Page 5 of Dallas Rivals
“D—didn’t th-think…” he stammers, the effort twisting his face in pain. “Didn’t think they all got out.”
“Shh,” I say softly. “Don’t talk. I can yell at you later when you’re feeling better.”
He gives me a small, sad smile, shaking his head weakly. “Need a… a favor.”
I grip his hand tight. “Anything, Lucien,” I whisper.
“Give her… a chance. She’s… she’s capable.”
I drag in a breath and let it out hard.
Damn it.
“She won’t handle it. It’s too much work,” I insist.
His wife looks at me, eyes full of quiet pleading. The pressure builds in my chest, climbing all the way to my throat.
Lucien nods, slow and stubborn. “She’ll surprise you… trust me.”
Both of them wait for my answer.
I’ve got a reputation for being cold, heartless even—and maybe they’re right—but seeing the way they look at me now, broken and desperate, something inside me starts to twist.
This is a mistake.
Don’t do it. It’s trouble.
You’ll have to pick up the slack. You’ve got a company to run, damn it.
I exhale, jaw tight, and nod once.
“All right. But you’re gonna teach her everything before she takes over.”
The old man smiles, that same proud, gentle smile he’s always had.
“Don’t you worry, son. You won’t even notice I’m gone.”
A low, bitter laugh escapes me.
“Oh, I doubt that, old friend. I doubt it a whole damn lot.”
A MONTH LATER
“Bed, chair, clothes, books… hmm, what’s this? Oh, right. Grandma’s china. Can’t forget that.”
I point at each box stacked inside the U-Haul, talking to no one in particular. “Alright. We’re ready,” I tell myself, even if I’m not sure I believe it.
It’s been a month since my dad had that unfortunate accident at the Walker Ranch.
Stormy night, horses broke loose out in the field, and he decided to go round ’em up.
Not his brightest moment, I’ll admit.
Pouring rain, thunder, lightning, pitch-black sky—even I, who don’t know much about ranch life, could tell that was a bad idea.
But Dad thought it was just another normal night.
Now he’s stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of his days.
