Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

CASH

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the ranch, the air crackles with anticipation. The scent of burnt flesh lingers, branding irons hissing against the hide of the cattle. The sharp sting of adrenaline courses through my veins as I wrestle with the beasts, their wild eyes glaring with defiance.

Amongst the chaos, the rhythmic thud of hooves echo. The ground shakes as stallions gallop across the compacted earth, their thunderous power reverberating in my chest. The love I have for this ranch shows. It’s a balm to my soul. I hope, one day, my children will feel the same way about this land.

But amidst the relentless demands of the ranch, my thoughts betray me, consumed by images of Anna. Since her arrival, a flicker of desire has ignited within, blazing like wildfire in my soul. In her presence, she breathes life into the broken fragments of my existence. Being with Becky never felt this way. Yes, we had children, but I think we only had them because that’s what we thought we were supposed to do. Not because we loved each other. In fact, now that she’s gone, I’m not sure that I ever really loved her at all.

In the corners of my mind, I can see Anna, her voice filling the air as she reads to Bailey, their laughter tinkling through the house. The memory of their tea party dances before my eyes, delicate porcelain cups clinking in harmony, secrets whispered amidst the fragrant steam. The look in my little girl’s eyes when she glanced up at Anna was pure love. She truly wants to love Anna, and I think she’s starting to see her as the mother figure she’s so desperately longed for, a role that Becky never fulfilled.

Yet, Brooks remains distant, his indifference a bitter thorn in my heart. He’s turned a blind eye to Anna, as if she were a phantom haunting our lives. But my mother, perceptive as ever, recognizes the quiet strength within her. Every time she sees Anna, a smile tugs at her lips, a silent approval for this woman who stepped into our chaos with grace.

With each passing day, Anna has become more than a fleeting thought; she’s become the anchor I so desperately need. In her embrace, the weight of my burdens dissolve, replaced by a newfound hope. And as the ranch thrives under the moon's watchful gaze, I vow to find solace in her arms, to build a future where love and labor can intertwine. I am never letting her go. She is mine, always and forever.

After several days of comfortable routine, reality comes crashing around me when I hear the crunch of gravel in the driveway. Looking up, I see several trucks with men in them. Men with beards, all dressed exactly the same way, and I immediately know they are men from the church.

Walking out to greet them, I notice Brooks lingering over to the side. I find myself hoping Anna doesn’t walk out of the house while they are here. Hopefully she heard them and went to hide.

“Can I help you guys? I didn’t know we had any livestock deals going on for you to pick up today?”

The older man, who seems to be in charge, walks forward, putting his hand out for me to shake. I know this is probably the man that Anna was betrothed to marry, and for that reason, I don’t particularly want to shake his hand. Though, as not to draw suspicion, I take his proffered hand and give it a firm shake before letting go as quickly as possible.

“Hello, I am Jarod, the Prophet from the church. We were wondering if you had noticed anything strange going on lately. Seen anything or anyone around that shouldn’t be here?”

Brooks chooses this exact moment to make a smart remark. “We’ve seen someone around that shouldn’t be here. A pain in my ass.”

Flashing my son a sharp glare in warning, I clip, “Brooks, go inside and get your homework done. Now.”

Looking at the Prophet, I say, “Kids,” rolling my eyes and shaking my head for effect. “He’s going through one of those stages where he has a smart answer for everything.”

“You haven’t noticed anything strange?” he asks again.

Maintaining eye contact, I reply, “No. Why? Should I be concerned? Is there something going on?”

“No, we just wanted to make sure. Neighbors checking on neighbors, you know.”

I nod, feigning agreement, but I can’t help thinking, no, I don’t know, you slimy son of a bitch .

The group remain silent, but I notice them all, including the Prophet, casting furtive glances around the ranch. Their eyes locked on the barn, the shed, the house. They are clearly looking for Anna.

In an effort to get them to leave, I clear my throat and say, “Again, I haven’t seen anything unusual, but I’ll let you know if I do.”

As soon as the trucks disappear from sight, I rush into the house and find Anna in our bedroom. Perching on the side of the bed, I take her hand in mine and smile encouraging at her.

“Sweetheart, I know you’ve told me a little bit about your life in the church, but I need you to tell me more.” I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “I won’t force you tonight, but tomorrow we will talk, and you will tell me everything.”

I just hope the truth doesn’t tear us apart.