Chapter 1
Hallie
I turned the corner to see the little town of Chester spread out before me as I slowed for the one light before I’d be there. I hadn’t been here in several years now, not since I was in high school. I left for college on the east coast and thought that electronic forms of communication would work for my dad. He didn’t have my mom anymore after she left us when I was just entering my freshman year, but he had friends and work here.
He had me. I just didn’t want the small-town life. I liked living in New York and working as an assistant to one of the best attorneys in the state. Dad was sick though. He’d had the flu and pneumonia for a few weeks now and needed my help. I’d put it off as long as I could but here I was.
I pulled forward and eased down the main road. Chester had four blocks and was shaped in a square. There were houses outside of that in the country, and quite a few farms and ranches. It wasn’t as small as some places, but New York would eat this place as a snack. I sighed and turned my sleek Range Rover down the second road to the right. Dad’s house was tucked at the end of the street in a quiet neighborhood and had a pretty view of the grassy hills and mountains several miles away.
I had to admit that it was gorgeous here as I parked in the wide driveway. I shook my long caramel curls with a shake of my head and dropped my head back to ease the pain in my neck. I’d flown to Idaho and rented this vehicle to make the three-hour drive to Dad’s house, since he wasn’t well enough to pick me up. I didn’t make a big deal of my visit and ask for a ride. I liked the independence of driving my own car and it wasn’t part of my normal life in the city. I was going to enjoy it.
I pulled my hair back into a high ponytail before sliding out of the car. It was evening, and the sun was setting behind the hills to my right. I took it on for a second, narrowing my eyes. I didn’t see a lot of these now with my hours and tiny apartment tucked into the big buildings all around me. It was nice. I turned my face forward and took in the pale blue ranch style house that could use a little work. Dad was in his late sixties now and worked at his shop fixing the cars of everyone here, not having a lot of time to do the jobs that were piling up. Maybe I’d have to talk to someone about helping him out while I was here taking care of him.
I shivered and walked around the back of the car to get my luggage, draping my jacket over my arm. It got cold here in the fall when the sun went down. I picked up my pace and made my way over the rough cement path to the large, white front door. I slipped my hand into my jeans pocket for the key that I’d searched for a whole day before my flight, turning it around in my hand as I listened to the wind.
I missed the sound of cabs honking and the people. There was always sounds of life in New York and here, just quiet. Did I ever like this stillness? I inserted the key into the lock and turned it easily, finding the door was already unlocked. Only in Montana. I pulled the key out and walked inside, placing my suitcase against the wall, and looking around.
“Dad? Are you here?” I called out as I turned the deadbolt on the door, listening for the click.
“Hallie. You’re here.” His voice was weak, and I followed it to the cozy living room. Dad was sitting in his worn recliner with a football game on TV, and a fire was lighting the room with its soft amber glow.
“How was the trip?” Dad asked.
“Not bad. The flight was smooth, and I got a good car for the drive.”
I sat down and took him in. Dad looked tired as he let out a cough and bent over to cover his mouth.
“Dad. You sound awful.”
“I’m on antibiotics, Hal. I’m going to be fine. You didn’t have to come.” His face was heavy with lines and I shook my head at him.
“You’re sick. I want to take care of you.” I insisted as I glanced around the room. It hadn’t changed since I left Chester and the same pictures covered the walls. I’d convinced him to come see me for most of the holidays, but Dad wasn’t a fan of the big city life. I took advantage of the fact that it was winter here and his shop wasn’t as busy.
“You have a job, Hallie. It can’t be good for you to take this time off.” That was my dad, always thinking about work.
“They were fine with me taking a few weeks off. I’ve been with the firm for seven years now.” I smiled as I looked him over, taking in the mug beside him on the small table.
“Are you hungry?” “Marnie came from next door and brought a pot of stew. There’s plenty if you’re hungry. Clem started the fire for me.” Dad said.
I smiled. They had been his neighbors for years and treated him like family.
He grabbed the mug and took a sip as I started thinking about survival for the following days that I’d be here. I would need to go shopping and plan some meals. The idea of cooking meals again made me cringe a bit, but I needed to take care of Dad. I could suck it up for a little while.
“That was nice of them. Who’s handling the shop?” I asked, hesitant to bring up his pride and joy.
“I have a guy that owns the lumber yard. He bought it two years ago. He’s been helping out since he’s got staff to take care of the yard.” Dad explained as I raised my eyebrow at him. “I’ll have him come for supper. You should meet him, so you can discuss the shop.” I widened my eyes he looked at me.
“You look different, Hallie. Grown up.” Warmth crossed his face as our eyes met and I smiled.
“I’m twenty-eight, Dad. I’m approaching middle age, you know,” I teased as he grinned at me.
“Hardly. That’s my job.” I moved to walk over and give him a gentle hug, feeling his weak arms around me. I took a seat on the couch and leaned back, letting out a slow breath. “Do I know the guy helping you?”
“He moved here a few years after you left. His grandfather, Gus, owned the yard and Colton took over for him. I think he’s from Colorado originally.” Dad replied.
I frowned thoughtfully as I dropped my head back.
“Gus has a grandson? How old is he?” I asked as exhaustion set in slowly.
“Colt is around thirty-five. He’s Jenna’s son, and she was never that close to her dad. They kept in touch anyway and here he is. Doing a hell of a job with that place.” Dad shook his head in admiration as I wondered what this Colton was like.
I adored Gus and had fond memories of getting candy from the front office of the yard. “Is Gus okay?” I asked, trying to remember if I’d forgotten some news that Dad told me about him.
“Just retired. He handed the business over when he hit seventy-five. He’s fishing a lot and having coffee at Lucy’s.”
I smiled at the mention of the diner in the centre of town that used to draw in the same regulars every day. The food was good dive grub, and I’d spent many hours there eating and gossiping with my best friend Brianne.
“Tired, sweetheart?” Dad asked with concern.
“I suppose so. It’s not late by my standards but it was a long travel day.” I yawned and looked at him. “
Do you need anything? I can sleep out here until you’re ready for bed, in case you need me.” Dad asked.
I felt like a little girl again, curled up under a blanket on the couch while my parents watched a comedy on TV at night.
Parents. I thought about how long it had been since I’d seen my mother now and let out a slow sigh. It was just when I needed her, and life was turning upside down for me. No matter where I went to high school, it was still a lot of teenagers in one space. I would always resent her for leaving us then. My dad was wonderful, but he had his hands full with me. We made it, but I knew he missed her and there were times that I did as well.
“There’s a blanket on the back of the couch. I’ve been sleeping out here myself since it’s warm and comfortable.” I smiled and excused myself to take my suitcase to my old bedroom.
It looked the same as I smiled and glanced around to see my old pictures covering the walls. I set the suitcase on the twin bed and pulled out some soft pajama pants and a big Henley that an old boyfriend left at my apartment at some point. I went into the bathroom to change and wash what little makeup I’d worn today, brushing my teeth before I returned to the living room.
The couch was older, but I was happy to sink down into the worn cushions. I reached for the blanket, noting that Dad has his own tucked over his knees. The room was darker with the night falling outside, a darkness that you could only find in the country like this. I dropped back to the fluffy pillows and tucked myself under the thick fleece material.
“Thanks for coming out, Hallie.” Dad’s voice filled the room and I smiled and glanced at him.
“It’s no problem.” I assured him as he moved the recliner back and let out a breath. I waited for him to fall asleep, his breath harsh but even. I knew that I was going to be on edge here after Marnie contacted me at work to tell me how sick Dad was. I’d be watching him closely but for now, I needed to get some sleep.