“You mean to tell me you’re not dating anyone? Why not? You’re a great catch.”
“Eh, I found my woman awhile back. Things didn’t work, and no other woman measures up.”
“So, you’re a one-night-stander like your brothers,” she said.
“Unfortunately. No passion to settle down with anyone. I don’t want to settle, and I found my princess, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
“Why not?”
“Just wasn’t. We took different paths, and she was happy with hers. Can’t blame her for doin’ what she did, and I’d never ask her to compromise that to be with me.”
“Maybe she wouldn’t see it as a compromise.”
“Maybe not. But I’m okay with where I’m at. The company’s doin’ well, and I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. Don’t need no distractions like some lady wantin’ my time.”
“I know. Damn ladies and their time-wasting antics,” Katie said with a smirk.
“I’ve missed this, you know.”
“Missed what?”
“This time with you. We all have. I know none of my brothers will start throwing a big party on account’ a what you’re dealin’ with, but we’ve missed our Katie.”
“Well, I’ve missed you guys too. I don’t want to think about the fact that Michael was intentionally isolating me, but looking back, I can see how others would get that impression.”
“We’re just glad to have you back, even though I know you’re hurtin’ right now.”
“You know, I’m not hurting as much as I thought I would. I mean, it sucks. I know he lost out on money he wishes he could get back. But we were talking about my future. I would’ve been stuck in that rut for the rest of my life, unable to change anything and feeling like I owed him something because of all he did when Mom died.”
“Then how are you feelin’? ‘Cause it can’t be good,” I asked.
“It’s not good, but it’s not bad either. I feel more like I’m in limbo than anything. I have to talk with my landlord and get all that straightened out, and if I can’t, I have to find a place to live here in Dallas. Or around the area, at least. I’m still in the process of trying to find a job here that I enjoy. The one I secured when Michael and I decided to make our home out here was only to help make ends meet so he wasn’t carrying the brunt of the financial responsibility like he had been. But I’m not happy with it. It’s just a lot to consider right now.”
“Sounds like it,” I said. “What job you got secured now?”
“The firm I’m with deals in everything. Identity theft, worker’s compensation, basic civil disagreements. It has no focus, and it makes the job ten times harder,” she said.
“What do you wanna do?” I asked.
“Well when I think about it, the only thing that really puts a fire under me is the thought of helping single moms.”
“Doesn’t shock me one damn bit,” I said.
“If I had it my way, I’d open my own firm and target helping single mothers with anything they needed. I watched my mother struggle all her life when she could’ve had a court work in her favor. I’m tired of seeing single mothers crapped on by society because they don’t have decent enough representation because they can’t afford it. That’s what I really want to do. But opening my own practice takes money, so I have to work a job I hate in order to get the money to save to do what I love.”
“I’ve always admired you for your tenacity, Katie. Whatever happens, I know you’re gonna do it because it’s what you’ve always done. You do what you want no matter what’s standin’ in your way.”
“Thanks, Wyatt. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime. But we should be gettin’ back. I still gotta work, and you gotta figure out where your friends went.”
“And check on Hunter. You know, make sure he hasn’t puked up his stomach yet,” she said.
We turned our horses around and rode back to the stables, full gallop through the woods and I got another perfect view of her luscious body.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She was full of fire and fight and had dreams she wanted to pursue. I knew she was going to be just fine once she got her feet back under her.