Chapter 30
Good Days Ahead
Walker picked me up from work after his shift at the sheriff’s office, and we’re headed to my place for a low-key evening with Nugget and the kittens. He intertwines his hand with mine when I lean my head back against the seat, his other hand resting on the steering wheel.
I break the silence with something that’s been on my mind all day. “I want to tell the girls about how our relationship started. I think they deserve to know the truth.”
Walker glances over, letting out a low hum. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Really?” I ask, raising a brow.
He nods. “Yeah, of course. You know I told Heath, so if you think it’s important for your friends to know too, you should absolutely tell them.”
He told me about the recent conversation they had, and I’m grateful they had a long-overdue heart-to-heart.
In many ways, it was just as important as the talk I had with my dad—finally addressing lingering conflict and long-standing hurt feelings—and I’m relieved they were able to resolve their differences.
“Although I don’t think we should tell our parents. Ma may never forgive me for agreeing to our original arrangement,” Walker adds, shooting me a wink.
I let out a relieved sigh, glad we’re on the same page.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” I say.
Before my nerves get the best of me, I pull out my phone and type a message in the group chat, exhaling sharply as I hit send. Maybe it would have been better to tell the girls in person, but this is the easiest way to get it out there, and I’ll fill in the details when we’re together.
Backroads & Bad Decisions Group Chat
Birdie: So I have something I need to confess…
Charlie: You raided my closest and took my vintage Levi’s, didn’t you?
Briar: Before you return them, I want a turn. They can be our version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Wren: Wait, are those the ones with the cute patchwork on the back pockets? If so, I call dibs after Briar.
Birdie: I guess I have two things to confess. Yes, I did borrow those for a date with Walker because they make my butt look great.
Birdie: But also, Walker and I actually pretended to date at the start because I sort of also asked him to give me bedroom lessons, but we’re together for real now, and it’s getting serious.
Birdie: Thanks in advance for understanding! K love you all, bye. *kiss face emoji
Charlie is starting a group call…
Call not answered.
Charlie: Birdie Mae Matterson, you will be spilling all the tea later.
Briar: Uh-oh, she used your full government name. You’re in big trouble now, Birdie.
Briar: And for the record, I’m pretty sure Walker was never pretending.
Wren: So… does this mean half the group will be sisters eventually?
Briar: We could aim for three quarters. What do you think Charlie? *wink face emoji
Charlie: Never going to happen.
Briar: Never say never.
I glance up just as Walker drives past the turnoff to my place.
“Uh, my house is back there,” I remind him, motioning behind us.
He gives me a sidelong glance before returning his focus to the road ahead. “Sorry, I must not have been paying attention. Looks like we’re taking the scenic route today.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call another dirt road scenic, but sure,” I tease as he takes the next left instead of turning around.
This route will loop us in a wide square before we end up back at my house. We pass by several open pastures and barbed wire fences stretching toward the mountains rising in the distance. The view is striking with the sun hanging low and the sky streaked with soft oranges and pale pinks.
I shift forward in my seat as we near Mr. Grady’s property, my stomach dropping when I notice the For Sale signs that have long lined the front lawn are gone.
I blink, disbelief tightening my chest, half convinced I’m hallucinating.
Even knowing that owning the place was never a real possibility, the loss still stings.
I can’t help but wonder if another farmer bought it or if it went to an out-of-towner looking for a quiet country homestead.
I’m so wrapped up in my thoughts that I almost miss Walker pulling off the road and into the gravel area in front of the barn on Mr. Grady’s property. I frown when I notice the sheriff’s truck parked nearby.
I squint and spot my dad leaning against the driver’s side with his arms crossed. “Why are we at Mr. Grady’s? And what’s my dad doing here? Is this about Peaches and Daisy?” I ask, panic creeping into my voice.
He cuts the engine and reaches for my hand, giving a gentle squeeze. “No, baby, it’s nothing like that. Your dad wanted to show you something and asked me to bring you here to meet him.”
“Oh. What is it?” I ask, catching my bottom lip between my teeth.
A mischievous grin spreads across Walker’s face. “Only one way to find out.” He gets out of the truck, circles to my side, and opens my door.
“Thanks,” I say when he extends his hand and helps me down.
Dad pushes off his truck and walks over to join us. “Howdy there, you two. Appreciate you coming by.”
“Of course,” Walker replies, tipping his hat.
“Your mother wanted to be here, but she wasn’t feeling up to a car ride. Tess is staying with her until I get home,” Dad explains.
Now that he’s retiring, we won’t need nurses around the clock anymore, but the plan is for Tess to keep coming a few times a week, since she’s Mama’s favorite.
It’ll also help take some of the pressure off Dad.
He’s her husband above all, and I want to make sure he has the space to focus on spending quality time with Mama, and not just his role as her caregiver.
“I’m glad she’s getting some rest,” I reply, planting my hands on my hips. “Now are either of you going to tell me why we’re on Mr. Grady’s property?”
Dad shoots Walker a knowing glance before turning back to me. “It’s not Mr. Grady’s anymore, kiddo. It’s yours now.” He gestures to the surrounding pasture and barn. “Well, once the final papers are signed of course, but Mr. Grady and I shook on it, and he’s a man of his word.”
