was mine. You won’t ever be worth thinking of again.”

“I gave you life.”

“Thank you for that, but Pop had half the responsibility for that as well. It’s time for you to leave.” Nash and I stepped back and gave her room to get out of the house.

“You’ll be sorry for this. One day, you’re going to need your mother and I won’t be here.”

“We have Julie, and Wanda. They’ve been doing a wonderful job and I don’t foresee that stopping.” Nash let go of me and opened the door, not giving her another option to stall. She flounced out the door to her car and slammed the door when she got in. Gravel flew, and she almost ran into the ranch truck that was sitting by the barn.

“New tits and a lifted ass?” Nash said as he closed the front door and turned to look at me, a smirk across his handsome face and his brow arched.

“Oh, come on, you had to be able to tell.” I put my hands on my hips and stared at him.

“It was kind of hard to miss.” He nodded before rolling his eyes. “I’ve missed your quick wit and stinging words, Ms Miller.” He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me.

“Are you okay?” I ask quietly. Nash didn’t like to focus on himself and would force the conversation back to me, but I needed to make sure he was okay.

“I’m fine Toots. When she showed up, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, and I’m glad I was able to tell her what I wanted her to know. Fred and I might havehad our issues, but he never questioned me when I told him about the girls.”

“He’s the best grandpa. I never doubted it, though. He was always fun when we were growing up. You want to know the best part of having your dad around?” I looked up at Nash, who’d wrapped his arms tighter around me.

“Tell me Toots.”

“He’s been telling Josie about my dad. When I came home yesterday, he’d brought an old photo album and was telling her about every picture. I backed out of the house and sat on the porch swing in the cold because I didn’t want to interrupt them.” My words were barely above a whisper when I stopped talking.

“Mommy, can I come out yet?” Josie called from the door of her room.

“I forgot I’d sent her to her room,” I said quietly as I pressed my forehead against Nash’s chest. “I didn’t want her to be here when I told your mom off.”

“You can come out, baby.” He called and his voice rumbled in his chest.

“Daddy, you’re home.” She squealed as she burst into the living room. He let me go, and I felt empty, but watching him reach for Josie and swing her in the air before she wrapped her arms around his neck made my heart full.

“Ruby calved, so now you have your own calf.” I looked from Nash to Josie. Her eyes were wide and I could almost see her vibrating with excitement.

“Can we go?” She started squirming.

“Yes, let’s get your chore clothes on. It’s chilly out there.” He set her down, and they moved to the closet behind the still open front door. Josie chattered nonstop about what she wanted to call the little heifer calf that she was now the proud owner of. I knew how this story would end. This soon to be named calf would have the best life ever. She would be spoiled, tame, and follow Josie around the ranch everywhere she went.

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