A Colorado Family

This admission had Austin a little off center. “You’re saying you want to see me ride?”

Neal nodded. “I’ve already had the pleasure a few years back in Lubbock, Texas.” He smiled. “I believe you won that day.”

Austin frowned, recalling that had been the last time he saw his stepmother, Leslie. “I remember Mom being there, but where were you?”

“I thought it might be better if you spent time with her.” He saw the flash of sadness. “Leslie had just learned about her cancer. Even I didn’t know the extent until much later.”

Austin’s leg began to ache, and he went to sit down at the table. He offered his father the other chair. “I wish I had known. I could have spent more time with her.”

Neal sat down. “You know your mother. She didn’t want you boys to make a fuss or disrupt your lives.” His gaze went to Austin. “It’s the way she wanted it, son.”

Austin stiffened at the word son again. He was troubled that his father had suddenly remembered him as his child. “I’m sorry I didn’t get back to the funeral last year. I was in Australia competing. By the time I heard the news, it was too late to come back in time.”

His father raised his hand. “It’s okay, son. Your mother knew you loved her. She was proud of you.”

“I know Leslie was my stepmother, but I always thought of her as the real thing.”

“She felt the same way about you boys, too.”

Austin felt the old bitterness surface. “Yeah, she didn’t question our choices like you did.”

The old man cringed. “I know. I had to be right about everything, and look where it got me. I pushed you boys so hard I ended up driving you away. If there was a way I could change those years, I would. I’m most sorry for letting my job be my top priority.” Those blue eyes met his. “I had sons and a wife who needed me at home. I apologize to you, Austin. You deserved a father to be there for you. I know I can’t ask you to forget, but I was hoping while you’re here you’d let me come by occasionally.”

Austin felt a sudden weight on his chest. He didn’t want to feel anything. He’d left home all those years ago to not deal with this man. So why now did he want the man’s approval so badly? “I guess I wouldn’t mind that.”

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