Page 45 of Wrecked
"Kensington June Michaels, now you listen here—"
Swallowing the urge to lower my eyes and shrink back at my father's tone, I took a step forward, "No, Daddy, you listen. I don't know how you did it, but I know what you did." Tears stung the back of my eyes, but I forced them away. "Why? Did you even care that he made me happy? Do you even know that he took the fallfor me?"
My mother's gasp filled the room, but it was my father's jaw that ticked faster that send me reeling. "You knew?" I dragged my fingers through my hair, "You knew and said nothing?" Turning my gaze to the window, I almost laughed at the perfect picture outside. Everything from the well-manicured lawn to the tennis court that no one used was just for show. Just to keep up appearances. My gaze snapped back to my parents, my fury finally reaching its pinnacle.
"He only did that to protect me from having to tell you that your perfect daughter isn't so perfect." My voice screeched through the room. "You kept me from seeing him even when you knew he was innocent!"
"What is she talking about, Walter?"
My father gave me a look that said he'd deal with me in a minute before he turned to my mother, "Nothing Diana, let me talk to Kenzie alone." Ever the perfect wife, my mother nodded and left the room without even looking at me.
"Now you listen here—"my father roared as soon as his wife was out of earshot. "—I only did what was best for you. That boy would have ended up behind bars, anyway. Kids like that always do?"
I threw my hands in the air in disbelief, "Kids like that? Are you even listening to yourself?" Shaking my head, I continued, "Did you know thatthat boyhappened to ace all his classes while I was struggling to maintain a B-grade, which I only achieved by using drugs, I might add!"
My father slammed his closed fists against the table, and I startled. In all my life I had never seen him lose control like that, but I was determined that it would not intimidate me. "I only did what was best for you!" My dad's voice reverberated off the walls.
"And being miserable is what's best for me?"
Running a palm down his tie, he calmly stated, "I did what I had to do, and when you and Dean walk down the aisle, you'll thank me."
"Are you nuts?" To be fair, the way I was yelling made me sound like the crazy person in the room. I just couldn't help it.
"Kenzie—"
I held up both my hands, "You know what? I'm done, Daddy. No more Dean and no more working for you either. I quit."
Shaky legs carried me to my car. I slid behind the wheel thinking that was both the bravest and scariest thing I'd ever done.
Chapter 25
I felt a little guilty as I made my way down the dirt roadleading to the Jackson ranch. It had been a long while since I'd visited. Instead of spending time with the people who were like family to me, I'd been keeping my bed warm with any willing woman.
Easing my foot off the gas, I slowed enough so that I could properly appreciate the scenery. I'd always loved how the trees bowing over the road created an arch with soft rays of light filtering through the leaves. Out in the distance, I caught sight of Chris, the Jackson's ranch manager, tending to a few of the horses.
It had always baffled me why not one of the brothers had stayed on at the ranch. All three of them would jump in and help in a heartbeat if it was required though. Even I had been roped in to help mend a fence a time or two. I guess what it ultimately boiled down to was the need to have your own identity.
One thing was for sure, Charles and Daisy Jackson did not begrudge any of their sons that, in fact, they encouraged them to be who they wanted to be. I slowed down even more, my gaze leisurely gliding over the impressive land. Mr. Jackson had offered to sell me a good chunk of it, but at the time all I'd wanted was solitude. I had needed a place for my workshop and the space to run free.
I rolled past the pen and Chris greeted me with a lift of his Stetson, behind him I spotted a newcomer to the ranch. With a slight tilt of my head, I greeted him too. Once my truck was parked behind Logan's, I made my way to the door stopping briefly to look at the barn. Its bright yellow paint never failed to put a smile on my face.
Before I even managed a knock, the door flew open and Mrs. Jackson assaulted me with affection. My arms were pinned to my sides so I couldn't return her embrace. But, man, it felt good. Her hugs were laced with the type of comfort you only get from a mother. The kind that said:I know you're dealing with stuff, but everything will be okay.
Clearing my throat to rid myself of the lump forming there, I gruffly said, "It's good to see you too, Mrs. J." Much to her irritation, I refused to call her by her first name, I had way too much respect for the woman.
She released her death-grip on me and cupped my face in her hands. "It's been too long, Brett. We've missed you." The sincerity in her eyes had me swallowing down another lump.
"I know, I'm sorry."
A smile so wide, the Cheshire cat would envy it, spread across her face; the corners of her eyes wrinkling up. "No matter, you're here now."
"Brett!!" Over Mrs. Jackson's shoulder, I caught sight of Molly and Flynn barreling toward me. I dropped to my haunches and held both my palms up to them. Squeals of delight accompanied their high-fives.
"You two behaving?" Molly snickered, and mischief sparkled in Flynn's eyes. With a wink, I smiled and stated, "You make me proud."
When I pushed to my feet, I was met with Mrs. Jackson's narrowed eyes. "I can't wait for your babies, I'm gonna teach them to be so naughty." Mirth sparkled in her eyes while a cinder block landed on my chest.
Kids of my own had never been a thought. Don't get me wrong, I adored my friends' children, and I would protect them like they were my blood. But before I could even think about having kids, I needed to find a woman who I wanted to spend my life with. The sad fact was the only woman who fit that bill was miles away pledging her undying love to another man.
