You have no right to ask me how I feel
You have no right to speak to me so kind
I can't go on just holding on to ties
Now that we're living separate lives
Well, I held on to let you go
And if you lost your love for me, well you never let it show
There was no way to compromise
So now we're living
Separate lives
San Sequoia – Downtown area
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the bustling streets of San Sequoia, bathing the city in warmth and light. The scent of fresh coffee and baked pastries wafted from nearby cafes, mingling with the distant hum of traffic. Briar Rose, who had recently turned 28, walked hurriedly down the sidewalk, her hand tightly grasping that of her daughter, Bonnie. The spirited six-year-old struggled to keep up, her small feet trying to match her mother’s brisk pace. Both had long, wavy warm blonde hair and warm-toned ivory skin. Briar Rose’s eyes were a brilliant, translucent light green, like seaglass, while Bonnie had inherited her father’s medium blue eyes, adding a touch of Jackson to her otherwise artsy and upscale appearance. Briar Rose’s delicate build was complemented by her modern, often designer clothing, and her youthful demeanor and melodic, trained singing voice gave her an aura of both elegance and approachability.
“Come on, Bonnie, we’ll be late,” Briar Rose urged, glancing back at the telltale red bridge of the city, its silhouette a constant reminder of the place they called home.
Bonnie pouted, her small feet dragging on the pavement. “I don’t want to go to school. I want to see Daddy.”
Briar Rose’s heart clenched. She stopped short and crouched down, gathering Bonnie into a comforting embrace. “I know, sweetie. We’ll see Daddy soon. But right now, we have to go to school, okay? All your friends are there, it’ll be fun, okay Bon-Bon?”
Bonnie’s bottom lip trembled, but she nodded reluctantly. Briar Rose kissed her daughter’s forehead and scooped her up, her arms strong yet tender. The school bell chimed in the distance as they rounded the corner, and Briar Rose quickened her pace, her breath slightly ragged. She ran to get Bonnie to the door, smiling encouragingly and waving until her daughter disappeared inside.
Briar had parked her car a few blocks away to avoid the congested traffic near the school. She continued her journey on foot, appreciating the brief moments of calm before the hectic day truly began. Around the next corner, she leaned against a wall, her breath catching as she fought back tears. Life could be so unforgiving. Once she managed to calm herself down, she glanced at her wristwatch, cursed under her breath, and hurried off to her next destination: the local music academy. She had decided to finish the degree she had abandoned years ago to be with Jackson.
Her footsteps echoed in the grand hallways as she made her way to her first class of the day. Her heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and excitement, even though this marked her second semester. Her passion for music burned brightly despite the detours life had thrown her way. The dream she once had—of becoming a popular and famous musician, traveling the world performing her own compositions—just like her father used to, seemed so distant now. The realities of being a single mother had shifted her priorities. A steady schedule and income were paramount, and living off her parents was not a long-term solution she could accept.
In the evenings, Briar Rose returned to the sprawling seaside estate owned by her parents, Chase and Hailey Cameron. By now they had picked up Bonnie from school, fed her, helped with her homework, and entertained her. Some days, when Briar Rose ended up studying late, Bonnie was already asleep by the time she arrived home. The guesthouse where they lived was cozy, filled with memories of simpler times from Bri’s youth and happier moments with Jackson.
Chestnut Ridge – Kershaw Ranch
Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, in the wide-open expanse of Chestnut Ridge, Jackson Kershaw moved with practiced ease around Kershaw Ranch. The community of horse ranchers was close-knit, and there was a strong native presence that added to the town’s rich cultural tapestry. Jackson stood tall, his slender yet strong frame a testament to a life of ranch work. At 30 years old, his appearance was marked by a light tan that he maintained year-round from his time spent outdoors, which made his blue eyes pop, reflecting the clear skies of Chestnut Ridge. He dressed as you would expect—a well-worn cowboy hat, a checkered shirt tucked into sturdy jeans, and weathered boots that had seen their fair share of ranch life. Jackson’s six-year-old son, Beau, was a miniature version of him, determinedly lugging a heavy bucket of horse feed. Beau’s light green eyes, inherited from his mother, sparkled with determination as he mimicked his father’s every move.
“Daddy?” Beau’s voice was small amidst the vastness of the ranch.
“Hm?” Jackson responded, keeping an eye on his son.
“When are we going to see Mommy and Bonnie?”
