Matilda had become family, and I would never let her go. Harrison started to stir, the baby monitor picking up on it immediately. Even as I jumped down to go check on him, though, Matilda stopped me. I pulled myself back into the chair and looked around the Gallery. My heart sank.
I didn’t want to give up everything I’d worked so hard for. If the Wheeler family found out my secret, though, I wouldn’t think twice about walking away from everything. Harrison didn’t deserve to have his fate sealed by his father.
5
Chapter Four (Walker)
My mind was still racing when I got back to my farm. In the last year, a system of private roads had been built between most of Lakeview Ranch properties. It made traveling from one destination to the other with livestock and trucks ten times faster and easier. Now I took advantage of the lack of speed limits to fly down the dirt road. My only stops were when the land crossed the main road.
As I approached the final electronic gate, I called Hailey. She was family and probably one of the most sympathetic people I knew when it came to matters of the heart. I loved my mother dearly, and her sage advice could always be useful. Still, she had a habit of telling my father everything concerning his sons. This wasn’t an issue I wanted to be shared across the family.
“Wow, I must be popular today. You are the second Wheeler that’s called me. What’s up, Walker?” Hailey asked.”
“I was wondering what you knew about Stacy. Things didn’t really get off to a great start there, but I was hoping I might be able to change all that.”
“I don’t know,” She said. “I might have been wrong about her. It seems like she’s really just interested in taking care of her son and focusing on art right now.”
“You didn’t mention that she had a son,” I said.
She sighed. “I didn’t think that sort of thing would matter to you. Maybe to your parents and their outdated beliefs that blood is the only thing that makes family, but not you.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” I told her. “I just wanted to find out a little more about her. You said that she’s an artist?”
“Yeah, she’s actually painting a surprise portrait of the property for Jackson. That’s why she came out today but seriously, I don’t think she’s interested. You must have scared her away at the wedding.”
“That isn’t fair, I was drinking, and as far as I can remember, I was the perfect gentleman.”
“I’m sure you were, some woman just don’t want to settle down with a man. You’ll find someone. Your mom was calling me earlier to find out about your love life, so I think she’s got something lined up.”
I groaned. I’d gone on a few of the dates my mother pressed on me, and they never ended well. The type of woman she thought I should settle down with, and my own preferences were a world apart. Plus, my mind was still reeling over Stacy. She had rekindled the desire inside of me, something no woman had ever done before her.
Granted, I’d bedded my fair share of women in my younger days, but it wasn’t what I wanted anymore. Knowing that there were types who were just after my last name didn’t help. I was on the front lines each time Jackson had a pregnancy scare before meeting Hailey. That wasn’t something I would take lightly.
My heart lurched. “How old is Stacy’s son?”
Hailey sighed. “Just go on the date your mother wants you too, okay? And let the Stacy thing go.”
“Wait –
Another call beeped in.
“I’ll let you get that,” Hailey hung up.
I sighed, “Hi, mom, how are you doing?”
“I’m fine, Sweetheart, more worried about how you're doing. Jackson said, you were out there today. I’m glad you’re out and about.”
“Ma, I’m not a ninety-year-old man. Speaking of old men, how’s pops doing?”
“Oh, you know him. He never slows down. I think it keeps him from worrying about you boys, honestly.”
“He doesn’t need to worry. You do enough of that for the whole family.”
“That I do. I was wondering since you aren’t seeing anyone if you’d like to go on a date?”
“Thanks, Ma, but you are already married.”
“Walker…”
Despite knowing there was no point in arguing with her, I had to try. How was I supposed to go on another blind date with someone when my mind was clearly distracted by Stacy? If I