Page 13 of Wilde Hearts

Now her look of shock was slowly turning into pure anger. That I could understand. She had every right to be angry with me.

Pulling my eyes off her, I turned to see my father in the hospital bed, sleeping. My heart instantly ached when I realized how much he’d aged since I left as I slowly made my way toward him. Reaching for his hand, I leaned over him and kissed him on the forehead.

His eyes opened, and a wide smile grew across his face. “Colt?! Is that you?”

“Yeah, Dad, it’s me. I came as fast as I could when Mom called. How are you?”

“I’ve been better, but from what they tell me, I’ll be okay.”

Closing my eyes, I sent up a quick prayer of thanks. I glanced over at Ensley, who was still standing in the same spot. A mixture of emotions played over her beautiful face. She hadn’t changed…but she had. She was an older, more stunning version of the nineteen-year-old girl I’d left behind ten years ago.

“Is my mother here?” I asked her.

For a moment, I didn’t think she was going to answer me.

Then she cleared her throat. “I had her go back to the hotel to get some sleep. She hadn’t left your dad’s side since they got here yesterday.”

I smiled at her, grateful she was taking care of Mom. “I’m glad she’s getting some rest.”

Ensley moved her gaze to my father. “Jacob, do you need anything?”

“Some cold water would be nice, sweetheart.”

She practically ran from the room as she said, “I’ll go get that for you.”

I watched her over my shoulder until I heard the soft click of the door closing, then focused back on my father.

“I’m sure that was a surprise for both of you,” he said with a soft smile.

“How long has she been here?” I asked.

My father tried to sit up some, and I helped by adjusting his pillows so he could sit comfortably.

“She’s been here the whole time. Got rooms for your mother and herself at the Granby Resort Hotel.” When I didn’t say anything, he asked, “Does it bother you that she’s here?”

“No, of course not. I was simply surprised, that’s all.”

He squeezed my hand. “You can’t avoid her for the rest of your life, Colt.”

I decided to ignore that statement. “How are you really doing?”

Smiling, he said, “I’m doing good, son. The doctor said it was a mild heart attack, but that some changes will have to be made. Diet, medication, things like that. He also suggested now would be a good time to retire.”

I closed my eyes as guilt assaulted me. “I’m so sorry, Dad. I’m sorry this happened.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Colt.”

“I should have been here. I should have been the one working and taking care of the business, not you. I was selfish in my reasons for staying away.”

He slowly shook his head. “Your reasons were your own, Colt. Your mother and I have long since forgiven you for leaving like you did.” His eyes darted to the door, then back to me. He looked like he was going to say something else, but he pressed his lips tightly together. Still, his meaning was clear.

They might have forgiven me, but Ensley hadn’t.

“All that matters is you’re here now. How long will you stay?”

“I’m not leaving again, Dad. I’m here to stay.”

A brilliant smile lit up his face, and I swore it brought some pink to his cheeks.