Chapter 27
“ S o have you had any luck tracking down your mother?” I address the elephant in the room once we’ve all finished up with dinner. We’ve covered just about every subject that isn’t related to the fact Mitch and Hunter are father and son, and it’s not something that should be ignored. I think it’s incredible that they’ve found each other, and tonight's proven that they share the same kind of interests. Mitch has done nothing but talk about how great Hunter is to have on the ranch, so I know how proud of him he is.
“Unfortunately, not.” Hunter looks deflated as Mitch lifts up his plate and takes it to the sink. “Da— I mean Mitch had one of his friends look into her but they couldn’t find anything dated after my adoption. It’s as if she just vanished.” Hunter lowers his eyes as Mitch retakes the table.
“We’ll find her.” He grips the boy’s shoulder and gives him some assurance. “In the meantime, you keep up your hard work. I ain't ever seen someone pick up as quick as you do. You’re gonna be handy when we do the cattle drive next month.” Mitch changes the subject back to work again, and as happy as he looks to receive the praise, I also get the sense that Hunter was hoping for more from tonight. He didn’t come here to be a bunkhouse boy. He came here to spend time with his father.
Hunter stays another hour, drinks a few scotches, and listens to some of Mitch’s stories, most of which include the Carson brothers or his nephew Dalton. They laugh together, but behind all the smiles I see that they both regret that they’ve missed out on making their own memories. It’s neither of their fault and something that they will both have to make up for, now that they’ve found each other.
It’s later than usual when me and Mitch go to bed, and once we’re snuggled under the covers I decide to get something off my chest.
“You can talk about her, you know.”
“Talk about who?” Mitch settles his arm around me and places kisses in the dip between my neck and shoulder.
“Hunter's mother.” I turn to face him so he can’t shy away from it. “I understand that you had a life before me, that you’ve had women, it wouldn’t upset me if you had some answers for him. I know you are doing everything you can to find her, but you can share what you do know about her, don’t hold back because you're scared of hurting my feelings.”
“Everleigh.” He smiles at me sadly and strokes his hand through my hair. “I’m sad to say I don’t know anythin’ about her, other than the fact she lived in this town and lied to me about her age. Before you, I never paid much attention to females, not even the ones I brought home. I don’t know how many nights we shared, or where it happened. I was young back then and always lookin’ for a quick thrill. I wish I had answers for the boy, but I don’t.” I can tell he’s disappointed in himself so I quickly change the subject.
“He worships you, you know?” I smile fondly when I think about the way he looked at Mitch. It’s obvious that the boy aspires to be him. “We should have him over more often, and you shouldn't keep it a secret.”
“We ain’t keepin’ it a secret, we’re just waitin’ for the test results to be sure, then I’ll tell the whole yard, just like I did about you.”
“How long for the results?” I ask through a yawn, it’s been a long few days. Church really took it out of me yesterday and today I was brave enough to go with Savannah to the ranch to see Maisie and Leia again. It was fun, but like Mitch warned, very hectic.
“Any day now. I’m surprised they haven’t come already. I must get on to the company.” He tucks my head into his chest and rests his chin on top of my head. “Now, get some sleep. You must be tired.” I don’t answer him, just close my eyes and take in the comfort in having him with me.