Page 15 of Revelry
Mom looked sheepish as she nodded. “We’re leaving at the end of the month.”
My eyebrows shot up before I had a word with them then they resettled. I couldn’t be mad, or surprised. They had a right to live their life the way they wanted. Mom had been to hell and back and deserved her slice of heaven in San Fran. “But there’s no ‘For sale’ sign out front? Have you sold already?”
Mom shook her head. “No, you know me, scared of taking risks.”
I did know. It was one of the reasons she stayed with my father so long, she was scared to take the leap and be on her own. Mom and I were complete opposites. In fact, I’d made it my life’s mission to not be like that. I wanted risk, I wanted adventure, even if sometimes I found too much adventure.
“We’re keeping the house for six months, just in case we don’t like it, so we can come home.”
“You could stay here while we’re gone?” Cathy offered.
“That’s a great idea! Are you staying with Kat at the moment?” Mom asked. I loved that she knew I would be with Kat at Redemption.
Now it was my turn to be sheepish. “Yeah, I’ve been back for a week. I was worried about coming here.”
She scolded me immediately. “Never be scared to come home to us, no matter what’s happened.”
I hung my head. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited more or contacted you more. I didn’t know what to say, and I thought you would somehow figure it out.”
“I understand,” Mom said, her eyes so warm and caring and I knew she did, more than anyone.
“It’s settled then. You’ll stay here?” Cathy asked.
“Sure, if that’s what you want?”
Mom nodded enthusiastically.
“I’m just sorry we won’t get much time together before we leave,” Cathy sighed.
I leaned into her, resting my head on her shoulder which surprised her. “Then we’ll have to spend a lot of time together before you go.”
Chapter Four
Tate
It had been a month since the pint-sized, raven-haired beauty had come back to Reverence.
I’d seen her and that silly pink Beetle around town and parked next door. Heard her loud, tinkling laughter through the thin walls when I was in my home. Saw her running around in skimpy shorts that gave me tantalizing glimpses of her thighs.
Creating a sense of calm in my life was something I’d worked hard at. I strived to maintain it every damn day and would for the rest of my life. Yet I felt like this woman was capable of shattering all my hard work to tiny pieces.
This morning, as I got into my truck, ready to head to the office for the day, I noticed her car was still parked in the driveway. It was there when I got home that night and the following morning when I left for work again.
It hadn’t moved.
“Isn’t it time she went back home?” I grumbled, sliding the truck window up, then down before settling on half down. I drove to work, carried out my usual routine of waving at various townsfolk, listened to Harriet’s inane chatter about the Kardashians and Taylor Swift’s new album until it was time for me to visit Raleigh Spa & Guest Ranch.
Raleigh Ranch was on the opposite side of town to Redemption Ranch and was also completely opposite in appearance. Where Redemption was homey and cozy in its rustic aesthetic, Raleigh was almost clinical, extravagant in its opulence. Because it was a spa and guest ranch as opposed toa working cattle ranch, guests paid top dollar for the privilege of staying within its walls. With the state-of-the-art spa, the mountains in the background and picturesque views, it was a sight to behold. But something about it had always felt a little…off.
Duke Raleigh, the current owner of the ranch, met me as I pulled up outside the main guest house. We shook hands, his grip firm and unyielding but so was mine. I liked Duke, respected him. He’d taken this ranch and made it one of the most impressive in the state. Even beating out Redemption. The rivalry between the ranches was well documented which is why it took me by surprise when I spotted Daisy Cartwright, Kat’s sister, sweeping the floor in the grand entranceway.
“Daisy?” I called, confused. Surely that wasn’t her in a little French maid’s outfit? She raised her head, her red hair slicked to her skin and her eyes bugged when she spotted me. She hurried over to me, cheeks flaming as bright as her hair.
“Whatever you do, Tate,do nottell Kat you’ve seen me here!” she hissed, glaring at Duke who smirked down at her.
“My lips are sealed.” I mimed zipping my mouth. She stuck her tongue out at Duke who grunted and spun on his heel. I followed after him, having zero interest in whatever was happening between them. I just needed to focus on the animals then leave.
I looked the cow over. She seemed listless and her eyes were dull. “When did the calf get removed?”
