Chapter 1

Azalea’s POV.

I stared at my phone for a while, scrolling through the photos of my friends’ graduation. They made it out of Sunset Trails. I should’ve been there with them today, holding my bachelor’s degree with pride at the age of 22. Only, fate didn’t allow me to have that chance.

I thought back to the moment that had changed the course of my life forever, I was only 16, sneaking some snacks to the horses in the barn. It was just Lucas, my father, and I in the barn at that moment. Everything was fine at first until my father collapsed right in the middle. He was unresponsive for a moment and that was the scariest day of my life. Lucas ran to grab the ranch doctor. We had one of the finest on the ranch but even she couldn’t figure out what officially happened to him and had an ambulance pick him up to carry him to the hospital.

Dad had never once gotten sick, even colds had nothing on this man. When my father woke up he claimed he couldn’t see a damn thing and that’s when I realized my life was about to change. The doctors ran many tests and diagnosis to establish that my father had a rare genetic disease. I was in the clear but my off-springs could be at risk too, not that I cared as of right now. I didn’t plan on having kids soon.

The day we learned about the disease we both cried. I was only 16, I just assumed I’d head off to college because of the sports and good grades I had. I’d have a polished resume, I’d be able to get grants but that would mean I’d have to abandon my father and I could never do that.

Dad’s work cut back a little, he was only able to verbally help which was a great ton but for the Trumanns it wasn’t enough and that was understandable so I picked up the slack. I made sure to work for them and in return, we’d hold our home on the ranch and our salary.

Keeping the roof above our head wasn’t easy but I didn’t dare to complain. I didn’t let my dad know just how hard the labor worked. I loved working on the Belt, I loved the animals and all the people I grew up with– I just couldn’t bear the physical draining sometimes. I asked for a different role but Laura Trumann, the wife of the CEO, threatened to kick us out if I didn’t pull my weight so there went my plan.

Everything was going fine, life was content but I always craved for a bit more. I knew I needed more money. There wasn’t a cure for my father’s disease due to how rare it was but there was an experimental surgery. One that could very likely work, however, it was expensive.

The Trumann’s were one of the richest ranching families in America, their Belt had the biggest income, and they were great exporters. Their pay was good, considering they let us stay in our own small home on their land without having to pay rent. However, the money wasn’t enough. I saved every last penny I could, and Dad did too but we still lacked a tremendous amount of money if we wished to proceed with that surgery.

“Azzie, where are you?” Dad’s voice boomed through the living room. His question pulled me out of the string of thoughts I had gotten lost in.

“I’m here Dad, living room,” I answered, turning around. There he was, walking towards me very carefully. Adapting to this new life had been hard for him at first but he was a smart and fit man– thanks to the years of working on the Belt. Still, Lucas and I changed a few things around so he’d be able to move around much more freely.

Lucas was one of the boys from the ranch. He was only two years older and we quickly became friends– we’ve been friends for as long as I could remember. The scrawny, snotty boy grew up to be a handsome man with the warmest brown eyes sandy blond hair, and a charming smile. Okay… I may or may not have developed a crush on him over time.

“What are you doing?” Dad asked, stopping my daydream about Lucas.

“Looking at photos,” I said shortly.

“Yeah? What kind? Describe them to me,” he asked excitedly. He’d always ask me to describe them to him and they always brought a smile to his face but I don’t believe this one would do the same.

“No, it’s nothing,” I was quick to say, trying to dismiss this but Dad crossed his arms.

“Azzie,” he warned but it sounded more like a plea.

“Jill, Marie, and Rylan’s graduation photos. They look happy, each has their degree and it seems Jill went the business side rather technical,” I explained, knowing it would spark some sadness within him.

“Oh Azzie, I’m so sorry, you’re supposed to be there with them,” Dad sighed and shook his head.

“I couldn’t leave you, Dad, you know I’d never do that,” I reminded him and scooted closer to him, carefully patting his back.

“I know… I just don’t want you to regret a single thing, Azzie,” Dad admitted.

“The colleges that would consider me would be too far. I don’t want to live away from you, I love the animals here, the work, the people,” I reminded him and was truthful about it. It had been just the two of us since I was four. I barely have any memories of my mother but according to Dad she was one of the kindest women ever and would’ve been proud of what I became.

“People? You mean Lucas?” he asked with a hint of teasing.

“Dad, oh my god,” I gasped, feeling my cheeks get heated.

“What? It’s no lie,” he hummed proudly and smirked, “I may be blind but I can sense something.”

“Dad, it’s nothing, we’re just great friends. He thinks of me as an annoying little sister,” I admitted bitterly. I’d dropped subtle hints but he always ignored them.

“Oh, Azalea,” Dad shook his head. “He’s meant for you.”

“Ok, I’ve got to go now,” I cleared my throat and stood up. “I need to check on Nyx’s baby boy,” I said, thinking of my best horse on the ranch that just become a mother.

“Oh, don’t forget you have to switch the irrigation system, those crops will need more water with the shift in weather,” He reminded me, luckily letting go of the Lucas conversation.

“Yes, Dad, thanks for the reminder,” I replied. I fixed my striking red hair in a low ponytail then put on my hat and boots. I stepped out the door, ready for another day of work.

I spend my morning taking care of Nyx and her son. She wasn’t as gentle as she once was, she was so vigilant. She became my sole responsibility when she kicked another ranch member into the wooden wall. Around me, she was still anxious and protective of her son but we had a different bond and allowed me to get close to her little by little.

Part of me felt terrible for her, her son was only being monitored because he was going to be sold. Nyx was one of the fastest and strongest horses we had, she had paired with someone of her status and I remember how happy the Trumann were when they found out she had a male foal.

Nyx and the baby were both doing great. I finished up my work at the barn by checking all the other horses.

I was on my way to fix the watering system when I spotted Lucas. His sandy blonde hair was tucked underneath his cowboy hair that was tipped back just a bit, he wore a white shirt that clung to his body and showed off his toned biceps and abdomen. I took a deep breath, noticing the jeans that were just perfect for him.

Lucas carried a stray lamb in his arms effortlessly, his biceps straining and glistening with sweat and dirt. Lord, he was so handsome. Dad’s words rang in my head. We’re meant to be. I mean, we’ve known each other forever. We know each other better than anyone else. Maybe Lucas was scared of risking our friendship? Maybe he cares about me beyond our friendship and thinks the feelings aren’t reciprocated?

I will talk to him. There’s an event tonight at a local bar, we can go together and I can tell him how much I care for him.

I walked towards him and a smile formed on his lips.

“Good morning, Azzie, snowball decided to run away,” he said as he moved the lamb closer to me. I smiled at Snowball and petted her head.

“Good morning, Lucas… There’s something I want to ask you,” I said, feeling my heart racing in my chest. Oh god, this was real. I was about to take the first step.