Chapter 31

"Hey," I tell Maddie on the phone early on Friday, "I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

"I can't wait to see you either," she says. "I've got some amazing news."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"It's something I want to tell you in person, Dave. I'm just so excited."

Her voice is jubilant, and I'm not sure I've ever heard her sound quite as happy as she does right now.

I'm happy as well—happy that I'm going to be seeing her tomorrow evening.

Not happy that my uncle is fighting cancer.

He's heading toward some nasty chemo and radiation, and he and Aunt Melanie have pretty much gone into seclusion.

I'd probably do the same thing if I were him.

I'm not happy about the talk I'm about to have with my father, either, where I'll tell him I want to leave the position I've trained for my whole life and work with my uncle instead.

But all that matters right now is that Maddie is happy about something.

"Whatever it is, I'm glad about it because you sound ecstatic."

"I totally am, Dave. I just have so much to share with you."

"And you're sure you don't want to tell me any of it over the phone? I could use some good news."

"No, I totally do not. It's just too much excitement."

I chuckle. "All right. I'll see you at six o'clock sharp. Dress nicely. I'm taking you to the Fortnight."

"Oh my God, that's so funny. I was just thinking about that place."

"Were you?"

"Yeah, I was out with this new friend of mine, and he?—"

"He?"

"Yeah, he's just a friend. He helped me make up some biology labs?—"

"Sounds like a date to me, Maddie."

"Oh, no, it wasn't." She pauses. "Although I think he thought it was."

"Oh my God… Did he try anything?"

"Just a kiss."

Fury consumes me. The jealousy. It's like a green madness has overcome me.

"Maddie…"

"He's just a friend. I promise. I made it very clear when he tried to kiss me that I was seeing someone else. We ended up talking until one a.m. in the dorm lounge, and I actually helped him with?—"

A fist of darkness closes around my heart. "Maybe we shouldn't go out tomorrow."

"Dave, don't be like that."

"If you're going out with other guys…"

"I told you, I'm not. Let's just talk tomorrow, okay? I have so much great news."

I take a deep breath and remind myself that I'm not that guy.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. I'm just a little on edge. With Uncle Joe and everything with my family. And Pat Lamone is my damned cousin."

All that plus I haven't even told Maddie I'm about to switch careers. Damn.

"I understand. I can't wait to see you, Dave."

"Yeah. Six sharp, Maddie."

I end the call, wanting to say I love you.

But she hasn't said it back to me yet, so I don't.

I don't think she's lying to me. The guy may have thought it was a date, and maybe she didn't. Or maybe she did think it was a date and?—

I shake my head quickly to clear it. I can't go there right now. Too much on my mind, and I don't want anything to ruin tomorrow with Maddie.

Dad and I have been going over lots of documentation, getting the ownership all transferred.

I'm heading into town now to see Donny at his office as the city attorney. He'll help me get everything recorded accurately.

And then…

I breathe in.

I've scheduled some time with Dad. After talking at length with Uncle Talon and finding out he's thrilled for me to be on board, I knew it was time.

I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Maddie was not on a date with another guy, I tell myself. And she has exciting news.

Embrace the excitement for her. It will help you get your mind off your own damned problems.

Even though I know I don't have any problems. Uncle Joe is the one with the problem, and damn… He's not just my uncle. He's Brock's father. And Brock is closer to me than my own brother is.

I draw in another breath.

Time to focus on the task at hand, see Donny and Callie, get these damned new deeds recorded.

And then…my father.

I stand at the door to my father's office for a solid five minutes before I finally gather up enough courage to knock.

"Come in."

I open the door slowly. The hinges squeak.

Dad looks up and smiles. "Dave. How are you doing?"

I stand in the doorway. "Not bad." I clear my throat.

Dad gestures to one of the burgundy plush wingback chairs facing his desk. "Take a seat, won't you?"

I nod and slowly sit down in the chair.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

It should be easy to say. I want to change careers, Dad. I want to work with Uncle Talon and Brianna in the orchards.

And then he'll burst into tears, asking me how I could do this to him right as he's about to lose his best friend to brain cancer.

I swallow. My dad won't do that. I'm just imagining the worst possible scenario.

"So, you've probably noticed that I've been a little…off since returning to the States."

Dad clasps his hands together on his desk and nods. "Of course. We've all been affected by Joe's news, and I know you were still a little shaken from that trouble on the plane to Paris."

I take a deep breath in. "Yes. And I've had a hard time readjusting to work since getting back. But last week, a thought struck me. I called Brianna and asked if she could use any help in the orchards that day."

Dad cocks his head. "You worked in the orchards?"

I nod. "Surprised the hell out of me. But for some reason, in that moment, I was craving manual labor, and by a twist of fate, Bree was working outside because one of her foremen called in sick. I needed something physical to help my mind iron out some of the kinks. And the weird thing was that it worked, Dad."

Dad strokes his chin. "The mind and body are one and the same, so that makes sense on a certain level." He looks over at me. "But why did you need to tell me this, Dave? Surely you're leading up to something."

I run my hands through my hair. "Yeah, Dad, I am. When I was working with Brianna, everything just fell into place. Several hours passed, and I didn't even realize it until the sun started to set."

Dad frowns but doesn't say anything.

"And it got me thinking," I go on, "that maybe that is what I should be doing for the family business. Working in the orchards, doing the work, getting my hands dirty. Instead of sitting behind a computer screen all day."

Dad narrows his gaze. "Are you saying that what I do isn't noble work?"

