West of Forever (Heartstone Ranch #1)(90)

“And when they’re not?” I counter. “What about when you’ve watched the person you love slip away?”

“Then you love harder. You don’t turn your back on the absolute gift that love is.”

Two days ago I watched the woman I love walk away, and I’ve hated myself every minute since.

Before I can say anything to my father, I hear my daughter screaming: “Daddy! Daddy! Help! Daddy!” Through the front window, I see Sadie come running toward the house. I’m already out the door, rushing toward her.

I scoop her into my arms as she’s panting from running. “What is it?”

“Daddy, I’m sorry! I don’t know what happened! I’m so sorry! I-I’m—” She hiccups a sob. Tears are rolling down her face, and I can’t follow what she’s so upset about.

I take her face in my hands. “Sadie, slow down. What are you sorry for? What’s wrong?”

She pants heavily, swallowing air as tears run down her face. “I know you said not to take Cloud out, but I asked Lark to help me, and she said she would.”

I shake my head, confused and trying to piece together why any of that goes hand in hand. “I’m not sure I understand. Why did you ask Lark, and what has you crying?”

Sadie sniffs, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “Lark was working with Cloud, and she took him out for a ride over an hour ago. She said she’d be back soon. She’s not back, and I’m so scared.”

Adrenaline fills my veins, but I work to keep calm. Just because she’s taking longer doesn’t mean anything.

“Why do you think something’s wrong?”

Her chest heaves with a deep sob, and then she inhales quickly. “Because Cloud came back—without Lark.”





“Lark!” I yell, looking around the clearing from the back of my horse.

I’ve been searching for thirty minutes. Screaming her name, waiting to hear her return my call or walk out.

I check my phone again—still no callback.

I’ve texted her at least ten times and called her twice as many in the hopes that her ringtone might alert me to where she is.

“Lark!” I call out again, but I hear only silence.

I’m never going to find her on my own. I need help.

I grab my phone and call the one person I know will always have my back.

“Tristan? Hey.”

“Jimmy, I need help.”

I swear I can feel the shift of his demeanor immediately. “Are you all right? I’m in the middle of something right now, but I can send someone to you if that’s okay?”

“No, I…it’s important. Look, I can’t get into all the details, but someone might be hurt. Sadie…”

“Is it Sadie?”

“No, no, it’s Lark.”

He’s silent for a moment. “Lark Gatlin?”

“Yes, she was helping Sadie with her horse, and Cloud returned without Lark. I’m worried. I’ve been out searching, but I’m never going to find her and…I need to find her. I have to make sure she’s all right.”

He clears his throat. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“Say you’ll help me find her. It’s…complicated, but…Lark is…well, I need to talk to her and explain. Just send a search party or something.”

I hear Jimmy cover the phone with his hand, then the muffled sound of him talking to someone. After a few seconds, he comes back on the line. “Tristan, look, I don’t know what’s going on with you and Lark, but the reason I can’t come look for her is because I’m with the Gatlins now.”

“What? Is she okay? Do you have her?” I ask the questions in rapid fire.

He doesn’t say anything for a few beats. “Before I answer anything, can you tell me the nature of your relationship with Lark?”

“I love her,” I say instantly.

Jimmy lets out a deep sigh. “I was worried that was the case. Then I suggest you come down to the hospital.”





I rush back to the ranch and drop my horse off to Veronica. I don’t say anything to her other than to put him up for me. She asks questions, but I’m already heading to the main house.

Jimmy wouldn’t give me any other information, just that it wasn’t great and I should get to the hospital.

Sadie is on the front porch with my dad, who’s holding her on the swing.

“Daddy?” Sadie asks. “Did you find her?”

I shake my head. “No, but someone did. I have to go to the hospital.”

“Can I go?” Sadie asks quickly.

“No, baby, I need you to stay here with Grandad.” I look to my father. “I have to make sure she’s okay.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I shouldn’t have.”

I go to her and pull her to my chest, then kiss the top of her head. “It’s okay. I’ll tell her when I see her, and everything will be fine.”

Sadie’s tears fall, and I glance up at my dad. “I have to go to her.”

My father nods slowly. “All right. Sadie and I will stay here and wait for your call.”

I expected him to say or do something to stop me. To remind me that we don’t particularly care about Gatlins or their health. He doesn’t, and while a part of me wants to ask him why that is, I don’t.