She widens her eyes. “Oh? Chance said all three Bridgers have to leave town for a week. Together.”

I’m not sure how much I should say, so I don’t reply.

“Anyway,” Lexie says, “you up for checking out the area around the dam tomorrow?”

I nod. “Absolutely. I’ll be here bright and early to feed the horses.”

“Good,” she says. “We’ll head to the creek after that.”

“Perfect. Do you need me for anything today?” Please say yes.

“You’re a lifesaver,” she says on a sigh. “Yes. I’m drowning in paperwork and I’m supposed to repair an umbilical hernia on one of the foals this afternoon. I hate to make you do busy work when I’m sure you’d rather be assisting me, but it has to get done.”

“Not a problem.” I smile. “I’m happy to help wherever I’m needed.”

“You’re an angel.” Lexie pulls her phone out and checks it. “I’m glad you’re back, Carly. Or, I’m glad you never left.”

“Me, too.”

The day goes quickly with never-ending chores, and I feel good when I’m done. Valued. Needed.

And not just by Austin, who I don’t see again.

The drive to my parents’ home seems longer than usual. Probably because I’m dreading the conversation I know is coming with my father. I sit in my car for another five minutes before I walk to the house.

I draw in a deep breath and enter, taking off my dirty boots in the mud room. Ernie pants happily and I ruffle his ears as he sniffs all the animal smells on my pants.

“You are just what I need right now, boy.”

He gives me a few rough swipes of his tongue.

“Carly?” Mom calls from the kitchen. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

I walk in and inhale. “Tacos?”

“Your favorite.” She smiles at me before turning back to the lettuce she’s chopping into small shreds. “And your father’s.”

“Do you need help?” I walk to the sink to wash my hands.

“No, it’s all under control. Dad is in his den. He wants to talk to you.”

I feel nothing but dread. “I know. About last night…”

“Just go talk to Dad, okay?” Mom doesn’t meet my gaze.

Yeah, she’s just as I thought. I slept with a guy and it’s hanging in the air between us.

“All right.” I grab a diet soda out of the refrigerator and walk toward the den.

The door is closed, so I knock. “Daddy?”

“Come in, Carly.”

I open the door. He’s sitting behind the table he uses as a makeshift desk. His computer screen is dark, which is odd. When he’s in the den, he’s almost always on the computer. I expected him to have all kinds of documents pulled up to show me how horrible the Bridgers are. Evidence to prove his case against them.

“Sit down.” He nods to a chair on the other side of the table.

I take the seat while I chew on my lower lip.

Here it comes.