“I believe we were meant to be. Even when we were apart, my heart hung onto you.”
Wrapping my arm around her, I kiss her head, and say, “You didn’t have to become a firefighter to become a hero.”
She looks surprised. I bump her knee with mine, and add, “You’ve done more for me than a trip back home could ever do. I don’t need Texas. I have you.” I stand up and look around, surveying the land one last time. “It’s time to go.”
The tips of the wild grass graze my fingertips as we make our way back to the truck. The screen door opens and two figures appear on the front porch as we approach. “Stay for dinner. I’ll make your favorite,” my mother offers.
“Can’t, Mom, but thanks.”
She comes down the stairs. “Stay. Don’t leave like this.”
I hug her like I should have the last time I left, hugging her tight enough for her to know I’ll miss her when I’m gone. “I’m sorry about the wedding. It was spontaneous. No one was invited. It was just the two of us.”
“I can tell she really loves you.” She brushes my hair back and smiles. “I’m proud of you.”
My dad lingers on the front porch—him and his stubborn pride will rot together. “If you go now, don’t bother coming back again,” he yells.
“Dalton, you can’t leave like this,” Holliday starts to say, but my dad cuts her off and says, “He needs to do what he needs to do. We haven’t been a consideration in his life for years now.”
“Honey,” Mom says, “Please don’t leave.”
“What he said,” Holliday starts. “It’s not about consideration, it’s about love. Your son has a hole in his heart that taints his success. He’s worked hard to get to where he is. So he didn’t play baseball. So what? Most baseball players want to be rock stars. Your son is talented and is loved by millions. Yet, all he wants is his parents’ approval.”
“He expects it,” my dad says, standing his ground a few feet away. “It should be earned like respect.”
“Holliday, it’s okay,” I say.
But she’s pissed, and I love her for it. She says, “Love is given. It doesn’t come with a list of qualifications. You should try to let go of the dreams you had for him and let him live his. I know you’d be proud. And, if you ever want to get to know your son for the man he’s become, call me.” She turns and gets inside the car.
I hug my mom one more time, then get in the vehicle. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too. Ignore your father and don’t let it be so long next time. I’ve missed you.”
“Okay.” I get inside the SUV and ask Holliday, “You ready?”
A nod suffices.
A few hours later, we’ve checked out of the hotel a day early and are pulling up to the airport. “Don’t forget your Big Red. I know how much you love the stuff.”
Security is curbside waiting for us. We’re rushed through the doors and past the long row of check-in desks and through another door. In a private security room, we’re scanned from head to toe. They check our carry-ons and ask about the brown bag. “Damn,” Holliday replies, “I didn’t even get a sip.”
“Drink some now.”
She chucks the bottle into the trash can. “You know what? I don’t need reminders of the past. I’ve got a future to look forward to with you.”
After we settle in on the plane, she takes my hand and brings it to her lap, and asks, “Are you sure you’re okay with how everything was left? I know it didn’t turn out how you hoped.”
“I’m fine. I’ve got everything I need right here.”
“Someone special once told me to dare to dream. For without dreams, we have nothing to look forward to. I’m starting to believe her.” ~Johnny Outlaw
Dalton aptly named the ranch he bought for us, Peaceful Resistance. The name just as contradictory as the man. The air is cleaner, the real world far away… or at least over an hour away. I love it out here. It’s earthy and the grounds are beautiful. But there are plenty of luxuries as well, like the huge infinity tub I’m currently soaking in.
“Are you gonna be in there much longer?” he asks, leaning against the arched doorway that leads to the bedroom.
With my back to him, I lift my leg up, and tempt. “You sure you don’t want to join me? There’s plenty of room in here.”
“You know we have people arriving soon, right?”
I hear him move closer, taking the bait. “I do, but they know us,” I say, shrugging.