Page 31 of Savage Heart

I flinch.

“I’m here for my son.”

She laughs, sharp and humorless. “Don’t.”

My heart slams against my ribs. “He’s done nothing wrong.”

“No,” she snaps. “You did.”

The words hit like a slap.

“I know what people think,” I say quietly. “I know what you think. But this—this isn’t about me.”

Her eyes shine, wet and furious. “You killed my boy.”

I feel the world tilt.

“I’m so sorry. It was an accident,” I whisper.

Even though I’ve said it a thousand times, it never matters.

“You were driving drunk. No better than your mother. I know what the report said,” she hisses, stepping closer. “And what Brandon said. But I think you bewitched him like you bewitched his little brother. I had to bury my son.”

My throat burns. “He was my best friend. I loved him.”

She scoffs. “You loved yourself.”

I shake my head, tears blurring my vision. “Jennifer, please! Linc can’t hear this. He’s just a kid.”

“That’s funny,” she says, her voice dropping dangerously low. “So was Lincoln.”

I stagger back like she’s struck me.

Her face hardens. “This ranch is my home. It was my son’s home, my husband’s home. My son’s memory is all I have left of him. And I will not let you poison this place with your presence. Even Brandon left because of you.”

She’s right that Brandon’s not here because of me, but it isn’t for the reason she thinks.

“I’m not here for you,” I say, my voice shaking now. “I’m here because Maverick offered my son a chance. And I won’t take that away from him because of your hatred.”

“It’s too hard to see him,” she says, her voice breaking. “You parading him around like he’s Lincoln’s son.”

“He is Lincoln’s son. And you’re missing out on so much by not knowing him.”

“I’m missing my son.”

“Jennifer,” Evelyn says, coming up behind us. “Come on. Let’s go. They’re about to sing the camp song.”

Evelyn and I exchange a look as she leads a weeping Jennifer away, and I stand there shaking. It takes me a moment to get my bearings, but I fight the tears.

When I finally turn back toward the barn, everything looks normal.

Linc is laughing. Maverick is standing next to a horse. Charlie is clapping her hands to get the kids’ attention.

“Iris!”

I turn and see Dalton walking toward me.

“Hey, how are you?” I say, forcing a smile.