“Soon,” Jackson replied, his drawl carrying a hint of melancholy.
“How soon?”
“Beau Wyatt! Watch what yer doin’!” Jackson’s voice thundered as he saw Beau lugging the way too heavy bucket while looking at him. Before Jackson could react, Beau bumped into one of the horses, which kicked out in surprise. Jackson barely managed to pull the boy aside in the nick of time, while shoving the horse’s rear end aside, sending the mare running, nickering in protest. While Jackson picked up his son, who had stumbled and fallen down, spilling most of the feed as the bucket tumbled over, his drawl thickening. “Consarn it, kid! What in tarnation are ya thinkin’? I told ya many times love that ya wanna help me, but a lot of this can hurt ya, so ya gotta keep yer eyes and mind on whatcha doin’, this ain’t child’s play!” Beau’s shoulders slumped, his bottom lip began to tremble, so Jackson’s expression softened. He shooed some all too eager horses away from the spilled food, while simultaneously pulling his son into a warm and tight embrace. “It’s alright, kiddo. I am sorry for yellin’ at ya, I shouldn’t have done that, got startled myself there for a minute. ‘preciate all yer helpin’ and you are a great little rancher, couldn’t do it all without ya. Just be careful, ya hear? Don’t want ya to go gettin’ yerself hurt now, okay?”
Beau nodded, his little arms wrapping around Jackson’s neck. “I love you, Daddy.” Pressing the boy against him as hard as he could without hurting his tiny figure, Jackson fought for composure. “Love ya too, son. More than ya will ever know.”
He let go of his son, the child smiled up at his father, who adjusted the boy’s cowboy hat, before his small hands gripped the bucket again, undeterred by the brief moment of drama, and lugged it to the horse shelter, three of the horses following, eagerly trying to sneak some bites of breakfast, which the boy vehemently stopped, shaking his fingers at them, telling them no, so Jackson’s old dog Millie ran over, barking up a storm ‘protecting’ Beau, which had the horses snort in protest but they obliged and just trotted after them. Chuckling, Jackson followed, then helped his son pour some into each of the feeders, father and son watched them enjoy their breakfast for a moment, before Jackson urged Beau to get ready for school. As the boy ran inside, his father followed, shaking his head at the young kid’s spirited ways, thinking back when he was that age. Now, at 30 years, Jackson sometimes felt ancient, as if his entire life was behind him, even though he was still young.
With a deep sigh, he made it up the wooden stairs to the front porch and headed inside to feed his son breakfast before his neighbor would come pick him up for school along with some other kids from neighboring ranches. Once the boy was gone, completing the necessary tasks was easier not having to watch his child, but also felt lonely and too quiet, empty. Over the past 7 years he had gotten so used to Briar Rose always being there, waking up next to her, doing the chores with her, having fun with her. She was such a lot of fun, each and every day seemed different, not one ever passed without them laughing, and once she was gone, it felt like the sun was gone from his life. The only reason he even kept going was because of Beau. It had taken him a long time to get used to life without Bri and Bonnie. If he didn’t have Beau, he would have probably lost all reason for even trying anymore. As if everything Jackson loved had gone from his life. Except Beau. At first, Bri had come for visits with Bonnie very frequently, partially for the children, but also because both of them still clung on to hope that this was just a rugged road, and that they would finally find their way back to each other. It wasn’t a matter of falling out of love, Jackson still loved Briar Rose more than his own life, and he could tell she still loved him, but both finally found out what the term irreconcilable differences really meant. She could no longer live here, and he could not see himself living anywhere but here. An impasse, an unsurmountable hurdle. One that cost them their marriage. They weren’t divorced yet, but Jackson knew it was going to happen sooner or later. It made sense. Holding on at this point was foolish. It was over. He knew it, Bri knew it, just neither of them wanted to say the words.
When most of his morning chores were finished, Jackson took a moment to look out over the ranch, casually at the fence, one leg propped up in a classic cowboy stance. He adjusted his trusty old worn cowboy hat, its brim frayed from years of use. His brown hair, with ends bleached from sun exposure, peeked out from under the hat. His skin was tanned year-round, and his brilliant blue eyes reflected the clear skies of Chestnut Ridge. Looking over at the horses, his favorite, stallion ‘Blaze’ was bickering with Briar Rose’s horse ‘Prairie Rose’, making Jackson let out a joyless laugh, thinking how much it reminded him of their owners before the final curtain fell on their love. He spat into the dirt, a habit formed over years of ranch work.
