Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) Read online

  “Can I ask you a question about your trip, Addie? I’ve never been to the mountains.”

  She looked up and forced a smile. “Sure. Ask away.”

  Her sister scrunched up her nose. “Did you really stay in a stinky old cabin for three weeks?”

  Addison nodded and a faint smile lit up her face. “Yes, I did, but it wasn’t stinky. It was simple but comfortable. A nice change really.” She chuckled to herself. “The roof leaked the first night I was there. That was an interesting experience.”

  “I bet.” Brie tucked her legs beneath her on the bed. “How did you get stranded all the way out there? Jared is trying to make it look like you did it on purpose. I know that’s not true.”

  Addison nodded. “Yeah. You’re right. It was all just a crazy sequence of events. My car got stuck in the mud during a thunder storm. I would have been stranded out there in the wilderness all night. Then Logan showed up and saved me. He saved me more than once actually.” She bit her lip and her heart raced, thinking of his sky blue eyes and handsome smile.

  “I know you probably don’t want to talk about it…but is Logan that cowboy you were kissing in the picture?”

  Addison blushed. “Yes. That picture was Jared’s doing though. It never should have been released. He blackmailed me.”

  Brie pursed her lips. “I’m sorry. You really like Logan, don’t you?”

  Addison sighed and shook her head. “No.”

  “No?” Her sister scoffed and crossed her arms. “Then why have you been in your PJs, eating junk food and watching those awful soaps for a week? I’ve never seen you act like this over a guy before.”

  Addison’s eyes spilled over with unwanted tears as she looked up. “I don’t just like him, Brie. I love him…and I can never be with him.”

  Brielle frowned and studied her face. “Addie, this is crazy. If you love him so much, what’s stopping you from telling him the truth?”

  She sniffled and wiped her eyes. Addison couldn’t tell Brie the real reason. It would devastate her. Instead she decided to just be vague. “Jared. He knows something that could hurt our family. He has a picture to prove it.”

  Brie’s eyes widened. “A picture of what?”

  Addison shook her head and looked down. “Brie, I can’t bear to see you hurt. I just can’t.”

  “Look at me, Addie.”

  Addison obeyed, chin trembling.

  Her sister’s eyes sparked with intensity. “I’m eighteen now and I can take care of myself. You don’t have to protect me anymore. Besides, if it’s some dirt he’s dug up about Dad, I’m sure his lawyers can smooth this over. You don’t have to carry this burden on your shoulders.”

  Addison sighed, knowing Brie would never let this go. She had to know the truth, even if it would hurt her.

  ~ ~ ~

  Logan sat alone in his parents’ living room and read the handwritten note Addie had left behind a week ago. He’d avoided opening it until now.

  I’m sorry for any inconvenience or heartache I’ve caused you and your family. You all deserve so much better. The money is to cover any other expenses your father took care of during the past couple of weeks. Please know that my stay at the ranch has changed my life for the better. I hope one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me. ~Addie

  He slipped the check out of the envelope and held his breath. Two thousand dollars—much more than she could have possibly owed them. He clenched his jaw and for a moment considered tearing the check to shreds but that was for his parents to decide. Their names were on the check. Not his.

  Logan wandered into the kitchen and sat next to Belle as she sipped her coffee. “Morning, sis.”

  She stared out the window toward the trees in the distance. When she finally spoke her voice sounded low and hollow. “The leaves are starting to change colors.”

  He followed her gaze, noticing the difference for the first time. “Yeah, I guess they are.”

  “It’s strange, isn’t it?”

  “What’s that?”

  Belle sighed. “How quickly the summer fades. Last week I could wear short sleeves outside but this morning I spent ten minutes scouring through my closet for a sweater to keep out the chill.”

  “I thought you loved autumn.”

  She shrugged and took another sip of her coffee. “I used to. Now with Colton gone it just seems like an ominous prelude to winter.”

  Logan hated seeing his sister like this. After the rodeo Belle carried on with her chores as usual. She’d even taken over more responsibilities at the ranch, but her zest for life had fizzled out.

  He patted her on the shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded and forced a smile in his direction but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I will be. With time. What about you? I see you read the note from Addie.”

  He sighed and flicked the envelope across the table. “It seems we both tend to give our hearts away too quickly, sis. Now I wonder if it would be better to never love at all.”

  She nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

  Logan stared at his sister. He’d expected her to snap out of her gloom and argue with him but did she really just agree?

  His father entered the kitchen, pushing his mother in her wheelchair. After she was settled at her usual spot at the table he kissed her check and poured them both cups of coffee.

  When he sat down Logan studied his parents’ cheerful expressions. They seemed more loving and chipper than usual.

  His father grinned from the other side of the table. “I’m glad you’re both here. There’s something we need to talk about. Your mother and I have made a decision about the future of this ranch.”

  Belle’s eyes grew wide. “You have?”

  “Yes,” their mom said smiling. “We need someone who will continue the legacy of this place. Not just anyone. The person must be level-headed and ready to make tough decisions for the good of the ranch.”

  His sister gulped. “So what are you saying?”