I put my hands up in front of me. "Of course not, Dad. It's just… I don't think it's how I want to spend my life. Anyone in the family can do what I do, and they can do it better. But I think I can make a real difference in the orchard, especially once Uncle Talon decides to hang up his hat for good."

Dad closes his eyes and takes a slow breath in.

This is it. He's going to explode on me.

So I keep talking, trying to stave off the blast. "In the orchard, I feel alive, connected to nature. I love the fresh air, the scent of the soil, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. It's peaceful yet invigorating. I found joy there, and it's where I see my future. Plus, with my business background, I'll be a valuable asset to Uncle Tal when he's working on that end."

He opens his eyes, and I brace myself.

But he doesn't explode. "Dave," he says calmly, "I won't pretend I'm not disappointed. I love working with you on the admin side of things."

"I know, and I'm so?—"

Dad holds up a hand to quiet me. "That said, I would be a horrible father to deny you the opportunity to try a new path if you think it will lead you to happiness. I'll miss having you around, but you have to do what you have to do. Have you talked to Talon about this?"

I nod. "I have."

"Then it seems to be settled."

I get to my feet. "Thanks, Dad. I know you won't regret this."

Dad laughs softly. "It's funny. Your sister was in here not an hour ago asking if there was a position for her with me once she graduates from college."

"Angie? No. She's got her heart set on medical school. It must be Sage."

Dad smiles. "Yes, Sage. This whole thing with Uncle Joe got her thinking about her future in a way she never has, I think. You know Sage. Always up for a good time. I told her that of course I'd find a place for her."

I scratch the side of my head. I guess sometimes things do come together.

"That's great, Dad. Someone as charismatic as Sage would be perfect working the business end."

Dad nods. "I think she will. And training her will give me something to keep my mind off Joe." His face twists for a moment, but he regains focus. "It sounds like this new position in the orchard will do the same for you."

I grin from ear to ear. "I think it will, Dad. To try new things." I rise and turn to the door. "Thanks again for understanding."

My hand is on the door when my father clears his throat.

I turn back around and face him. "Everything okay?"

Dad's head is cocked, and his eyes have a slight sparkle to them. "This change of heart wouldn't have anything to do with Madeline Pike, would it?"

I widen my eyes. "Why would Maddie have?—?"

"Because I had a very interesting conversation with Frank Pike earlier today. He seemed to be under the impression that the two of you are something of an item."

My cheeks warm. "We kind of got together in Europe. And we've been seeing each other here and there since getting back here."

Dad chuckles. "I think this is the first time I've heard of you going out with a girl for more than an hour. Sounds serious."

"It is, I think." I hesitate a minute, gathering my thoughts. "I'm in love with her, Dad. That plane ride really jolted my priorities into place. I think she might be the woman I end up marrying."

He crosses his arms. "Poor Maureen Pike. Four Steel in-laws. God help her whenever she hosts a family dinner."

I laugh. It feels good to laugh with my dad. I can't remember the last time we were having such a cheery conversation. Certainly not since I came home.

I turn back to the door. "Is that all, then?"

Dad holds up a singular finger. "One thing, Dave. If it's true love—and it sounds like it just might be—don't you ever let it go."

"Don't worry, Dad. I won't." I head out of his office. All of this talk about Maddie has my head in the clouds.

I'll call her and tell her how things went with Dad. I would love to hear her voice.

The phone rings a few times, then I get Maddie's voicemail.

I end the call. She has good news she wants to tell me in person, so I'll save mine for when we get together as well.

The next evening…

I'm driving along the winding road, the soft hum of the engine providing a comforting background to my thoughts. The sun is setting, casting a warm, orange glow across the landscape. Tonight is the night. The night I've been eagerly anticipating for several restless days. The night I'll see Maddie again.

Uncle Joe is still sick, but Dad and I are good with my change of career. And Maddie… Maddie and I are…

In love, I hope. At least we are on my end. I can't wait to say those three words to her again tonight. Maybe she'll say them back this time.

As I steer through the gentle curves of the road, I can't help but smile. It's funny how life can take unexpected turns. I remember the first time Maddie and I talked when we were younger, how her laughter was like music, and her eyes held a spark of curiosity that drew me in. There she was, all this time, right in front of me.

I glance at my rearview mirror, checking my reflection. I want to look my best for her, even though she's seen me at my most ordinary. Now that Dad is behind my change on the ranch and Uncle Talon has welcomed me aboard, the puzzle pieces are clicking together.

Maddie is the final piece.

A smile tugs at my lips again as I imagine her smile, the way her eyes light up when she sees me, the warmth of her touch. This is it, the real deal, and I couldn't be happier.

I close my eyes for a moment, dreaming of the life we'll forge tog?—

A deafening roar.

A massive truck swerves into my lane, its blinding headlights flooding my vision. Panic seizes my heart, and I grip the steering wheel, trying to swerve out of the way. But it's too late. The truck barrels into me, and everything goes dark.

My consciousness slips away as if it's been stolen. Time stops, and…

Silence.

Nothing but silence.

Then, a rush of sensations—the taste of blood, the throbbing pain in my head, the metallic smell of the twisted wreckage that used to be my car.

I try to move, but I can't. Fear grips me.

"Maddie!" I call out her name, but my voice is weak, barely a whisper. All I can think about in this moment is her.

The girl I've fallen in love with.

The girl I was supposed to meet tonight.

As the darkness closes in around me, I cling to the hope that somehow, some way, I'll see her again. I want to tell her how much she means to me, how my love for her burns brighter than anything I've ever known.

But for now, all I can do is hold on…

Pray that fate will give us another chance.