Page 53 of When the Smoke Clears

I furrow my brows. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She gives our intertwined hands a little shake where they hang together in front of her shoulder.

“Hmm.” It’s an interesting concept. I think about its application to other areas.

We sit, and I relay the phone call from Terrence.

“That’s great news!” Mama clasps her hands in front her, her bright smile lighting the room.

“There’s still a lot to nail down.”

Mama gives me a flat-lipped smile. “Don’t diminish this. You have big plans for the ranch, and this is where they begin.”

She’s right, but I’m still trying to manage my nerves. “You’re right.”

Maci grips my hand, her cool touch a reprieve.

“I had a meeting with the hands before I came in,” I continue. “They’re completely on board and they have some great ideas, too. And I told Terrence that if anyone wants to stay on from his crew, I’d like to speak with them.”

“This is gonna be good, son.” Dad’s steady tone almost does me in. He doesn’t have to say anything else. His lit eyes and soft smile say it all.

I clear my throat.

Maci’s phone starts ringing. “Shoot, sorry.” She jumps up and yanks her cell from her pocket, hurrying into the main hallway.

“You’ll get it all organized. Let the guys help. Y’all make a great team. They’ll grow with the ranch if you let ’em. So will Maci.” Mama threads her fingers with Dad’s on the tabletop as she speaks to me.

“Your mom’s right,” Dad adds. “The crew is loyal to you. Just because we had part-time or short-term employees in the past, doesn’t mean that’s how things should go now. Trust these three, let them in, and they’ll be with you for the long haul.”

I study my dad carefully, imparting a rare bit of wisdom on me. His encouragement means everything.

Maci reseats herself next to me.

“Everything okay, sweetheart?” Mama can’t help but check in.

She nods, an unsure look on her face. “That was Melissa. Colt’s mom. She wants to meet.”

The tension from my parents is immediately palpable. Wife or not, they already care deeply for Maci. Especially Mama.

I lower my voice. “Are you going?” It doesn’t matter; they can still hear me.

“Yes. I don’t have anything to hide, and she seems genuine.”

Mama pats Maci’s hand. “She sounds like a grieving mom, from what you’ve said. Maybe she just needs a little closure.”

Maci pulls her bottom lip into her mouth. “I think you’re probably right.”

Chapter 18

Maci

BeforemymeetingwithMelissa, I decide to try my hand at some more self-help. It’s been two days since I attempted to go to Nana’s house. Nothing seems to have been made worse, even if I’m not sure if it did much good.

This time, I make it to the turn off with no problem. I stop anyway, easing into what’s to come. At least, that’s what I try to convince myself I’m doing.

In truth, I can’t bring myself to move. It’s like some weird form of compulsive magic. My hands won’t steer the wheel onto the street, and my foot won’t push the pedal if that’s where I’m trying to go.

This time, there’s no additional sensory input. Just an overwhelming pressure not to move forward. Maybe this is a positive reaction? I convince myself to take the win and head to my meeting with Melissa.

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