Page 116 of Peaches & Pistols

“We watched you grow up just the same as our boys, every tooth lost, every success and every challenge.” Walter grows serious, and Cecelia switches to comforting her husband.

“You boys were still young when we accepted the ranch wasn’t salvageable as a functioning cattle ranch. We sold off the remaining livestock and equipment and with that money, expanded the main house, started Swift Property Management, and bought the bones of what would become the Cascade Hotel.

“With the future of the ranch up in the air, we wanted to protect as much of the land as we could and keep it in the family. We had the land assessed and put portions into a trust to protect it in the event we had to sell off parcels in the future.

“Obviously we protected the main house, the stables, barns, and entryway. And as you well know, we protected a plot of land for each of our sons to build a home on someday. All I know is life works in mysterious ways, because during the time we were working with the attorneys, you lost your father.” Walter pauses, and shards of glass slice through me the way they did when I found out he’d died all those years ago.

“And there was an eleven-year-old boy left alone with an absent mother, who we’d come to love like our own blood. You see, son, you were already a beloved member of our family, one of our boys. So, when it came time to finalize the land trust, we added one more plot of land to be protected.” Walter meets my eyes, love shining back at me. I don’t dare look to Cecelia or I’ll fall apart.

Finding my voice, I manage, “I don’t understand.”

Walter smiles one of those smiles you only get from a dad.

“Then let me repeat myself. We protected a plot of land for each of our sons to build a home on someday.”

“But I’m n⁠—”

“You are, dear. You always have been,” Cecelia says through tears.

The truth rolls over me like an avalanche.

Everything they’ve done for me over the years was because I was their son, not because they pitied me, or were being kind to their children’s friend. They truly love me.

Memories flash rapid fire as the realization sinks in. It’s no wonder they’ve always called themselves Harper’s grandparents and never once waivered in their devotion to her.

This is why they lovingly accepted Mia and Everly, my future wife and daughter.

“Your land is where the original house sits. We’ve maintained it since the new main house was built. It’s yours to do with as you see fit, son. Renovate it, keep it the same, tear it down, whatever you want. The only thing it’s missing is a stable for Pickle, but Pickle’s welcome to stay at the main stables if you choose not to build one.” Walter chuckles.

The parents I never knew were really mine round the desk and I stand to thank them. How do you thank someone for changing your life and protecting you for over thirty years?

From our history, they’re waiting for a handshake. What they get is the biggest hug I’ve ever given, connecting with the parents I owe everything to.

38

Ihaven’t told Everly about Carter. How do you tell your vulnerable seven-year-old her biological dad was a wife-beating coward who cared more about his reputation than fighting to keep parental rights?

Greyson texted saying the mail arrived, so I popped downstairs to grab it and for a quick behind-the-register make-out session. I didn’t want to stop, but a customer came in and the bell over the door made me yelp.

Normally I’d set the mail on the counter to sort through later in the day, but something compelled me to check immediately. An unassuming white envelope towards the bottom of the stack sends me lurching back as if it burned me.

I’ve barely pressed the call button when Greyson answers the phone.

“Everything alright, honey?” is his greeting, considering I saw him minutes ago.

“Yes. But, um, if you have time, could you come upstairs please?” Greyson hollers to an employee to watch the register and seconds later, his heavy boots take two steps at a time up the metal stairs outside.

He doesn’t hang up the call until he has eyes on me. I heat with embarrassment from his assessment making sure I’m not hurt. Several wide paces brings him to me, and my anxiety calms being wrapped in his arms. I clutch the back of his flannel shirt as if he might slip through my fingers.

He gives me a moment to gather myself but waiting to find out what’s going on is ratcheting his anxiety higher by the second. Reluctantly, I pull from his protective embrace and hand him the envelope. His brows furrow before looking from the envelope to me.

“Will you open it with me?” I ask, suddenly insecure I’ve interrupted his workday over a stupid piece of paper. My fears are dashed immediately.

“Of course, honey. I’ll always be here whenever and however you need me.” He takes my hand and leads me to sit on the couch.

Greyson nudges me to take the envelope, but I tuck my arms around my shaking form, so he’ll open it for me. A quick rip and the crinkle of unfolding paper is all the warning I get before one of the best moments of my life.

Greyson says words I’ll never forget. “You’re free, Mia. You never have to worry about him again.”