Page 51 of Skye's Fall
“Past is the past. I didn’t think about anything. I married her to keep her quiet or me quiet because of the accident. I should have just done the right thing in the first place. To be honest, she wanted to. I was a scared asshole who didn’t want my career to end when it just started. We never should have married.”
“Yeah.” That’s more than he’s ever said to me, but wow.
“What are you going to do now?”
“Don’t know. I need time to think.” I need time away from here.
“I’ll drive you home,” he says, reading my mind.
I ride in silence, can’t even think, which is why I wanted to leave in the first place.
“Tell Sal I’m done,” I say to Memphis as I shut the door. My life has gone to hell in a handbasket. And the woman I love is at the forefront of it all.
What happened to the baby? Why did she keep it from any of us? Did she have an abortion?
My dog runs out the door, Ariel rushing after him.
“Sorry, we were going to bring him today, but Ever texted and said you most likely would be coming home.” Ever, always looking out for people. I wonder what she thinks of all of this.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“I’m making dinner. Brick is out in the barn if you want to go out there and see the horses,” she says.
I just nod, and head that way.
“Heard you had a rough day,” Brick says coming out of the tack room.
“You could say that.” That’s putting it mildly.
“Don’t know all what happened, but before you go confronting her, you need to get your shit together,” he says. Thanks, Dad.
“I don’t think I want to talk to her,” I mutter.
“You say that now, but you will.” Brick takes a bucket into one of the stalls and I take my time wandering around, checking out the horses. They push their head over the stalls, recognizing me, and I want to cry. I’m grateful that most were found.
“Hey boy. I’m sorry you were taken from me. Never again,” I pat Joey’s head. He’s a sweet soul. Can always sense when someone is upset and he loves to comfort them.
I move from stall to stall, petting and feeding sugar cubes to the horses. I’ve missed this. When Skye walked out of my life, I found solace in my ranch. I never dated anyone after her. That’s how much it hurt when she left. My heart broke and I didn’t want anyone else. Not to say that I didn’t have girls trying. Every time I went to town, someone old or young wanted me. I’m not bad to look at, but I think it had to do with money. Money makes people do stupid things. I never used any of it unless I was making upgrades to the barn or buying groceries. I like simple. Ever never felt that way, it’s why we’re good friends. She only saw me. And for a while, I thought Skye saw me. I definitely saw her. I saw through that thick skin she has. She’s beautiful and stubborn and nice and sweet, sometimes sassy. Deep down, she has a beautiful heart. I thought she still did. Am I wrong? There has to be a good reason to keep a secret that big. It not only involves me but Memphis as well. I don’t know what to think.
“Dinner!’ Ariel yells from the house.
“What is she cooking?” I ask as we make our way up to the house. Whatever it is, it smells good.
“Dumplings. She loves Ever’s cookbook, makes a different dish every night. I’ve put on ten pounds,” Brick rubs his belly and I laugh.
“Doesn’t look like it,” I snort.
“You checking me out?” Brick knocks my shoulder, causing me to laugh.
“You are not my type,” I say with a snort.
“Good to know,” he mocks me. It feels good to laugh after the day I’ve had.
“Wash your disgusting hands,” Ariel throws over her shoulders.
“Any more disgusting when they’re between your legs,” Brick kisses her.
“Harsh,” she laughs, “and rude and gross.” I agree, disgusting, but she takes it in stride. Ariel loves him, faults and all. That’s what I want.
