I didn’t want to directly oversee anyone, but that didn’t mean I thought our family company hadn’t outgrown the constraints Grams had set decades ago.

I should appreciate the support, but my gut churned. I might need to stop after work and grab a few Tums.

Dad leveled a fatherly gaze on me. “Do you really think you can keep going like this?”

“I’m making it work.”

“Life needs to be about more than making it work.”

I spread my hands. “What do you want? You wanted numbers; I got you numbers. You wanted me to work things out with Kate; we’re back together. You wanted me as CFO; I’m a damn good CFO that can do the job of three employees.”

Kendall nibbled her lip while she watched us. I hadn’t meant to get so defensive.

“I never wanted you to be the CFO if that wasn’t what you wanted.”

Shock kept my mouth shut for several moments. “What do you mean?”

He looked at me like I should already have a basic understanding of what he’d said. “You wanted to work at King Oil. I helped make it happen.”

“You said…” What? I struggled to recall conversations we’d had before I left for college. They’d been superficial. Logistical. About what degree I should get. When I could start. What position would best benefit me until I became CEO. Anything to tap-dance over what we’d really been feeling in the moment.

Dad’s mouth tightened. “All I wanted was for you to do something that made you happy. All of you. I was sucked into the business because I didn’t have a choice. I was having a family before I graduated high school. My parents’ health wasn’t the best. Your grams and DB had all the answers. I was a scared kid who just wanted to ranch, but I had a baby on the way and no money. Then another baby.” His lips quirked. “And another and another. I worked my ass off to provide so you and your brothers could do what you wanted in life. I’ve given everything to this company so all of you could have the choice in life I didn’t.” He reclined in his chair, realization dawning simultaneously with mine. “You didn’t want to work here?”

I couldn’t respond. Anything other than “Yes, I wanted to work here” would be a lie.

“Aiden?” Dad asked gently. “Did I make you feel like you had to?”