“Something wrong?” Katie asked.
“Just lettin’ our horses breathe. Midnight’s pumpin’ air pretty hard,” I said.
“It’s beautiful out here. Do all your resorts have trails like this?”
“They do. It’s our signature offerin’. Each has somethin’ different, but all of them have horses and trails to ride ‘em on.”
“You guys have done so well. I’m really proud of what y’all have accomplished.”
“I see that accent’s creepin’ back in,” I said with a grin.
“Can’t help it when I’m surrounded by accents like y’all’s.”
“They’re pretty thick. Even people in downtown Dallas look at us weird sometimes.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. I like them,” she said.
“Then that’s all that matters to me.”
“So, what have you been up to for the past few years?” she asked. “I never really got to chat long enough with you guys whenever I’d come into town.”
“You were busy with your momma and things like that. It’s understandable.”
“Any interesting developments? Women in your life? Dating or side jobs of any sort?”
“No to all those questions,” I said with a grin.
“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.