My mouth falls open, stunned. “Sorry… I don’t understand.”
“You’ve done so much for your mother and me over the years, and we wanted to do something to express our appreciation.
We’re both incredibly proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished.
” He straightens his shoulders, speaking with firm conviction.
“When Walker told me how much you wanted this land for your animal rescue and to start a nonprofit, there was no question I had to make your dream come true.”
I swore I wasn’t going to cry again for a long while after Mama came home from the hospital yesterday, but tears spring in my eyes as I rush into his embrace, throwing my arms around his neck.
I’m utterly stunned by his grand gesture, and it means more than I could ever put into words. It’s not just a gift—it’s a symbol of a new beginning and a reminder that, despite our ups and downs, he’s in my corner. That feeling is worth more than anything money could buy.
“Thank you, Dad,” I choke out, lifting my head to meet his tender gaze. “Thank you so much.”
He brushes a tear from my cheek. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you or your mother. You know that, right?’
“I do,” I whisper.
And for the first time since Mama’s diagnosis upended our lives, I truly mean it.
“We can’t wait to see what you do with the place, and whatever else you need along the way, we’re here.
” He gives me another hug before pulling back and glancing at the setting sun.
“I’d better head out before it gets dark.
I promised your mother I’d swing by the Prickly Pear for that peach cobbler she loves. ”
“Thanks again, Dad. We’ll stop by tomorrow,” I say, motioning between Walker and me. “I’d like your input on some early ideas for the new sanctuary.”
I’ve pictured this day for as long as I can remember, and I’m not about to waste a single moment turning it into reality.
“I’d like that,” Dad answers with a smile. “See you both then.”
“Have a good night,” Walker replies with a tip of his head.
“You too, son.” Dad gives him an approving nod before meeting my gaze. “You picked a good one, Birdie.”
I let out a bubble of laughter, pride swelling in my chest. “I really did.”
We watch him get into his car, and as he drives off, Walker winds his arms around me. I lean back against his chest, taking in the property stretching out before us.
“I can’t believe this is really all mine,” I say softly. “Thank you.”
“It was all your Dad,” Walker replies, gently rubbing my back.
He may not admit it, but I know he played a big part in making all this possible.
From the beginning, he’s been the driving force behind turning my hopes and dreams into reality and reminding me that the best parts of life are shared with the people who matter most. He’s also shown, by example that the right person will help carry your burdens, not out of obligation but out of love and devotion.
Walker leans down to press a kiss to my hair. “This place is going to be incredible once the renovations are done and it’s filled with rescue animals,” he says, nodding to the barn.
I tilt my head to glance back at him. “I’m going to need a strong man to help with all the manual labor. You in? A shirt is optional,” I tease with a wink.
“With a proposition like that, how could I refuse? Though if I take your dad up on his offer, I’ll have to put in nights and weekends around here.”
I ease out of his arms, spinning around to face him. “What offer?”
“He asked me to take over as sheriff,” Walker explains, his tone measured.
“That’s great news,” I exclaim, clapping my hands.
He rubs his palm over his jaw. “I told him I’d have to think about it.”
I shift back slightly, frowning. “Why?”
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that he’d handle brilliantly, if it’s what he wants.
Walker swallows hard, slowly meeting my gaze. “I had to talk with you first. We’re a package deal now, and any major decisions I make should be made together.”
“I think it’s an incredible opportunity to expand your career. You’ve accomplished so much as a deputy, and this would let you make an even bigger impact in the community. The real question is, do you want to be sheriff?”
He stares off in the distance, his expression unreadable as he thinks it over.
The offer must have caught him off guard, given that my dad gave no indication of retiring until this week.
Still, there’s no denying he’s the right man for the job.
Walker’s been clear that he wants to stop dividing his time between the ranch and the sheriff’s office, and this might be the change he’s been waiting for.
Now that he’s talked to Heath, I hope it brought him some clarity as he weighs his next step, especially knowing his brother stands behind him no matter what he decides.
More than anything, I want him to be fulfilled and find meaning in whatever he chooses next.
When he finally speaks, he bridges the distance between us.
“I do want to be sheriff. It’s an unexpected change, but with time, I’d like to think I could grow into the role.
” He cradles my face in his hands. “But my career’s no longer the center of my world.
I have something far more important now. ”
I place a hand on his chest, holding his gaze. “Oh? And what’s that?”
He leans close, his lips brushing mine. “You.” My breath catches, my fingers tangling in the fabric of his collar. “Plus, someone’s got to make sure you stay out of trouble, and what better way to do that than by being sheriff?” he taunts playfully.
I smirk. “And here I was hoping for the chance to add another mug shot to my collection.”
A teasing glint lights up his eyes. “I can think of a few ways you could do that and still skip the handcuffs and paperwork.”
“I wouldn’t mind the handcuffs, Sheriff,” I murmur, brushing my mouth against his.
“Fuck me,” he breathes out. “That title sounds so sexy when you say it.”
“I love you, Sheriff Halstead. I love you very much.”
“I love you too, Birdie, baby,” he whispers.