Page 56 of Unspoken Hearts
Dad’s tongue runs along his lip, nodding slowly. “Care to elaborate on that? Sometimes talking about it helps.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I dip my chin. “I have just been thinking about… all of this. Do you think I can handle taking over Honey Haven on my own?”
His eyebrows pinch together, making my shoulders tighten. “Did you have something else in mind?”
“I just don’t want to screw this up. You have worked so hard on keeping this place alive since Grandad passed, and I wouldn’t want to ruin that,” I answer honestly.
His mouth downturns, and I feel my chest sinking a little when Dad levels me with a look. “I wouldn’t be retiring if I didn’t think you were capable. I was your age when I took over from your grandfather. He knew that I was ready, and as the oldest, I was raised to follow after him, just like you.”
“So, you are giving this to me because I’m the oldest?”
Leaning back, Dad looks at me for a long beat, studying me closer before shaking his head. “You are also the most mature, and you know a lot more than your brothers. I’ve seen you studying your books, taking control in situations and showing initiative."
The pressure weighs down on my shoulders as I run my hands through my hair, avoiding Dad’s intense stare. “Okay,” I murmur halfheartedly.
I feel him watching me as I try concentrating on our work. But Dad interrupts me. “You live and breathe this place, Reid. It’s in your blood.”
“The ranch is my home,” I say without hesitation, forehead creasing.
Dad nods, clearing his throat. “Exactly, which is why you are in this position. It’s time for you to lead.”
My finger taps incessantly against the bench, and I know Dad is watching one of my many nervous habits. “But what about Grayson?”
“What about him?”
I let out a short breath. “I know he has wanted this as well for… years.” I shrug. “What if he helps me?”
Dad’s gaze holds mine for a few long beats before his jaw ticks. “Gray…”
“I think he’d want this, too. We can do it together.” I glance down at the papers again at my hands, not wanting to see the questioning in his eyes.
Rubbing at his jaw, Dad asks, “Is that what you want, Reid?”
I nod slowly, because truly, I think it’ll be the only thing that will mend our rocky relationship. “Yeah, I do.”
He’s quiet for a long moment, and I can feel his stare on me.
I glance up and swallow. “I just think it’s what needs to be done, and I also need the help.”
Dad hums in agreement, folding his arms over his chest. “You two have been at odds for a long time. I think it’s a good idea. It’ll bring you closer again.”
“Exactly,” I murmur.
Nodding, Dad’s gaze flickers onto the clock before cleaning his throat. “Let’s keep going before Sawyer arrives, because we both know you lot won’t do anything once he’s here.”
That makes me chuckle.
“Did someone sayparty?”
My eyes snap onto my little brother, Sawyer, who is walking towards me from the back porch, hands shoved in his track pants and a goofy smile is plastered across his clean shaven face. I want to scuff it up his tawny hair that’s trimmed and styles so badly just to annoy him. With tattooed arms and athletically toned body, he definitely looks like the top winger he is, but I’ll always see him as my annoying little brother.
Grinning, I climb through the wooden slats of the fence and pull him into a hug. It’s been almost a month since I last saw him, and it’s not the same here without him.
“I’d hardly call this a party,” I murmur when he pulls away, snickering.
“I am the party. Brought it with me from Sydney, which I should tell you, is not as nice as this place.” He glances around, sucking in a deep breath of fresh country air.
I sniff out a laugh. “You should have stayed here, then.”
