Addison (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)(12)

“You seem to be very comfortable.”

“It’s a fa?ade, however, you are easy to be around. I appreciate that. Not many people give me second chances.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Everyone deserves at least one.”

He sighed. “Yeah, not me. It’s in my blood apparently.”

“Coming from someone who lives with a well-known family, I can see where someone would think that, but you’re probably wrong. I bet I have no clue who your family is.”

“It’s going to stay that way too. You don’t need to know. I’d rather be someone else. Moving back here was a last resort. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to. Trust me, I’ve already seen all I could handle being here.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. I love where we live.”

“Like I said before, it’s fine. I’ll deal, especially if I get to see your pretty face every once in a while.”

“You’re ridiculous, but I’ll accept the compliment.”

He pulled out his phone and then cleaned up his tray. “We better get going. I’ve already taken up too much of your time.”

“I told you it was my job. This is what I do. I help people.”

“And I apparently destroy them, so let’s call it a day.”

It was weird how he was so negative. It was difficult to figure him out. One minute he was hitting on me, and the next pushing me away.

I drove him home and watched as he made his way inside of the home. When I was almost back to the ranch I got a message from him.



It’s me, Cole. What time will you pick me up for the meeting? – C

Around six-forty-five. I have to pick up some snacks on the way. – A

I’ll be out front waiting. Make sure you change. I can’t handle you in that dress tonight. See you then, precious. – C

I rolled my eyes after reading it and continued on with my drive. When I pulled up at the house my dad was out front. I hopped out of the car and traveled over to where he was bent over a big tractor with a mower deck attached. “Did the belt pop off again?” It was due to be replaced, but my dad never bought anything unless he had to. He was as frugal as they come.

“Yeah. It’s givin’ me a heck of a time.” He climbed up, towering over my petite frame. “What on earth are you wearing? Is that your mother’s dress?”

I looked down at what I had on. “Um, yeah. It’s a long story.”

“Why don’t you go get changed. I’m going to need a hand with this.”

When my dad requested something from us kids we knew better than to complain about it. It was best to do what he asked and then get out of dodge so he couldn’t keep adding things.

Once I was in my room, I slid out of the hideous dress and put it in my laundry basket. Then I pulled on some jean shorts and a tank top – my normal farm attire, and met my dad back out front. By the time I got there, Noah was at the opposite end of the tractor lifting it enough for my dad to see better. I crossed my arms over my shoulders and watched as they battled to get the loose belt back on track. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just replace the darn thing?”

Noah basically growled. He was struggling to hold the heavy equipment. “You done, Dad?”

“Yeah.” Our father slid out from underneath and brushed off his shirt before standing. Noah relaxed after he’d dropped the deck.

“Damn, that was brutal.”

“I can finish mowing.” By offering to do that I wouldn’t have to get dirty, besides, I liked how loud the motor was. It made everything else in the world disappear. My dad, who almost always wore a baseball cap, took his off his head and stuck it on mine. I could feel his sweat band touching me, but tried not to cringe. It was a kind gesture and I knew in his heart I was still his baby girl.

“I already did the back. Don’t raise the blade. I want it all the same length.”

I adjusted the large hat on my head and gave him a thumbs up. “Got it.”

“And don’t trim around the woods. It’s full of poison ivy,” Noah added.

I spent the rest of the afternoon mowing the front part of our yard, all ten acres of it. Sunburned and thirsty, I headed inside for some of my mom’s sweet tea. I found her in the kitchen bent over the oven. Lightly I smacked her on the butt. “Hey Mama. What ya cookin’?”

“Venison stroganoff. I made it yesterday. I’m just reheating it.” My mom liked to cook several meals at once, making it easier during the week. All she had to say was deer meat and I was the first one at the table. I also knew for a fact my brother and Shalan would be at dinner to mooch. He loved her stroganoff. “Will Christian be here tonight?”

“I’m not sure. She and Ethan are meeting with a pool company at their house.”

“Why do they need a pool if there’s a huge one at Gram’s house?”

“Your sister wants her own things. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

My sister and Ethan owned land next to our ranch. His family originally held the deed to the property and gave it to him once he graduated college. Ethan was smart, but decided to keep up the family business of farming. Our families had recently combined entities. I think my sister was in heaven. She had the guy of her dreams, and a set future. It took them long enough to get together. I think they’d been in love for years before acting on it. Now they were inseparable. Ethan loved my sister, flaws and all. He was a good man, and still her very best friend.