Chapter 57 Reese
The whole fucking rodeo showed, there’s people everywhere. Laughter, hollers, and kids squealing, fill the evening air and it brings me unfettered joy.
Lucy’s been running around, making sure everyone’s doing okay. The volunteers seem to love her, and I’m not surprised.
The crowd grows as the night goes on, and I’ve got a surprise in store for everyone later.
“Man, Lucy really outdid herself,” Mason says, sidling up beside me. “This is kind of incredible.”
“It is,” I agree with a chuckle.
“Imagine the ranches we could help if we did this every year,” his voice sounds far away, as if he didn’t mean to say it out loud.
Turning to look at him I nod, “I think Lucy was on to somethin’ with this. Especially if we make it annual.”
“Let’s see how tonight turns out,” Mason chuckles, “and then we’ll talk about next year.”
We shake hands and he walks off spotting Lin in the crowd.
She’s working the kiddy pony ride, and her smile’s been plastered on all night.
I’ve even seen her cheering for the ones who were almost too afraid to try to ride but did it scared.
She’s always had a soft spot for those ones, I think they remind her of herself.
“Reese.”
The only voice that can make my blood boil sounds behind me and I stiffen before I turn, finding my father standing there with his hands in his pockets and a pleading look on his face.
“Leave.”
One word. One chance. If he doesn’t leave on his own I’ll make him. Mama and Yates are here somewhere, and if she sees him, I know it will send her into a panic.
“Please, son–”
“No,” I roar, grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the crowd toward the outskirts of the tents. “I’m not your son, and you sure as fuck ain’t my father.”
He closes his eyes, and takes a breath no doubt trying to contain his need to hit something. “I need to–”
“Leave,” I fill in for him. “You need to leave, get out of here and never come back. I don’t want shit to do with you.”
His face drops, but he stands his ground. “Reese, I understand why you’re upset–”
“Upset?” I scoff. “No, I’m pissed. You have no right showing up here, and absolutely no business being anywhere near me, or Mama.”
“I’m just trying to–” his eyes land on something over my shoulder and he ducks his head.
“Piss me off? Congratulations, you did it. Now fuck off.”
“You know what? Forget it, whatever happens, that’s on you. I tried.”
I watch as he walks away, clear across the carnival toward the parking area. My blood boils in my veins as I do. Who the hell does he think he is?
Taking a minute for myself, I breathe in the late summer air. Smells of popcorn, candy, and freshly cut grass fill my senses and I shake off the entire encounter.
Finding Goldie will help, she’s my center. I plan to speak to her brother soon, man to man. Since she told me about her parents dying, I want to make sure he and I have a tight knit relationship.
Plus, I think Spencer’s pretty alright. Heath’s not so bad either, especially since he’s been tamed. And Maxine’s already given me her blessing. At our family breakfast weeks ago, she pulled me to the side and told me all she wanted was to see Lucy happy.
I plan to do just that.
She’s playing a game with Briar, throwing darts at balloons full of water. The more they hit, the more water they build up. Lucy doesn’t take the prize that’s offered, instead she tells the volunteer to give it to the next player.
They smile at her and wave as the pair turns around. Spotting me, she smiles wide and winks.
This fucking woman.