Jackson’s days were always filled with the rugged routines of ranch life. There were no weekends sleeping in, no vacations. If he ever wanted to go elsewhere, he had to arrange for help from other ranchers, knowing it was just adding more chores to their full plates. He spent hours mending fences, tending to the horses, and riding out into the fields. The scent of hay and leather was ever-present, and the sound of hooves against the dirt was a comforting rhythm. Jackson’s life was simple, but it was the only life he had ever known and the only life he could see himself ever living long term. Haunting memories returned. Memories of the reason he had lost Bri and Bonnie to the city life almost a year ago now, just a couple months shy of his 30th birthday. Memories he would never be able to forget for as long as he lived. Memories that still brought tears to his eyes, which he now fought back.
It had all started so innocently, with a day like most others, he was having fun with Bri and the kids, spraying them with the water hose, making them run. When Bri begged for mercy, all soaked, the adults ended up kissing, making out, while the children and the dog ran about still being silly, until it turned into every parent’s nightmare when suddenly, with absolutely no warning, Beau screamed, they turned to see Bonnie collapse. One second she had been fine, the next she was visibly fighting for her life, labored breathing turned into helpless gasping, she turned blue and passed out, convulsing. Both parents were panicked, her brother was screaming and crying and nobody knew what was going on.
Chestnut Ridge didn’t even have a doctor, at least not for the humans, there was no one to turn to with such an emergency. Briar Rose called her brother Connor, a Chief of Staff at a state-of-the-art medical center in San Sequoia, who had his niece airlifted to his hospital. On the flight, Bonnie went into another convulsion and stopped breathing, cardiac arrest followed, requiring CPR. Diagnosis: Anaphylaxis.
Connor swiftly administered epinephrine to stop the reaction, then provided oxygen and established an IV line for additional medications and fluids, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and beta-agonists. Bonnie’s condition gradually improved—her breathing steadied and color returned to her face. She was closely monitored for several hours to ensure no recurrence of symptoms. Once stable, Bonnie had to heal from the injuries sustained during the emergency efforts. Broken ribs from her life being saved before it ever really began, her fifth birthday had almost been her last. She tested allergic to several things, but above all something called the Serrated Clover, a weed native to Chestnut Ridge.
From then on, managing Bonnie’s allergies required regular injections or pills, only available in the city, requiring monthly trips to fill the prescriptions, plus additional frequent checkups at the hospital. Coming so close to losing Bonnie had changed everything for Briar Rose. She turned into a helicopter mom, often clashing with Jackson’s laid-back approach so typical for Chestnut Ridge. And they started arguing. Arguments turned into fights. The fights became more frequent, and the former harmony never really fully returned, even on the good days.
When then one day Bonnie had another severe allergic reaction during a family ride out, and Jackson had forgotten to pack her Epipen even though Bri had asked him to, it was the beginning of the end of this little family. Another call for another emergency airlift from out of a canyon, once more almost costing their daughter her life, and costing them all their savings to pay for the emergency run. That was the final straw for Briar Rose. She realized she could no longer risk her daughter’s life for the sake of their simple lifestyle.
The moment they were released from the hospital, Bri’s attitude had changed. Jackson had already returned home a day earlier to take care of the ranch, when Bri finally arrived with Beau but without Bonnie, whom she had left in her parents’ care, she immediately started packing. Bri had enough of the ranch life and demanded they would move to civilization, but Jackson refused. He couldn’t live elsewhere, ranching and horses was all he knew. He had no education beyond high school, no job history, nothing. Bri didn’t care, she now resented Jackson deeply for what had happened, blaming him, and she resented him more for not wanting to leave this awful hellhole. An argument followed, harsh words were spoken, things were said that could never be taken back on both sides. When in a flare of anger she accused him of almost having killed their daughter and not even caring, Jackson’s face turned red with fury. He grabbed one of her already packed bags and flung it out the front door with all his might, watching it land in the dust. Then, with a swift, powerful kick, he launched another bag almost to the luxury car borrowed from her father, which seemed very out of place in this rugged setting. “Ya wanna leave so badly, then LEAVE! Get gone and stay gone!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the ranch.
