Good Enough (Meet Me in Montana #3) - Kelly Elliott Page 0,22

me you’re sorry. If anyone deserves to do what in the hell they want, it’s you, Timberlynn. Have you, um, have you heard from your dad lately?”

I scoffed. “No. I’m pretty sure he’s forgotten that when I turned twenty-four I got my trust. Or he simply forgot my birthday.”

“I had forgotten you got your trust fund!”

I nodded. “Cory did an amazing job growing it, Kaylee. I can buy some land with a house on it. I’d even be happy with a fixer-upper.”

Her eyes widened as something struck her. “Wait, your dad didn’t call you on your birthday?

I shook my head and tried not to let the hurt feelings come rushing back. When I crawled into bed on the night of my birthday, I cried myself to sleep. It was the first time my father had totally forgotten my birthday. Sure, he’d missed countless parties, or showed up to them late. But he never forgot my birthday. Ever. “No, if he’d remembered, I’m sure he would have just lectured me on what he thought I should do with the money instead of actually saying happy birthday to me.”

“I’m sorry, Timberlynn.”

With a humorless laugh, I went on. “It’s okay. But, the good news is I can pay cash for a place and still have some money to start a breeding and rescue business. I’ve already looked into the area here and asked about the potential need for another trainer. There’s a demand for someone to train horses. Jumpers, dressage. Oh, and to breed more Dutch Warmbloods, Oldenburgs, breeds that are amazing for dressage competition.”

“You want to get into breeding as well?”

I shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind. My main focus will be the training and horse rescue, though.”

Kaylee smiled. “Is that not needed in Utah?”

“It is, but there are more trainers there than here. So, another point for Hamilton. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how many people competed in dressage, but there’s a large number in the area.”

Her smiled widened. “So, total freedom?”

I nodded. “Total freedom to finally do what I want.”

“And a chance to put the past behind you.”

“That too!” I said, trying to make my voice sound light, refusing to let the past creep into the now. It didn’t always work, though. I often had nightmares about my mother and the car accident. My father holding her in his lap. So much blood. The way he screamed her name. It was an image I knew I’d never forget.

“Hey, are you okay?” Kaylee asked.

I nodded as I pushed the memory away. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

She looked at me like she knew I was far from it.

I waved my hands to ward off the conversation. “Honestly, I want to put it all behind me and move on.”

She nodded and let out a sigh. Then she wiped a tear away.

“Are you crying, Kaylee?”

It was her turn to wave me off. “God, I’m so emotional. I just hate that that bastard hurt you like he did. I hate that your daddy is a jackass, and I hate that you’re still thinking of moving to Utah!”

I laughed. “It’s in a distant second place as of right now.”

She gave me a wobbly grin.

“Kaylee, I’m not running from anything. I just want to do what I want to do with my life right now.”

She looked away and shook her head. “I don’t know why our parents have to be so...I don’t even know the word I’m looking for, to be honest with you.”

I reached for her hand. “I know, Kaylee. I know.”

“I’m so sorry your daddy is the way he is. I hate it for you.”

With a forced grin, I squeezed her hands. “It is what it is.”

Kaylee sighed, then changed the subject. “Does Candace know you’re leaving Atlanta?”

I scrunched up my face and nodded. “Yes, she knows, and it broke my heart telling her. I’m hoping she’ll be able to come visit me wherever I end up settling.”

Kaylee winked. “It’ll be Montana.”

A chuckle slipped free. “It is beautiful here.”

“I’m going to spend the next few weeks convincing you that this is home. This is where you belong, here with me, I just know it.”

With a half shrug, I replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”

“Grrr, you’re so stubborn.” She stood and wiggled her brows. “And then there’s Tanner. He’d make a great guy to move on with.”

My head jerked up and my gaze caught hers. “Tanner? You’ve got to be kidding. I’m not the least bit interested in him.”

Lies. Lies. Lies.

She laughed. “Please. Everyone in that room saw the way he