  Their father leaned forward. “We’re saying that we believe that person is you, Belle. We’ve been watching you around the ranch and believe you’re ready.”

  Belle took a double take. “What? Can you say that again?”

  A smile lit up their father’s face and he took Belle’s hand in his. “You will inherit Hart Ranch.”

  Belle leapt from her chair and hugged their parents. “Oh, thank you! You won’t regret it. I’ll make you both proud.”

  Their dad chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Of course you will. Now come outside with me. We have a lot to talk about.”

  Logan sipped on his coffee and smiled, watching through the window as his dad and sister walked side by side down the path. His heart ached with a mixture of joy and sadness noticing that the rosy hue had even returned to Belle’s cheeks. Logan turned to his mother and let out a deep sigh. “It’s kind of bittersweet, you know?”

  “What?”

  “That Belle gave up a future with Colton but gained the ranch.”

  She patted his hand. “There’s always a silver lining if you look hard enough to find it. You never know. It’s not the right timing now but maybe in the future it will be.”

  “You think Colton will come back?”

  She grinned like she was holding back a huge secret. “Perhaps. I wasn’t only talking about Colton though.”

  Logan puffed air and shook his head, catching the hidden meaning behind her words. “I wish I could be as forgiving as you. Addie deceived all of us. I don’t think I could ever trust her again, even if I wanted to.”

  “Give it time, Logan. You never know what God could have in store.”

  He managed a weak grin. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re getting your optimistic attitude back, Mom. I’ve missed it.”

  She chuckled and looked down at her feet. “That’s not the only thing I’m getting back.”

  He followed his mother’s gaze and noticed her toes moving under her socks. Logan’s eyes flew back to her smilin
g face. “Mom, that’s great! How long?”

  “About a week. I wanted to keep it a secret for a while at least until I can do something more significant than just moving my toes, but I wanted you to know.”

  “Why just me?”

  She put her hand on his cheek and looked him in the eye. “You’re free, Logan. As much as I hate the idea of you leaving Montana, there’s no reason for you to stay now. Go chase your dreams.”

  “Oh, Mom. Thank you.” Logan gulped back his emotions and hugged her, realizing that his mother’s victory signaled his as well. Now that she was on the road to recovery he didn’t feel as guilty for wanting to leave.

  Ever since saving the injured cowboy at the rodeo Logan’s desire to practice medicine had returned. He wanted to further his education and spend his life helping others.

  His heart still ached from Addie’s betrayal but was his mom right? Could there be a silver lining to the whole ordeal after all?

  Chapter twenty-Six

  ~ ~ ~

  Addison brushed her freshly dyed brunette hair while listening to the voicemail messages on her phone. They seemed to go on and on for hours. After listening to the last one and shutting off her phone she exhaled and sank onto her king sized bed.

  It felt nice to be back in her penthouse apartment.

  After a few weeks of eerie silence from Jared she mustered the courage to move back home. That was step one. However, Addison couldn’t seem to shake the fear that it was just the calm before the storm. He wouldn’t give up that easily. Regardless, she had to move on with her life.

  Addison groaned and forced herself into a sitting position. Whether she liked it or not, it was time for step two—unpacking her luggage. She’d arrived home from Montana with a lot more than she came with. In fact, she had to buy a second suitcase at the airport just to fit it all. For some strange reason she kept her western clothing and boots even though they didn’t fit in with her normal wardrobe in LA.

  Ten minutes later she had the contents of both suitcases piled side by side on her bed. It seemed like she’d been living two different lives and now seeing them oddly merged together created an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  Addison sat on the edge of the bed and rested her head in her hands. Who am I, God? I don’t think I even recognize myself anymore.

  When she opened her eyes, something caught her eye beside the piles of clothes. The Bible Gramps had given her.

  It had been at least a week and a half since she’d read it. Now relief flooded through her as she ran her fingers over the leather cover. She flipped it open and read a verse Gramps had written on the inside cover. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17.

  Addison smiled, seeing her Montana adventures in a new light. The past weeks with the Hart family helped her discover some things about herself. Like cowgirl boots felt nicer on her feet than high heels, baked trout didn’t taste half bad, and her love for interior design wasn’t just a hobby but a potential business opportunity.

  However most importantly, she now understood that the clothes piled on her bed didn’t define her at all. What really mattered was the person on the inside—the person Jesus had transformed that morning by the creek.

  She’d made mistakes since then—big ones but maybe with time Logan and his family would find it in their hearts to forgive her. She could only hope and pray.

  In the meantime she needed to concentrate on the next steps. The future seemed daunting but with Jesus directing her life she knew nothing would be impossible. Could He help her banish the chameleon forever and find the real Addison at last?

  Chapter twenty-Seven

  ~ ~ ~

  Well, I can tell that the trip to Chicago did you a world of good, Ava. You’re practically glowing with happiness.”

  Logan’s sister-in-law chuckled and rubbed her growing baby bump. “You mean it looks like I ate too many deep-dish pizzas on my vacation, right?”

  He grinned and leaned against his truck. “Of course not. You look just as beautiful as always. But I still can’t believe that you managed to hide your pregnancy from us for all those months.”

