Page 41 of Redemption

Flowers from a recent visitor added a splash of color to the grey stone. I placed my flowers and Luna’s beside the others, then straightened.

“Dad, I can’t do it anymore,” I said. “I can’t take over Harrington Ranch. I’ve made our ranch prosper beyond what you and Grandpa William had, but I can’t fulfill the rest of my promise to you.”

The only sound in the cemetery was the distant call of a bird. I heaved a sigh.

“You see, your attempt to keep me and Anna apart didn’t work. I still love her after all these years.”

My voice cracked. Squaring my shoulders, I continued.

“Would you have taken what Mom had from her? I don’t think so. It’s the same over here. I can’t take Anna’s inheritance from her, not when I want her to spend the rest of her life with me.”

Saying those words out in front of my father’s grave brought relief. With a final glance at the headstone, I turned and walked away.

Feeling light, I whistled all through the drive to Harrington Ranch. A part of me needed to see Anna. To ensure that she was doing okay after the accident. Once I arrived, I got out of the truck and walked up to the ranch house. Anna answered the door. Our eyes met, and she smiled.

“Max, how are you doing?”

“I’m fine. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you’re okay after what happened yesterday.”

“I’m doing alright. Thanks.”

Together, we walked around the ranch. I pointed out areas that needed attention. A section of the fence was sagging. A barn roof needed patching, and the irrigation system in the fields could be improved.

When we were truly alone, away from the prying eyes of Ethan, Jake, and Beth, I paused. Holding Anna’s hand, I stepped closer.

“The annual Marfa Lights Festival is coming up next weekend. Would you like to come with me?”

She smiled, her thumb caressing my hand in a way that made me hyperaware of her.

“I’d like that. It’s been a long while since I attended. I’ve missed the live music, food stalls, parades, and the view of the mysterious lights that appear here.”

A wave of happiness washed over me. I had another chance with Anna after all these years. I stepped even closer, heart racing as she looked up at me.

“It’s a date then.”

“Yeah, it is.”

I moved a curl of hair away from her face. At that moment, I noticed the curve of her lips. I wondered what it would feel like to peck them for a second.

“Anna, please, I need your attention at the ranch house,” Beth’s sharp voice called.

My eyes snapped to the housekeeper, who was standing a few feet away. She glared at me, then her eyes softened once Anna turned.

“There’s a bit of a problem in the kitchen,” she said emphatically.

“Okay,” Anna replied. She squeezed my hand. “See you later.”

Then she left with Beth.

As I drove back to my ranch, the promise of a new start with Anna filled me with a sense of anticipation I hadn’t felt in years. I wanted to explore what we could be together.

But amidst this budding hope, the thought of telling Richard I was no longer interested in buying Harrington Ranch loomed over me like a dark cloud. How would I break my tie with him without unraveling everything I’d worked towards?

13

Anna

IhadfeelingsforMax, undeniable feelings.

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