Letting Go (Mitchell Family #1)(60)
Author: Jennifer Foor

I turned and looked at my mother. She could see in my eyes that she really hit a nerve. “She doesn’t know about the money. It’s the only lie I ever told her. That money isn’t mine, it’s yours. I took Dad’s offer when I built the house, but I don’t need his money. I do fine on my own. As far as Savanna goes, she is the best person I have ever known. She deserves to be happy.”

She rubbed my arm. “Are you in love with this girl Colton? This is all so sudden. Forgive me for being cautious.”

“Yes, I love her. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. She is the one. I know it every time I look at her.”

“If you are sure about this than you are going to have to bring her home for us to get to know her. I can’t have my son marrying someone I don’t know.” She claimed.

“That might be hard. She just told me she couldn’t come home with me. I asked her to move here with me this fall. She won’t leave school. She is on a scholarship and can’t afford school herself. In fact, right now she can’t afford anything, since she quit her job to be with me more.”

She turned her body toward me. “Listen here. You are worth it. If she loves you the way you love her, it will work out. Maybe you could wait for her to finish school. I know it will be hard, but it isn’t long when you are talking about forever.”

As soon as the words came out of my mother’s mouth she realized what she was implying. She and my father may not have that forever anymore. Life was short and you never know when your time was up.

“Thanks Mom. I promise that you will love her as much as I do.” I grabbed her hand again. “Let’s get Dad home and I will figure out how to drag her here.” I gave my mom a wink. She needed to smile even if it were for a second.

Before my mother could reply, my Aunt Karen came walkin’ in. “Colt.” She said as she bent over and hugged me. Conner stood behind his mother and gave me a nod.

“I am so glad you made it home safe.” She looked over to my mother. “Any news?”

I watched my mother telling my aunt everything she knew.

Finally a doctor came out from behind the double doors of the waiting room. “Right now he is stable. He isn’t out of the woods yet, but we got the bleeding to stop.”

I felt Conner’s arm grab my shoulder and we all seemed relieved.

Once the doctor explained everything to my mother, he suggested we go home and get some rest. My mother refused to go home.

“You should go home and rest Colt. Karen and I will stay here in case he wakes up. I will call you.” She said.

I couldn’t argue. I was exhausted. After hugging them both, Conner and I headed out. I needed to get home and charge my phone so that I could call Savanna.

When I finally made it home, I got the surprise of my life.

Chapter 33

Savanna

Walking into Colt’s parent’s house was surreal. The house was huge on the outside and even bigger on the inside. Some old lady gave Ty a hug and me a quick smile as she led us into the kitchen. “They are all still at the hospital. Conner headed out about an hour ago to go back. It is such a shame about your uncle. I hope he pulls through. He is a good man. He’s always taken such good care of my family.”

Ty thanked the lady he called Lucy. When we got back into the car he explained that she had worked for them for many years. Her husband had died in some war and she was left alone to raise her daughter. Ty said they had lived here on the ranch ever since he was a kid himself.

Ty navigated through an old dirt road. There were a few parts where I wondered if he was taking me back into the woods to take advantage of me. After driving for at least ten minutes, we came to a clearing. There was a large lake on one side and a pasture on the other. The road ended in front of a house. Colt said he lived in a cabin, but this was much more. I wouldn’t have ever called the two story home a cabin. There was a wraparound porch on the lower level and a deck with two chairs on the second level. It was made from logs, but this was no cabin. To the side was a two car garage. One of the doors were open and I could see a new Mustang parked inside. We were in the right place.

“Van? You alright? You look like you saw a ghost.” Ty was saying as he waved his hand in front of my face.

“It’s not little.”

“Colt’s dad insisted on it. Come on, let’s go inside. I have to piss.” He replied.

I was instantly nervous. I had driven all the way here and never even considered what I would say to Colt. It had been an impulsive decision completely. I watched Ty hop out of the car and head toward the house. At the last minute he turned and walked toward the woods.

“Where are you going?” I should have never asked. He just started peeing against some bushes. I gave him a dirty look as he turned and winked at me. “Stupid!”

I took a few deep breaths and started walking toward the steps. After the first two, my heart was starting to beat out of my chest. I got to the porch and noticed the porch swing on one of the ends. It looked out at the pasture and lake. It was beautiful. I could see myself sitting there with Colt, having morning coffee while laying my head against his shoulder.

My fists started knocking immediately following my vision. After three knocks, I heard the door creaking open. I heard Ty whistling as he made his way to the porch. I turned to smile and then focused on the door opening. All I wanted to do was jump into Colt’s arms. Everything would fall into place once I had my arms around him.

Except, Colt wasn’t who opened the door.

A blonde who appeared to be at least eight months pregnant opened the door. Her hair was wet and she had a towel around her neck. I gasped, unable to say a single word.

“Can I help you?” She asked.

I felt Ty wrapping his hands onto my waist. “Where is Colt?” He asked over my shoulder.

“Probably still in the shower.” She said with a smile.

I could feel my body shaking. I actually felt like I was going to pass out. “Who…..who are you?”

“Why? Who are you?” She asked defensively.

“I’m Ty.” He announced, trying to hop in between us. I knew he was trying to protect me from whatever I was about to do or say.

“Oh his cousin? This must be Van. I have heard so much about you.” She claimed.

“Who are you?” I said again, before I even realized the words came out of my mouth.

She started rubbing her stomach. Then she said what I feared. “ My name is Miranda. I am Colt’s……..”