What the hell?
“What? Did Dad know?”
She nodded. “I told him. I couldn’t hide it from him. He was angry, wanted a divorce, and took off and stayed gone for a few weeks. Do you remember?”
“I think so. You said he was away at a rodeo event.”
“Yes. I couldn’t bear to tell you boys the truth because then I’d have to tell you everything, especially about my mistake. And about your father’s mistake too.”
Creed blew out a long breath. “And what mistake was that?”
“He had an affair too. He thought I didn’t know, but a woman always knows when her husband isn’t quite doing what’s right.”
Rubbing his cheek, he cursed. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I’m telling you this to show you that you can forgive. I forgave your father and he forgave me and the next remaining years that we had together were spent happy—happier than ever. It breaks my heart to think we could have given up on us, our family, and missed those wonderful last years. I loved him dearly.”
“Ma, thanks but we’re comparing apples and oranges here. I didn’t screw around. I lost my daughter. Mindy kept her from me.”
She patted his hand. “You’re missing the point, son. Get out of that stubborn head of yours and listen. Are you willing to give up on Mindy and what could be because you’re feeling betrayed? Or are you willing to forgive and spend the rest of your days, however many that may be, with those you love? Think about what you could be giving up.” She stood and went back to pour herself some coffee.
“Who was the man?” Creed asked in a low voice.
“It doesn’t matter.” She kept her back to him.
“It does to me.”
She didn’t even turn to look at Creed. “Rusty.”
“Shit!” he bit out.
Getting up, he started to say something to his Ma, but he decided against it.
Instead, he went upstairs to try and mend things with Livvy. He knocked three times. No answer each time.
Turning the doorknob, it was unlocked.
“Livvy, are you ready to talk?” he asked as he stepped inside.
Scanning the space, it was empty. The window was wide open.
He rushed down the hall and checked the bathroom. His mother’s room. He ran from room to room and didn’t find her.
His Ma met him in the living room. “What’s wrong, son? You look like you saw a ghost.”
“It’s Livvy. She’s gone.”
“What do you mean gone?”
“Her window was open. I think she climbed out. I’m going to check outside and ask the hands if any of them have seen her.”
“I’ll go get dressed.” She was already hurrying toward the stairs.
Chapter Twenty
“MOM, OF COURSE I forgive you. You’ve never lied to me. You’ve always been open about Branch not being my biological father.”
Mindy met Jane’s sincere gaze through unshed tears. Since her run in with Creed that morning she’d been a blubbering idiot. Jane was doing her best to console Mindy after she divulged everything. Shifting on the couch, she plucked another tissue from the box and blotted her eyes. “Creed will never forgive me.”
“I think you’re wrong. I don’t know him but if he’s as wonderful as you’ve always told me he was then he’ll realize you both played a role in this.”
Mindy patted her hand. “He’s a wonderful man, honey. I want you to meet him. Meet Livvy.”
“What will you do, Mom?”
“I’m going back to California to take care of the house and then I’m not sure.”
“Will you come back here to live?”
“No. I don’t know. Probably not. Cooper’s Hawk isn’t big enough for Creed and me. He has every right to be angry. I should have tried harder. I made a mess of things.”
“Yes, you should have, but I’m the same age you were when you got pregnant with me. I don’t know what I would do if I faced the same situation. No one knows what they’d do unless it happens to them.”
“How’d you get to be so smart, sweetheart?” Mindy sniffed.
“From you, Mom. Everything I am is because of you. You deserve happiness and if Creed makes you happy then fight for it. Show him that you’re willing to fight and do anything you need to.”
If only she had the same hope that her daughter had. Mindy had seen Creed’s face though when she’d admitted the truth. He looked at her with such hatred, unforgiveness.
An urgent knock came on the door.
“Are you expecting someone?” Jane asked.
“No.”
“I’ll get it.”
Mindy wiped her eyes and pushed her soiled tissue inside her pocket. The familiar voice at the door made her heart lurch. It was Creed. What was he doing there?
She stood at the same time he came strolling into the living room wearing a tight jaw and cold eyes. He swiped his hat off his head. He had worried lines around his pale blue eyes. “What is it, Creed?” Mindy knew something was wrong.
“Should I leave you two alone?” Jane asked.
Creed shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m looking for Livvy. Is she here?”
“No. Is she supposed to be?” Mindy stepped forward, clasping her hands together.
“I-I thought maybe she would be, you know, since...” He darted a glance at Jane.
“Jane knows everything,” Mindy blurted. “If you need to say something you can speak in front of her.”
“Livvy knows too. Her mom left and I think the combination of everything made her upset. I went to check on her and she had snuck out of the window.”