  Ava’s smile faded as she gazed at the puffy clouds in the distance. “I’m sorry I kept secrets from you and your family. I just needed to get away and clear my head.”

  Logan nodded. “Of course. I understand more than you know. I just…wow. A baby. Nathan would have been so proud…” He paused, struggling to keep his composer.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s my fault you have to raise this baby alone.”

  She put her petite hand on his arm and her eyes clouded over. “Logan, I don’t blame you for Nathan’s death and you shouldn’t either. I know you did everything in your power to save him. He would have wanted all of us to move on and find happiness.”

  He nodded. “You’re right. I hope someday I’ll find a way to do that.”

  She gave him a gentle smile. “I pray that you do. You have so much kindness and love inside your heart, Logan. You deserve a little happiness in your life and someone to share it with.”

  Logan wiped his face on his sleeve and attempted a smile. “Thank you. That reminds me…do I have a little niece or nephew?”

  Ava beamed at him. “A niece. Nathan would have been so happy to have a daughter. He always said he wanted one of each.”

  “Well, congratulations. I know my parents will love having a little girl around the ranch and I’m sure Belle will be tickled pink too.”

  She sobered and tears gathered in her eyes. “There’s something else you should know. I’ve made a decision. We’re moving to Chicago, Logan. That’s why we stayed for so long. I found a private school for Dylan while we were there.”

  His heart sunk as he gazed toward Dylan’s bedroom window. No wonder his nephew hadn’t come out to greet him. “How’d Dylan take the news?”

  She sighed and sadness flickered in her eyes. “He’s upset right now but I believe he’ll feel better about it once we’re settled. I hope.”

  “Well, I wish you all the best, Ava. You’ll always have a home here. You know that, right?”

  She nodded and hugged him again. “Thanks for always being there, Logan. Now comes the hardest part.”

  He released her and furrowed his brow. “What’s that?”

  Ava pursed her lips. “Telling your family. I’m planning to do it tonight.”

  “They’ll understand. You have to live your own life, even if that means leaving Montana.”

  She hugged him and they said their goodbyes.

  After she disappeared inside Logan hopped back into his truck and headed into town with a heavy heart. Sure, he planned on leaving too, as soon as he got accepted into a medical program, but for Ava and Dylan it was a different story. Dylan had spent his entire life at the ranch and now everything was changing. He’d lost his father and now his roots. How would he adjust to life in the big city?

  Once arriving in town he parked in front of the hardware store and took out his list of supplies. Logan no sooner opened the driver’s-side door when a small flash of light caught his eye. He squinted toward a figure in dark clothing across the street.

  The photographer tensed up and snapped one more picture before escaping around the corner of a building.

  “Hey you,” Logan shouted and darted after the man. “Leave us alone!” He continued yelling while chasing him for about two blocks. Deep down he knew it was a futile effort. His boots were no match for the other man’s athletic shoes.

  Sure enough, the sly photographer sped off in his compact car before he could even get close.

  Logan stopped at the corner of the intersection and braced his hands on his knees while catching his breath. That was the second time the paparazzi had snuck up on him like that in a month. Belle had been ambushed a few days ago too. Would this nightmare ever end?

  ~ ~ ~

  Buzzing woke Addison
from a dreamless sleep. She sat up in her office chair and glanced around the room, disoriented. The crumpled papers littering her desk revealed that she’d fallen asleep while working. She’d been doing that a lot during the past month.

  Addison rubbed her eyes and stood, trying to figure out where the buzzing came from. After stumbling around in a circle she found the intercom on the wall. “Yes. Who is it?” she mumbled.

  “Addison, its Vic. I-I was hoping we could talk. C-can I come up?”

  Addison paused with her hand hovering over the intercom button and closed her eyes. The sting of betrayal radiated through her heart. She knew Jared had been seen with Victoria several times around town. According to the news stations, they had a little romance budding.

  She let out a ragged breath and pushed the button for the exterior door, forcing her raw emotions aside. Her old friend deserved a chance to explain her actions.

  A minute later she arrived and Addison invited her to sit on the couch. Victoria removed her sunglasses and observed the sketches and graph paper scattered around the apartment. “Working on a new project?”

  Addison nodded and cleared a stack of papers off the coffee table. “I’m working on launching my new interior design business. Sorry about the mess.”

  Victoria looked up and for the first time Addison realized her eyes looked a little bloodshot. “Oh, I don’t mind. I’m excited that you’ve decided to use your talent. If you need any help with a new website or anything just say the word.”

  Addison smiled in spite of the emotions that seeing Victoria summoned. “Thanks. I’m going to make some green tea. Would you like some?”

  She agreed and Addison retreated into the kitchen to prepare their drinks. The time it took to brew the tea gave her a chance to regain her composer. God, please give me strength. Help me to forgive, she prayed before returning to the living room.

  Her friend took the cup. “Thank you, Addie. Not just for the tea but for giving me a chance to explain.”

  Addison relaxed into the oversized chair across from her friend and let out a deep sigh. “Well to be honest, I almost didn’t.” She took a sip of her tea and then placed the cup on the coffee table. “So what did you come to tell me, Vic?”