When Bri grabbed Beau to leave, the little boy threw the worst tantrum either of them had ever seen, biting, kicking and scratching his mother, running away from her, screaming that Bri was a ‘mean witch’ and that he wanted to stay with ‘daddy, Millie and the horsies’, eventually clinging to Jackson’s leg, sobbing, so his father refused allow Bri to take him with her.
This is how and why they ended up splitting not just from each other, but also their twins. Initially, everyone thought they would recover from this, including Jackson and Bri, but now, almost a year later, they still hadn’t, and it became blatantly obvious that they never would. Nobody, including Jackson and Bri, could understand how a love story like theirs could end on such a somber note, how it could not be strong enough when it had once felt like they could conquer all. But it wasn’t. Briar Rose had fallen out of love with Chestnut Ridge, the simple life … and Jackson. She wanted, needed to get away from this place and he just didn’t want to leave. She had tried, and tried hard to continue to love his life, see the beauty of it, but the constant worry was too much to bear. She wanted to be anywhere but here and he didn’t want to be anywhere else.
San Sequoia – Seaglass Estate
Home to Chase and Hailey Cameron, their twin daughters Iris Marie and Briar Rose, as well as Bri’s daughter Bonnie.
Briar Rose’s twin sister, Iris Marie, was a successful lawyer and still lived at their parents’ estate as well, in the other guest house, the one with street access, while Bri and Bonnie lived in the 2-bedroom pool house, safer for the little girl and offering nicer views over the San Sequoia Bay and skyline in the distance. The twin sisters shared a close bond, often confiding in each other during late-night talks.
Their older brother, Connor, who lived about 15 minutes away, was the Chief of Staff at the local state-of-the-art medical center. Despite his busy schedule, he was never too busy for his family. Connor’s wife, Keira, was the daughter of Chase’s former bandmate/best friend, Colton. Keira’s mother, Maddie, had recently retired as the editor-in-chief of a leading women’s fashion magazine. Maddie had previously worked in public relations for Chase and Colton’s band before it disbanded about ten years ago. Hailey, Chase’s wife, was their band manager, which had made the two women best friends over the years, a bond that still lasted long after the band was no longer.
Connor and Keira had one child, Christian—or Chris—a teenager full of energy, wit, brilliance, athleticism, and a gregarious nature, much like his father. The father-son duo shared many hobbies, most involving some sort of sport.
Iris Marie was engaged to Keira’s younger brother, Jasper “Jas” Hargrave, who was a few months older than the twins and had grown up with them like siblings. Engaged since graduating university, they still had yet to tie the knot or even live together, a point of concern for the family.
Jasper, a charismatic and handsome actor, was steadily gaining fame in Del Sol Valley. With a growing fanbase and successful roles, his career was on the rise. He was always groomed and styled to the T, always in the latest fashion, kept fit, and ate right. His natural blond hair was enhanced in color, and his dark eyes added to his captivating presence. Jasper was a hit with the ladies, and he knew it, basking in the attention. Female fans would often approach him for autographs and selfies, sometimes sitting on his lap or cozying up to him, which he visibly enjoyed, much to Iris’s irritation. Her short fuse and low tolerance for BS led to her flipping out when things didn’t go her way or when a fan got too cozy, causing public scenes. His demanding and often unpredictable schedule further strained their relationship.
Iris Marie, with her long, dark hair and striking blue eyes, epitomized a legal professional with determination. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and warmth, qualities that made her an excellent lawyer. Always impeccably dressed, her chic outfits highlighted her sophisticated yet approachable demeanor. Despite her success and busy career, Iris remained deeply connected to her family and roots. However, her snarkiness and hot temper could flare up, especially with Jasper’s adoring fans. She wanted him to set clear boundaries, while he wanted her to relax. Their snarky exchanges often led to bickering, arguments, and fights, straining their love.
That strain festered, the gap it caused ultimately grew into a deep canyon and would eventually become too wide to bridge. The differences that once seemed like just the right spice for their dynamic and energetic relationship, keeping it interesting, had turned into insurmountable obstacles, leading to the inevitable. And that moment had finally arrived.
One night, Bri had just put Bonnie to bed and finished writing a paper for one of her classes. Now, she was enjoying a glass of wine while watching TV when Jasper appeared, plopping down on the couch next to her. He leaned against her, his head resting on hers. He was like a brother to her, so this wasn’t too unusual. Bri leaned her head into him, then offered him her glass, which he took and emptied in one gulp.
