HURITT

When Dad returns to look at us, the pain and shame in his face features awakes anger in me.

"I bought it for her after Kit was born. She liked golfing, and it was a peace offering for the time she spent away from her hobby. The cart had a constant problem with the brakes, and she stored it in the shed for the company to pick it up and finally bring a replacement. I didn't realize until the investigation concluded that it was the same cart of the accident."

"She kept that detail silent. You as well," Kitchi says, fury in his eyes.

"I did, and I'm to blame for all that happened. I confronted her when I found out about the cart and she turned it against me. She said it was my fault too for never having time to keep an eye on you. She told me to shut my mouth or she would tell her father and I would get fired. I was a coward, should have told her right then, 'screw the job, I want a divorce and the custody of my kids', but didn't. I'm so sorry."

"Did you do anything when she yelled at Rowtag in front of the employees and guests right after the accident? When she told him at the hospital he should be dead?" I ask.

Dad's eyes widen at my words.

"It was too late to stop her, Huritt. Rowtag could barely breathe, you were all injured. My priority was getting medical help and at that moment she could go fuck herself for all I cared. Something isn't right with her for the past 30 years and saying she wanted you dead is proof."

"Is that why we moved permanently to Broken Arrow? Because she didn't want us around Istu and Kit?" I ask.

"No, that isn't the reason. The original plan was for you to recover there, but after some thought and a chat I had with Pa, I decided it was best for you to live there permanently, even if it broke my heart."

"Why didn't I go to the farm?" Istu asks.

"You needed a safe place where you could have a normal life. I picked that school for you and was informed of your progress. You did excellent there and I know you even got in trouble," Dad smiles knowingly. "When you were ready, and they fit the farm house for your needs, I gave Ma a call and you could join your brothers. It was the right decision, and I don't regret it. I love each one of you with all my heart and what I is regret not spending enough time with you. That's why I'm here."

"It's never too late," Rowtag says.

"What will you do next? Will you be able to get another job in hospitality?" Istu asks.

"I could, but to be honest, I'm tired of that life. I haven't had a place to call home in almost 30 years. I realized it when Karen sent my things to the motel where I stayed at in a trash bag. I have more than enough money to my name, yet everything I own fits in a bag. As for my plans, I was hoping to get hired here. Ma said you are short on farm hands."

I look at Rowtag, who stares at him in shock.

"Dad... Are you sure?" Istu asks slowly.

"I was born on a farm and know how to take care of animals and crops, also how to process honey. Chickens are fond of me," Dad grins cheekily, looking plenty like Grandma.

"Kitchi is the farm manager, you would report to him," Rowtag says.

"Nothing would make me happier than to work for my kid."

We hear the door opening, and Grandma comes inside carrying two heavy-looking grocery bags.

"So much handsome in one room," she smiles.

"Dad wants to be my employee," Kitchi says to her, still surprised.

"You can try him. He was a decent one back at the farm," Grandma shrugs.

"Just decent? I thought I was an excellent employee," Dad complains.

"If you would have paid more attention to your chores than bringing girls behind the stables that would have been better. It's a miracle you don't have more kids than these four."

"Grandma, he didn't make me," Rowtag says.

"Rowtag, she said four. I made four sons, and you are my first," Dad says firmly and Rowtag nods. "So, do I get a trial period?"

"Three months and you need to look presentable. The cows will stop giving milk if they see that stubble," Kitchi says, and the mood lightens considerably.

"We still have rooms available at the employee lodge. I will ask one of the ladies from housekeeping to prepare it for you," Rowtag says.

"I will return home soon and Huritt can use his bedroom," Grandma says.

"Grandma, I don't want to sound pushy, but we are finally together. Please, don't leave us," Istu says.

"I will think about it. You all have your significant others, and I don't want to be in the way," she pats Istu's cheek lovingly.

"You all have girlfriends?" Dad asks with a bright smile.

Istu stiffens at his words.

"One fiancé, a girlfriend and two special friends," Grandma says.

"Who's getting married?" Dad looks at us.

"I am. I'm engaged to Olivia, the head nurse at the First Aid post by the pool. She has a son."

"And I'm sure you will be a great father to him. Congratulations, Row!"

Kitchi tells Dad about how he met Monique and her upcoming visit.

"We all know about Josh," I whisper to Istu. "No secrets between brothers. Just tell him, he's not Karen."

"What if he hates me?" He asks, getting paler by the minute. "What if I ruin things and he leaves?"

"He won't. He loves you too much."

"... Rowtag tells me you are dating Amy, the sweet girl from the kid's club. I met her the last time I was here when she came out with the children. She introduced herself and told me how much we look alike," Dad says.

"She never told me about that. She's a great woman and we have good fun together."

"Now, Istu, tell me all about your girl," Dad smiles warmly at him.

"I don't have a girlfriend, Dad. I'm interested in a man who also has feelings for me," Istu says while looking at the floor.

"Is he a decent man?" Dad says, making Istu look back at him.

"He is. Also, kind and caring."

"And he loves you?"

"I'm not sure if we are yet at that stage, but we are fond of each other."

"Can I be around when you tell your mother?" He grins again, earning a smack on the head from Grandma. "Karen doesn't know then?" He rubs his head while laughing.

"No, and I don't think I will ever tell her."

"Understandable," Rowtag says.

"Dad, you don't mind that I'm different to my brothers?" Istu asks.

"I don't," Dad embraces Istu in a hug. "I love you just the way you are."

I leave my brothers catching up with Dad and head downstairs to the kid's club. Amy sings a song about animals and I lean on the door frame watching her, feeling so proud. When the song finishes, the kids head to play, and she gifts me a smile when she notices me.

"How was camping?" she says after giving me a small kiss on my lips that leaves me wincing. "Oh, what happened to your lip? Did you take a fall?"

"No, Kitchi punched me, and I punched Rowtag. Olivia will be pissed at me. I left a mark."

"What the hell happened then?"

"We needed to blow off steam after I found out that Rowtag is only my half-brother and that he is not related at all to Kitchi and Istu," I expect surprise from her side, but she just blushes. "Did you know?"

"Not exactly. Nadine and Chris overheard your mother talking on the phone when they went to visit Kitchi at the hospital. I didn't mention it because I wasn't sure if they understood correctly. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to hide information from you."

I place my arms around her waist and bring her closer until our foreheads touch. "There's nothing to be sorry about," I kiss the tip of her nose. "My dad is upstairs. Karen kicked him out and asked for a divorce, he's moving into the lodge and will work at the farm."

"In this case, and excuse me for saying it, your father has the winning hand."

"I agree. I'm so happy, finally my whole family is together and I have you. I love you so much."

Amy kisses me again and this time, the pain on my lips doesn't bother me at all.