Page 15 of Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

Images best kept buried.

“That’s in the past.” His voice cracked on the last word, and he swallowed hard.

“Doesn’t have to be, Ash. God gave you a gift.”

“What good is a gift if it destroys others?”

“We’ve talked about that. Wasn’t your fault.”

Asher wasn’t going to argue with his uncle, but he knew the truth. The craving that came from hearing his name being chanted and the thunderous applause at the end of each set had become an addiction. One that drove him to put others’ livesat risk. If he’d forced his drivers to take a break and not drive through the storm, then they’d be alive today.

No, he didn’t deserve to pick up a guitar or to set foot on stage. His pride and inflated self-importance had become his downfall.

Asher blinked rapidly and ground his teeth. His fingers curled into a fist, but punching something wouldn’t solve his problem. It would give him nothing more than a broken hand. He swallowed hard. “So, about reviving the family business…”

“Yeah, I don’t know if this is the best time.” His uncle’s drawn-out sigh nearly vibrated through the phone.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Your aunt and I are heading home.” He sounded more resigned than hopeful.

“You’re cutting your trip short?”

“Not really short. We’ve been gone nearly ten months. Angela hasn’t been feeling well lately, so we decided to head back to the island. We have some decisions to make.”

Asher tightened his grip on his phone. “Like what?”

“To be honest, we’re thinking of selling the ranch.”

The air leaked out of Asher’s lungs. That was the last thing he’d expected to hear. And Eliza hadn’t mentioned it, so maybe she didn’t know either. “Seriously? Why?”

“It’s kind of big for two people. We wanted to leave it to our kids, but with Jared gone and Eliza traveling the world with Sally, it’s time to downsize. And to be honest, we didn’t think there was much to return to on island.”

“But there will be. Like I said, Dani’s working hard to revive things around here. We can restore the carriages and get the tour company back up and running.”

“Sounds good, Ash, but adding a business on top of the ranch is way too much work for two people. Especially two people who are getting older. And if there is something going on with Ang…”

“I’ll help, if you’ll let me.” The words tumbled out in a rush. He just needed a yes.

“I appreciate it. You have a home on the ranch for as long as you wish. Or for as long as we own it. You know that. But you have your own life to lead. You can’t remain holed up with a bunch of horses. I believe the Lord led you to a higher calling.”

Asher lifted a foot to the lower rung of the fence and gazed over the pasture where Gus and Ginger grazed in the rich, sun-warmed grass. “Uncle Terry, I appreciate your wisdom, but I need to disagree with you. That life is over. It’s time to find something new.”

“Don’t underestimate the Lord, son.”

Son.

A title he didn’t deserve. At least, not from Uncle Terry.

“Promise me something?”

“What’s that?”

“If you decide to sell, then I’ll be given first chance to buy the ranch.”

“With a flat in London, a house in Australia, and a place out in L.A., why would you want a run-down old ranch?”

“This is home.”

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