Page 74 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
“You would love Gabe, Gram. He’d laugh at all your jokes, I have no doubt.” The lump catches in my throat as it always does. But it’s not Gram that I need to talk to today.
I’ve not been here since they buried my grandfather next to my cherished gram that day. It wasn’t even grief I felt that particularly sunny morning. It was something complicated and mixed up with hate and rage that set me on a path of self-destruction for several days before Jackson stepped in and told me it was time to settle down and let it go.
But sometimes things can’t just remain unsaid. Even to the dead.
“Jeremiah, you almost won, you know. Once again, I took your bait and jumped through all your hoops like the trick pony you turned me into.” A dry laugh bubbles out as I stare at his name engraved on the granite stone. “I get the last word, though. I bet you thought I’d walk away from all the money and be too scared to see any kind of relationship through. I know you thought I was worthless, but guess what? I’m not.”
Heaving a breath, I pace between the two stones as the words that have sat unspoken for far too many years come flying out.
“I did everything I could to keep the ranch because I thought you didn’t want me to have it. Then found out you sort of did,but you had to make me work for it. You could never just let me have a single win or anything easy. Most people would say that builds strength, but that only works when there’s love with it. You never showed me love!” My shout feels out of place here, like I’m disrespecting the rest of the others, and I bring my voice back down. “When Gram died, so did any ounce of compassion you had. I lost the breeding stock to keep the ranch. Funny how the one thing I stood up for, having my name on that business, was the one thing that kept me afloat until this mess you crafted was settled.”
Resigned, I kneel in front of Jeremiah Burke’s headstone and say words I never thought I’d ever say to the man. “In the end, though, I have to thank you, Jeremiah. I bet you thought marriage would scare me off and make me walk away from the money so it could feed your dislike for people like me. But you underestimated me, and you gave me a gift worth far more than your money. It didn’t start out that way, but Gabe became my husband because of you. He’s patient and kind, smart as all get out, and he’s learning to ride. Mack loves him. He has the cutest little smile when he’s trying to push my buttons.”
Huffing a breath and wiping at the wetness in my eyes, I continue because this notion that my grandmother is listening takes hold.
“You didn’t need to make both of us miserable because she died, you know. We could have helped each other.” I think I might be crying for the old bastard, and I’m not sure what that means. Or maybe I’m crying from relief that I’ve unloaded this to deaf ears. “I’m sorry you couldn’t get over losing people in your life,Jeremiah. I really am. Because I know how it felt, too, and I’m not walking that road anymore.”
Pushing to stand, I feel lighter as I listen to the birds singing in the trees and mull over the words I just said. The one person in the world I despised pushed me together with the love of my life. Maybe it’s more complicated, or maybe it’s just that simple, but it still happened because of him.
“Thanks, Granddad. I wish our story could have ended differently, but it’s not too late for me to write a better ending for myself.”
With a last nod, I return to my truck and sit in silence a little longer. I feel like I should never forgive him for all he put me through, but a peace sits with me now, and I can’t deny I feel lighter for it.
This must be the part people talk about, where you feel free after finally letting go.
Putting my truck into gear, I back out of the tiny lot without a final glance.
I’m definitely free, but maybe I should thank Gabe for that.
twenty-one
Gabe
The ranch house is quiet when I get home.
Kicking off my boots and juggling the takeout bags, I call out for Hunter. “Hunter? I’m home!”
When no call back comes, I pull out my phone to call him. His truck is in the yard, and he knows I’m bringing dinner. It’s unlike him not to keep me posted if plans change.
Just as I’m about to dial his number, I hear footsteps and a thump upstairs, followed by a curse that I know is Hunter. After leaving the food on the table, I take the stairs to investigate what my husband is up to.
Hunter exits our bedroom and almost crashes into me.
“Shit, you’re home already. I lost track of the time.” He bends to kiss me, and it’s not a quick peck. This is a full-on make-out kiss that leaves me panting…and confused.
“Not that I’m complaining, but, uh…I brought dinner home and…why are you smiling like that?”
“Like what?” Hunter steps in front of me, blocking my way to the bedroom.
“Are you hiding something?”
“Nothing bad. I promise. But we can eat first.” He closes the bedroom door behind him.
“Hunter, I won’t enjoy dinner until I know why you’re acting so weird.”
When Hunter lets go with a genuine laugh, he’s the most breathtaking man I’ve ever seen. His entire aura is happy, not just his facial features. Right now, he radiates happiness like the sun, and I’m directly in its path.
“Sorry. It’s not weird. I’m just really fucking happy.” He smooths his hands down my arms, and for a moment, he looks almost shy. “Let’s have dinner and I’ll explain.”