“Hey! Dude, seriously?” Bri exclaimed, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “That’s Rothschild, not grape juice! Ever heard of savoring?”
“Sorry Bri, I needed that,” Jasper replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
“Uh oh. Bad audition or trouble in paradise?” Bri asked, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity.
“The latter. I’d call it hell, starring Jasper Hargrave, on fleek and on fire, probably because of the one and only fire-breathing Iris Marie Cameron in the other lead role. No further episodes, though. This is the series grand finale. Show’s now been canceled for good,” Jasper said with a bitter chuckle, his eyes reflecting a deep sadness.
“Oh come on, you drama queen, you know Iris has a temper. You’ll be okay,” Bri tried to reassure him, her voice gentle.
With a deep sigh, Jasper sat up and pulled something from the pocket of his jeans. With a flourish, he presented Iris’s engagement ring, gesturing at it with the other hand like a showman revealing the grand prize. “Behold, the $15k diamond that symbolizes the end of an era, after it had just been launched at my head,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Falling back into the couch, slowly turning the ring in front of his face, he continued. “I think this is it for us, Bri. The final blow. I’m no quitter, but when she tossed this at me and followed it up with a barrage of insults and creative suggestions on how to entertain myself with myself—most of which would require me to be a contortionist and hung like a racehorse, full disclosure, I am a very proud man, but that I am not—I knew I was done.”
Bri raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. “What happened this time?”
Jasper sighed again, deeper this time. “It was a photo, Bri. A paparazzi shot of me leaving a dinner meeting with a casting director. In the photo, the director’s wife is giving me a hug goodbye, but of course, it looks way more intimate than it actually was. The article spun it like I was having an affair. I swear on my own life to you, Bri, I wasn’t screwing the director’s old lady, nor do I have any interest in it. What good would that do me? If I were to stoop to that, I’d give HIM a nice juicy blowjob that would bring tears of joy to his eyes, not nail her. He could get me somewhere I am trying to get; screwing HER could only get me blacklisted from ever getting a role beyond selling creams against limp or itchy dicks ever again. So, duh, Jasper is most definitely innocent like a newborn lamb. Sadly, your twin sister is incapable of hearing reason. She saw that photo, made up her own truth, and went ballistic. I tried to explain it to her like I did to you, she heard static, while throwing everything in her room at me that she could lift. Stick a fork in me, Bri, I am so DONE. A little crazy is sweet, but your sister is a whole lotta sweet—too sweet for me, if you catch my drift. I can’t do this anymore. Every outing with your deranged twin feels like an episode of Survivor—Rabid Zombie Edition,” Jasper said, his voice a mix of resignation and hurt.
Sighing again, he leaned forward, grabbing the wine bottle off the table, briefly reading the label before pulling out the cork and taking long chugs until Bri pulled it from him.
“Jas…” Bri started, her voice filled with sympathy, but he silenced her with a finger to her lips and a head shake.
“Naw, Bri, this was the big one. The killshot for our relationship and honestly, I am glad of it. I know it was time for this to be over, just like you knew when you called it quits with Jackson. I just didn’t have the balls yet to pull the plug on the life support Iris and I have been on with this for years now. I can’t do this anymore. On that note, I need to head back. Movie and TV big wig’s asses aren’t gonna kiss themselves, gotta pucker up for that one big role that’ll finally get me to where I have been trying to go for years, plastering this here handsome face on every movie theater around the world,” Jasper said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood.
With those words, he patted Bri’s thigh, then leaned over, kissing her cheek, before rising up. She quickly reached out, grabbing his wrist.
“Jas, sleep here. You just gulped down about half a bottle of Rothschild like a watered-down Smoothie. You shouldn’t drive in that condition or your emotional state,” Bri insisted, her voice firm with concern.
Smiling, he winked at her. “You’re hella precious mommy-ing me, Bri, but nah, I’ll be fine. That little Vino Big Gulp action was just rocket fuel to get me home without sobbing in the most unmanly fashion,” he said with a playful tone, trying to mask his pain.
She rose up, holding on to both wrists now, shooting him a concerned look. “Jas, you can sob here. There are guest rooms. I’d even sit and sob with you. We can polish off the bottle and get another, even ice cream or anything you like. I don’t wanna lose you. I mean, you were my first friend ever, except for Iris. I need you in my life, Jas.”
