Reckless(103)

“I’m here, Mom,” I whisper into her hair.

I inhale her rose perfume, which reminds me of family dinners and laughter and love. Closing my eyes, all I can see is my little brother’s face. That grin he’d give me when he broke my stuff. His light blue eyes that crinkled when he laughed. That mess of sandy brown hair he could never tame.

And God, the weight of not being there for him is crushing.

I grip my mom tighter. Her tears soak my shirt, and I hold her until her sobs still to whimpers.

Once she’s calmed down, we sit by my father’s bed, and she wraps an icy hand around mine. Her lower lip quivers as she smiles sadly toward the bed. “I… I can’t leave him. The doctor wants to do the surgery as soon as possible, tomorrow or the day after. I can’t leave your father…” She starts to sob again. “But I want to be there for my baby.” She always thinks of Cal as her baby even though he’s twenty-five.

Was twenty-five.

Goddamn it.

“Mom, what needs to be done in Texas?” I ask gently.

She shudders, and I wrap an arm around her. “I don’t even know,” she whispers. The tears start again, and I realize there are funerals to plan. Belongings to pack up. Legal issues to address.

“Did Melissa have any family?”

My mom hiccups. “Probably. They should get the farm. It was... it was her father’s before he passed. Or her uncle’s or something. Melissa’s friend is there now. Kate or Katherine or maybe it’s Sandra? But she’s watching the property.”

Nodding, I rub her shoulder and do what I’ve always done. “I’ll take care of everything in Texas. You just look after Dad. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

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Acknowledgments





I used my experiences growing up in Texas and my own family as inspiration for Tori’s cultural background. Is Tori representative of every Hispanic female in South Texas? No, nor is she intended to be. She’s simply the little rebel I wanted to hang out with for a few months while I drafted her story. I hope you enjoyed it because Tori was, hands-down, one of my favorite characters to write.

I have several people to thank for helping me make this book a reality…

My husband and daughters are endlessly supportive and love me even when I’m a cranky ass. If I’ve ever made you laugh or swoon as a reader, it’s because my husband is amazing, and when I can’t deal with life, he’s the one who dusts me off and helps me figure it out. I’m a lucky girl.

My family probably blushes when confronted with my covers or blurbs, but they’re the first to brag about my writing. Without my parents’ many sacrifices growing up, I’d never have the bravery or skills to do this.

Kimberly Brower is the best agent ever, and I’m so grateful she stumbled across my little book three years ago.

Lauren Perry never ceases to amaze me with her gorgeous cover photos, and Najla Qamber always designs me stunning covers. I’m in awe of their talent.

Stacy Kestwick is the sprinkler of fairy dust. She makes my stories so much better with her critical eye and suggestions. I need her tough love.

RJ Locksley squeezes me in at the last minute for editing and doesn’t yell at me when I’m late. I hope I can cross the pond some day and hug her. Speaking of last minute, Alison Evans-Maxwell, Becky Grover, and Jerica MacMillan are lifesavers when it comes to proofing.

Serena McDonald is my magical unicorn and an amazing friend. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. She admins Wildcats and is someone I lean on daily. (Hourly?) Plus, she always loves my early drafts and cheers me on until I’m done with each book. Everyone needs a Serena in their lives.

Ray generously took so much time to help me understand cutting horse competitions and training. Hanging out on his farm with his daughter years ago inspired Carter Cutting Horses. I’m so grateful to have stayed in touch with Ray’s lovely family all this time. Plus, he has the best Southern accent, and I could listen to him talk all day.

A huge thanks to the four attorneys who helped me figure out the legalities of Ethan’s divorce, dividing the family’s estate, custody issues, and Tori’s underaged drinking dilemma. My BFF Angela, Rob, Shea, and my writing partner, Leslie—I appreciate all of your patience with me and my ten million questions! I have y’all on speed dial. Just so you know. ;)

Leslie McAdam gets double thanks because I made her read Reckless three times. I owe her a big bottle of booze and a manicure. I’m so excited to work on another book with her!

Whitney Barbetti is my person, and she doesn’t mind my 3 a.m. texts. I’m trying to talk her into moving with me back to Texas so we can be neighbors. C’mon, Whitney!

KL Grayson is always there when I need advice or help with a blurb. Kirby, thanks for all of your help with my drafts!

A huge hug to my beta readers. Bella Love, Amy Vox Libris, Erika Christofferson, Dora Ruiz Davalos, Lisa Marie Barrera, Natalie Léger Liebl, and Ella James— thanks for your critical eye, horse expertise, or Spanish proofing skills.

My sweet Aunt Judy creates the dolls Tori made with Mila. Judy sent them to my daughters, and I decided I had to include them in a book because they are such treasures. I’ll post them on my Instagram so you can see what they look like.

Wildcats, you guys kick ass, and I love you.