by Danni Roan
“Let’s go into the kitchen,” Phil suggested, waiting out the awkward silence that grew between the men.
“Coffee’d be nice,” Mr. Haven finally said.
Together they moved down the hall to the quiet kitchen, which was closed between two and supper.
“I’ll pour,” Phil offered, reaching for several mugs.
“What can I do for you, Dad?” Chase asked, his usual cheer evaporating into thin air.
“I came to apologize,” the senior Haven said, settling on a stool by the wide island.
Chase’s head snapped up as Phil place two mugs on the granite top.
“I know, I know,” the white-haired man continued, “you didn’t expect this from me.”
Chase looked at Phil, who moved up and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ve been a terrible father.” His blue eyes took on a pained look. “I thought if I could make that one big win, the major payday, everything would be better. I didn’t understand that I already had everything.”
“I never understood why the ranch wasn’t enough,” Chase said softly.
The other man shook his head. “You should have been enough son; you and your mother.”
Chase sat speechless, unable to take in what his father meant.
“When I got home from the last race and saw your invitation, it reminded me of when I married your mother. How happy we were, working together, planning.” Again Mr. Haven shook his head. “I was weak, son, ignorant, foolish.”
“Dad?” Chase tried, but was waved away by his father’s hand.
“I’m in a program now for my problem. I want to make things right, as much as possible. I, I’d like to be part of your life again.”
Chase closed his eyes, emotions rolling through him like a whole corral of bucking broncos. What could he say? How was he supposed to let his father back into his life after all the hurt he’d suffered?
“I can’t make any promises,” he finally managed, “but I’ll try.”
“That’s all I can ask,” Jason said, rising. “Thank you for the coffee,” he finished, heading back toward the door.
Taking Chase by the hand, Phil led him down the hall, past the pictures of long-gone family in the wake of his father.
“It was nice to meet you,” she offered quietly.
“And you,” the older man spoke. “One last thing Chase.” He looked up at his son once more.
“Butch.” Chase said, his voice carefully controlled.
“Yes, I’m sorry.” On his final word, Mr. Haven pushed open the screen door and stepped outside.
Quietly, Phil moved in close and wrapped her arms around Chase.
“He’s never apologized.” Chase sounded stunned.
“Are you alright?” Phil asked. “Maybe you’d better come with me after all.”
Shaking off his confusion, Chase squeezed Phil close, kissing her hair. “I have to believe people can change,” he said, pulling her back into the office and closing the door. “Maybe even old dogs can learn new tricks.”
“What now?” Phil asked, watching as Chase’s good mood began to return.
“Weren’t we just saying that life is an adventure?” Chase commented.
“I hope it’s the good kind of adventure,” Phil quipped.
“Honey, at the end of the day, I believe that God is good and no matter what else happens, He’ll see me through.”
“I’m learning that a little at a time.”
Chase pulled Phil down on his lap in the ridiculous sling chair she kept in the office.
“This isn’t easy for me, but if I can’t forgive I can never grow.”
“I’m sorry for all of this,” Phil said, kissing his cheek.
“It’s been rather unpleasant,” Chase agreed, “but think of what came out of it.”
“What do you mean?”
“If I’d ever had a place of my own I would never have come here or met you.”
Phil smiled, her heart overflowing with love. “I love you Chase Haven,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him.
Life truly was unpredictable, but a beautiful adventure when your heart could find its way home.
THE END
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story, please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.
About the Author
Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books. Although Danni is a relatively new author on the scene, she has been a story teller for her entire life, even causing her mother to remark that as a child “If she told a story, she had to tell the whole story.” Danni is truly excited about this new adventure in writing and hopes that you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