Jasper pulled his wrists free, then Bri into a tight embrace. They stood like this for longer than normal; she could feel he was very emotional, could swear he was crying, but when he pulled away, he smiled his usual smile, though it didn’t reach his now reddened eyes. His voice wasn’t as firm and confident as usual either. “Oh Bri, chill my Boo. You know I am like herpes, once you got me, you can never get rid of me. I’ll be around, maybe not as much as before, especially in the beginning, but once it scabs over you’ll see more of me again. And if you miss me too bad, you know I am only a 2-hour car ride away, so get that cute ass in the car and come see me. By the way, those yoga pants are definitely your friend, you MILF.” Grinning and winking he whistled through his teeth.
“If you go out like that, good old Chase is gonna need a shotgun to run off all the boys your hot self is bringing to his yard, howling at your window like dogs in heat. And don’t you go tempting me with booze and ice cream. I can’t afford all those empty calories; gotta keep my physique tight. Nobody wants to pay money to watch me take my shirt off in the next blockbuster only to reveal moobs that need a bra size bigger than yours and a dad bod, especially since I’m not even a dad. We don’t want the only thing clapping for me to be my flabby asscheeks when I walk.” He winked, smirking.
Bri couldn’t help but laugh and gave him a playful shove, knowing this was just his way of coping with the pain. Jasper wasn’t alright, but if he didn’t want to stay, she couldn’t force him. Plus, if Iris was in one of her moods, which she would be after a breakup, and saw him here, it would be a recipe for disaster, so it was better if he left. Bri wasn’t in the mood to witness another one of their explosive fights. It always started out snarky and funny but quickly escalated into something rough and uncomfortable to watch.
“Jas, call or text me when you get home, please. It doesn’t need to be a conversation, just a heads-up, okay?” Bri said, her eyes full of concern.
“You got it, chica.” Jasper leaned in, kissing her forehead, and added quietly, “Thanks for still caring.”
“Always. Your relationship with my sister has nothing to do with us, Jas. Never has, never will. Be safe,” she said, using her sleeve to wipe a stray tear from the corner of his eye. He nodded.
With that, he left. Bri watched from the living room window until the taillights of his exotic sports car disappeared around a corner, then plopped back down on the couch. With a deep sigh, Bri reached for the bottle, about to drink from it when it was snatched from her. Startled, she looked up to see her parents.
“Bri, do you need the full welcome package? We use coasters and glasses in this house! You’re not in your little house on the prairie anymore!” her mom Hailey scolded, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Hailey and Chase joined her, leaving Bri to wonder again when her parents had become old. In her mind, she still always saw them the way they used to look most of her life, but a few years ago, Hailey read how damaging hair dye was, containing dangerous and toxic chemicals from irritants to carcinogens, and from then on, she prohibited Chase and even Colton to dye their hair again, while Maddie still fought her on it, eventually surrendering, so by now they had all gone gray. Still perky and youthful, but definitely showing their ages now, all four of them in their sixties.
“Saw Jasper’s car leaving, which is why your mother and I came out of hiding. Weren’t in the mood for the motormouth and his stupid take on the world. Did your sister go with him?” Chase asked, his voice curious.
“Oh no! Oh God, Dad, I think they had their final blow tonight. A huge fight. She gave him back the ring. Never done that before. Jas sounded off too. I think he’s done for real now,” Bri replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
Cursing, Chase leaned in to take the bottle from Hailey, she tried to pull it from him, but he held on. They struggled until Hailey gave up. She grimaced as she watched her husband gleefully take a big gulp from it, wiggling his eyebrows at her, barely able to hide the smirk, while she flipped him off.
“Aren’t you gonna talk to your daughter?! Would be more productive than trying to suck the bottom of the wine bottle to the top, Mr. Cameron,” Hailey demanded, her voice rising in frustration but softened by the familiar love and humor she always shared with Chase.
“I AM talking to my daughter, MRS. Cameron. Hi Bri! See, I am talking to the daughter,” Chase said with a smirk, trying to defuse the tension.
“The other one, Gump! I am serious now. If Bri is right and they really broke up, Iris needs us now!” Hailey snapped, her patience wearing thin.
“Nope. I am not walking into that minefield. You wanna coddle the fruit of our loins who has the disposition of a feral rabid dragon on a good day, be my guest, Patches, but my ass is staying right the hell here,” Chase replied, shaking his head firmly. “If Iris needs a hug and comfort, she knows where to find me. After 28 years of being her dad, I know it’s best to let her simmer down before approaching with care.”
