Page 28 of Returning to Pine Ridge
“I … I didn’t think about that,” I admit.
“Well, think about it now,” Dad says. “You’re smart, Atlas. You’re talented. One bitter boss in Denver doesn’t define your career. You have options. More options than you think.”
I feel a seam crack open inside me—one I’ve kept sealed since I got laid off. The shame, the fear, the crushing weight of failure.
“I’m sorry,” I say, and the words feel inadequate. “I’m sorry that I’m in this mess. I’m sorry that I lied to you and Mom. I’m sorry that I’ve been such a disappointment.”
Dad stands up and pulls me into a hug. It’s unexpected, and for a moment, I just let myself be held by my father like I haven’t been since I was a kid. His arms are solid and safe, and I can feel his support in the simple act of him holding me.
“I’m proud of you,” he says, his voice rough with emotion. “I’ll admit I was scared and a little disappointed when I found out you lied to us, but you were put in an impossible situation, and even then, you’re still fighting for what’s right in your home town. You’re fighting to protect this community. That’s something, Atlas. That’s integrity. That’s character. That’s the kind of man I raised you to be.”
I hold onto him tighter.
When we finally pull apart, I ask, “Can I come home? Like, actually come home? I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
Dad smiles, and there’s a knowing look in his eyes. “I suspect that if you’re in Pine Ridge, you won’t be spending that much time at home anyway. But yes, you’re welcome to stay.”
He winks, and I feel my face flush.
“I really like him,” I admit. “Like, Ireallylike Kai.”
“I think he likes you too,” Dad says. “The way he looks at you, that’s not casual. That’s a man who’s falling.”
The back door opens, and Sofia walks in with Emma and Lucas trailing behind her. Emma spots me first, and her face lights up.
“Uncle Atlas!” she shouts, abandoning her mother to run toward me.
I catch her as she launches herself at me, lifting her up and spinning her around. She squeals with delight, her arms wrapped around my neck.
“Hey, Ems,” I say, setting her back down. “How’s my favorite niece?”
“I’m your only niece,” she says, giggling.
“Exactly. That makes you my favorite.”
Lucas tugs on my jeans. “Uncle Atlas, did you bring us presents?”
I crouch down to his level. “Not today, buddy. But I’m staying in town for a while, so maybe we can have some fun together. Would you like that?”
His face brightens. “Can we go to the hardware store and help Grandpa? I’m very good at counting now.”
“I think that can be arranged,” I say, ruffling his hair.
Sofia sets down the bag of groceries she’s carrying and takes one look at us—Dad wiping at his eyes, me surrounded by my niece and nephew—and her expression shifts.
“What’s going on?” she asks, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “Why do you both look like you’ve been crying?”
“We haven’t been crying,” Dad says, but his eyes are still slightly wet. “Atlas just came home early, and we’ve been having a conversation.”
Emma tugs on my sleeve. “Why would Uncle Atlas make you cry, Grandpa?”
Sofia kneels down to her daughter’s level. “Sometimes grown-ups cry when they’re happy, sweetheart. Or when they’re being honest with each other.”
Emma looks back at me, and I can see her assessing the situation. She’s always been good at reading people.
“Honest about what?” she asks, her older sister instincts clearly activated and passed down from her mother.
“About my debt and being homeless and the fact that I’ve been lying to everyone for months,” I say, figuring there’s no point in hiding it now. “And about the fact that I might actually stay in Pine Ridge for a while instead of running back to Denver.”
