Page 99 of What Remains True
“This changes everything, Adam. Raising a child is serious, and that little girl is depending on you.”
“Yes ma’am. I know. I’m working on a plan.”
“I most certainly hope it includes quitting all this bull riding. You’ve been living a death wish, and you just can’t do that with a child depending on you.” Her jaw pulsed.
“I know, Mom. That’s not how it is.” He felt his defenses rise. “You could just as easily say that about Dad and his smoking. That’s not fair.”
She folded her arms across her chest.
“Mom, I don’t want to argue. I’m well aware I need to make some changes. I’m figuring it all out.”
She looked like she was about to cry. “When were you going to tell us?”
“I guess I was waiting until I knew what the plan was. To avoidthis.” Then he tried to soften his tone. “You’re her grandparents. I was going to tell you.”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I think this rodeo stuff is an addiction, like the thrill someone gets on drugs. Can we get you rehab? What can we do to help you?”
“Nothing. I’ll make the decisions that need to be made, and Zan is my priority.”
“It sounds like you know it’s time to be a father first.”
Isn’t that what I said?“I do.”
“And what about this gal?”
“Merry Anna?” He looked up toward the house. “All this is new. I’ve only known her a couple of months.” He smiled. “She’s not like anyone I’ve ever known.”
“My goodness. You have a lot going on.”
“You can say that again.” He felt like he was observing hisold life as a stranger. “I want to be the one to tell Dad about Zan.”
“Oh, Adam. If he finds out I knew about it and didn’t tell him, he will never forgive you or me, and I’ve already met her.”
“I just need a couple of weeks. Please?” The last thing he needed was Dad adding to all this.
She looked worried.
“Besides, you didn’t tell him you were coming here,” he reminded her. “You’d have that to explain too.”
“I shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong, but I was afraid he’d stop me.” She sat down. “Honey, I was so worried when I saw that video.”
“I’ll bring Zan to the house once I get it all figured out. It won’t be long. It can’t be.” He wondered what Merry Anna must be thinking right about now.
His mother glanced over at the car still sitting in the driveway. “I told the driver we’d probably have to go to the hospital. I guess I’ll have him take me back to the airport.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“You’re really going to come home? I want to know that little girl.”
“Yes ma’am. I don’t know how Dad’s going to take it all, but I’ll do my part.”
“He’s getting older, Adam. He’s softening. He does miss you.”
I’d never know it.
He waved as the car pulled out of the driveway. Merry Anna and Zan came back outside, but neither of them said a word. Questions hung in the air.
“If you’re feeling okay, I’m going to head home,” Merry Anna said. “I think you probably need some time to yourself.”
