Page 15 of Redemption

Maddy’s round gumdrop eyes landed back on Leo and he had the decency to look remorseful. She stepped closer to him. “You knew?” Her tone hurt.

He reached out and trailed a hand down her arm, clasping her hand. “I’m sorry Maddy, but Charlie asked me not to say anything.”

She snatched her hand back. “But we tell each other everything.” Her voice cracked and I knew Leo was now in for a world of hurt.

“Mads…” he began, but she dashed from the kitchen. He immediately went after her.

I turned back to Daisy, August and Tilly. “Leo’s gonna be groveling for a while, I think.”

Daisy snorted.

“What did Jack say, when you saw him?” Tilly asked.

“Just that he didn’t know about Daddy and then I told him to leave. I just wanted to tell you girls in case you saw him around town as that’s a big possibility now. I want you prepared and if anything happens just let me know.”

The girls nodded but August was her usual pensive self, nibbling her lip and not making eye contact. She would only have had vague memories of Mama and of what happened, and Tilly wouldn’t rememberanything. They were so young when she died.

It was a quiet evening, everyone subdued and lost in their thoughts. When Maddy dragged herself off the couch, a sadness emanated from her so strong I could barely stand it.

“He just did what Daddy asked of him,” I said, surprising myself for sticking up for Leo.

Maddy sighed and turned to me. “I know that. But it doesn’t change the fact that he kept this from me, something so big.”

“I think he was trying to protect you.”

Maddy snorted. “I’m a firefighter. He doesn’t need to protect me, I’m a big girl.”

I shrugged. “I think it’s kinda nice he likes to look after you. Everyone needs someone.”

“Right back atcha sis. Who’s looking after you? When was your last date?”

I scowled at her. “That’s not the point.”

“Oh, it’s different when the boot is on the other foot, isn’t it? You came home to help Daddy raise us and we’re so grateful you did but you don’t have to look out for us anymore,” Maddy said, then blew me a kiss and went upstairs to bed.

But she was wrong. Someone needed to sort out the ranch and starting tomorrow, that would be me.

*

I woke early and went out at sunrise to check on the cattle and greet the two ranch hands. I worked with them for a few hours before heading home. The house was in chaos as four women tried to get ready with only two bathrooms. Fights erupted but I managed to soothe everyone. Like a boss.

“Since you’re suspended for the rest of the week, you can go and help August with the horses,” I told Tilly. I expected her to talk back but she just rolled her eyes and traipsed off after August.

Maddy was on the day shift at the fire station and Daisy went with her just to scout out the town and see if there were any jobs on offer. And then it was just me.

I let out a big sigh, enjoying the peaceful silence before I grabbed a coffee and shut myself in Daddy’s office. I glared at the big mound of paperwork I’d been avoiding before giving in and sifting through it. There were more bills which needed paying, and soon. More correspondence from local ranches, including Raleigh Spa & Guest Ranch, the closest one to us.

Duke Raleigh had taken over from his father a few years ago. Ranching was in their blood and passed down through the generations, just like us. But they acted like they owned ranching and were better than everyone because they turned theirs into a high-end guest retreat for the wealthy. I couldn’t stand them. However, Duke might be able to give me a few pointers.

Reading the letter, it looked like Duke had reached out and made an offer to buy Redemption. My stomach clenched at the thought of selling the place but it might be worth knowing if Duke was still interested, purely as a last resort. I made a mental note to contact him again. As much as I despised the arrogant asshole, I needed to put my feelings aside and do what was best for our future.

I found a letter at the bottom of the pile which looked like it was meant to be sent to Mr. Davidson, the lawyer. I frowned, opening it up. I unfolded the letter and read the first few lines. It looked like it was a deed transferring ownership of the small cabin at the bottom of the property line. Daddy had signed it andwhen I saw the person he had transferred it to, my blood rushed in my ears.

“No, he wouldn’t!”

My stomach churned and I reached for the trash can, upending it of all the papers and holding it in my lap, ready to vomit. Sweat sprung up on my brow and my limbs were shaking. He couldn’t do this to us.Whywould he do this?

Once my stomach settled, I placed the trash can on the floor and immediately reached for my phone and dialed Mr. Davidson.

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