Page 50 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“Sure you can quit your job and retire.”

Mom blew out a long breath. “I can, but we’d need to move. It’s too expensive to stay here.”

He did the math and it wasn’t adding up. “You’ll have your retirement benefits, right?”

“Not yet. I can’t access those funds until I’m older.”

“You have your share in the ranch. Maybe I could buy —”

“No. I don’t have any shares left.”

“What do you mean? I don’t follow.” Uncle Joe had said she’d sold back some of her share of the ranch. Not her whole share. But he’d backpedaled when Sam had asked for specific details. It was Mom’s business to tell Sam, not his uncle’s.

“Over the years, when we’ve been short of funds, I sold most of my share back to Joe.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He could have helped. Perhaps not when he was in high school or college, but in the last few years.

“My father set up the inheritance trust for you. The trust remains intact and you have your family legacy. Since your father will only visit the ranch for a few days over Christmas…”

Dad was the reason. He’d pushed Mom to sell. It explained a lot. His father and uncle didn’t get along. Now he knew why Uncle Joe was careful in what he’d said regarding Mom and her share in the ranch. There was no money at the ranch to help Mom retire.

“So what’s your plan?” She had a plan, right? Mom always had a plan.

“I’ll still retire to the ranch. I’ve spoken at length with Joe and Lori. Even if you don’t settle at the ranch, I can pay my way and make it work.”

“What do you mean, I? What about Dad?”

“Your father is stubborn. I didn’t want to leave Gilead, but he insisted his health would improve if we moved here closer to his family.”

He nodded. Dad’s health was about the same. Possibly worse than before the move. “Has his health improved?”

Mom shook her head. “I miss you. I miss my family being nearby. I miss Colorado.”

He could relate. “What does Dad want?”

“To stay here. But I’m stressed and miserable. My friends from church are in Gilead, and I’m too busy working to see them. Too busy working to make new friends here. Your father hardly leaves the house.”

Dad wasn’t supporting Mom. His health issues were wrecking Mom’s health.

He rubbed his hand over his face. This situation was worse than he’d imagined. “Is your blood pressure high due to stress?”

“Probably. It’s been high for a while now. I’m on meds for that. And for migraines.”

“What has your doctor suggested?”

“Exercise. Lose weight. Sleep more. Work less. Reduce stress.”

He nodded. “That makes sense.”

“I don’t have time to exercise. Your father expects me to work and do everything at home. I don’t get enough sleep. My migraine issues are getting worse. My boss is supportive and trying to help me out, but the problems at home are too big.”

His blood pressure ramped up a notch. “Dad is a problem.”

More tears escaped from between Mom’s lashes. She used her sleeve to wipe them away. “I have vacation time accrued. Joe and Lori have invited me to stay at the ranch. I’m thinking about accepting their offer.”

“Will Dad go to Colorado?”

She shook her head. “He point-blank refuses. He doesn’t want me to go.”

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