The Sheriff Forced Her Off Her Land — So She Built a Hidden Mountain Ranch They Never Knew Existed
Chapter 13
Wade eventually returned to the ranch as an old man.
His hair was white.
He walked with a cane.
Clara welcomed him.
They sat on the porch.
“Still here,” he said.
“Still here.”
He looked toward the mountains.
“I thought Crane would win.”
“I know.”
“I thought the town would turn against you.”
“It almost did.”
“I thought you’d leave forever.”
Clara smiled.
“I did leave.”
He frowned.
“What?”
“You made me leave.”
“Right.”
She looked toward the hidden valley.
“But I didn’t disappear.”
Wade smiled.
“You found something better.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“I found something that was already mine.”
They sat quietly.
Wade finally said:
“I’m sorry.”
Clara nodded.
“I know.”
“I should have stopped it.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t expect forgiveness.”
“You have it.”
He looked at her.
“Just like that?”
“Not just like that.”
She smiled.
“It took years.”
Wade nodded.
“I understand.”
He stayed for dinner.
The grandchildren asked him questions.
He told stories about the old town.
Clara watched him laugh.
The man who had once driven her away was now sitting at her table.
Life was strange.
But she preferred it that way.
