“Yes, sir. I’m ready for it all. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I wanna get my hands dirty.” I look down at my calloused palms. “Metaphorically.”

Dad chuckles. “And literally.”

“I’ve wanted to work with horses but never really knew my place. Once I started researching different options, this one stuck out to me. It’ll be something I can manage and run with a small team, something I can be proud of, like you and Mom are with the training business.”

“I respect that, Knox. Doing this with your mother and working with her each day makes me happier than I could ever express. I love that we grew it together. Brings me a lot of pride.”

I nod. “I want pride like that too.”

He sets the stack of papers down and stares intently at me. “I love it, son. I think you’d do amazin’ because I know you don't let it go when you set your mind to something. You’ve always been a stubborn pain in the ass like that.”

Smirking, I can’t even deny it. I’ve always walked to my own beat.

“So you’ll ask Alex for the funds to get it up and running?”

He scoffs as if he’s offended. “Ask? No. I’ll tell him what we’re doing. I don’t need his damn permission. Plus, I already know he’ll be on board.”

“Thanks, Dad. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

He stands and meets me around the table. I get to my feet and hug him. “I do.”

“Honestly, I’ve been scared to say anything. Thought you’d think I couldn’t do it or tell me no.”

He pulls back with a frown. “I’m sorry you thought that. There’s nothing you can’t ask for. If you want to stay and work on the ranch, I want you to be happy here. This life isn’t for everyone, and I’d never want to force any of my kids into it.”

“I’m happy,” I admit, but he looks at me unconvinced.

“Your mom told me about Hadleigh.”

My head falls back with a groan. “C’mon. Not you too.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna lecture you. I just want to give you some advice from a different perspective.”

I don’t bother arguing and just listen.