Grumbling unflattering things about ‘father of the year’, Hailey went to check on Iris.
“Don’t blame you Daddy. Last time they had a bad fight, I tried to mediate and ended up with my sister literally kicking me in my butt only for mentioning that Jas did have some valid points. As he usually does. I wasn’t taking sides, just being honest. Never again. I’ll wait for her to come to me, which usually means she has calmed down enough to at least recognize social clues,” Bri said, her voice filled with exasperation.
“Yup,” Chase said, offering his daughter the bottle, which she took and drank from.
“Now we’re 2 for 3, Daddy. Hopefully, Connor and Keira don’t end up in some crisis now and end up where Iris and I are at,” Bri said, her voice heavy with worry.
Chase sat down next to her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her tight.
“There are worse things in life than breakups. Not worried about your brother. He and Keira got all their drama out of the way in the beginning, testing everyone’s patience then. Now they are where your mother and I are, just too used to each other’s quirks, and any drama just can’t compete with the love we feel. Love ages like fine wine, Bri, if it can make it past a certain point. At least that’s our official version. Unofficially, your mother and I are just too damn stubborn, and both just won’t ever break up because we’d have to admit we were wrong about each other, and you know we won’t do that,” Chase chuckled, bringing a smile to Bri’s face.
Bri snuggled up to her father, feeling comforted by his presence. “Daddy, what do you think I should do about my situation? I keep trying to come up with something, but it’s just so … difficult,” she asked, her voice small and uncertain.
Chase sighed deeply, looking at his daughter with a mix of love and concern. “Bri, you make it sound like you have a choice, but it should be obvious by now that there isn’t one.”
Bri looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean, Daddy?”
He mapped it out for her. “You know what I mean, deep inside. You know it and he knows it, too. Look Bri, I still like Jackson, he’s the father of two out of my three grandkids, even if I don’t always agree with his choices and views of the world. Jackson isn’t a bad guy. You both are just not compatible enough. Never have been. Your mother and I knew it then, we tried to tell both of you, you both insisted you wanted to try, now you have and here we are. Honestly, your mother, your brother and even Jackson’s father and I are surprised you made it this long. Had it not been for the surprise pregnancy, I am sure we would have been here where we are right now much sooner. We all knew you needed time to breathe and calm down, but it’s been over a year now, Briar Rose. Time to face the music and tie up those loose ends. I fail to see the point in dragging this out any longer.”
“You mean …” Bri’s voice cracked, she couldn’t say it.
“Yes, I mean divorce,” Chase confirmed.
“Oh Daddy, I just can’t. If we do that, it’s really over. It can’t really be over!” Bri’s voice cracked, and she started to cry. Chase pulled her close, his heart breaking for his little girl.
“Bri, baby, it’s been over for a while now. You know it, Jackson knows it, we all know it. It’s been a year and the two of you haven’t been able to figure it out, cos there is nothing left to figure out. You can’t go live with him, cos your mother and I, and your big brother would kick your butt if you tried, we all know Bonnie can’t handle more than a visit in Chestnut Ridge because of that weed she’s so allergic to. And honestly, Jackson barely can manage a weeklong stay here, that kid paces like a tiger in a cage by day three, just wanting to go home to his ranch. And you need society, Bri. You are not a country bumpkin. Never have been, never will be. We all supported that crazy idea, cos we love you, and we really like Jackson, but it was bound to fail all along.”
At that moment, Hailey returned with Iris, who looked like she’d been through the wringer. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her skin was blotchy from crying so hard. She plopped down on the couch and leaned up against her father from the other side, flanking him with Bri. Chase wrapped his other arm around her, while Hailey had squeezed in next to Iris, rubbing her daughter’s arm and back comfortingly, giving Chase one of those telltale looks, shaking her head lightly, signaling the engagement with Jasper was over for good, he understood, grimaced and nodded. Taking the wine bottle from her father now, Iris drank a few deep sips, then started crying because Bri was crying.
“You heard?” Iris asked when her eyes met her sister’s, sniffling.
Bri nodded, her voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Iris. And I think I’m going to have a divorce.”
Iris sighed, took another sip, and handed the bottle to Bri. “Men suck.”
“In a big way!” Bri agreed.
Chase sat up, pushing both daughters off himself. They both looked at him, then leaned in almost in sync to kiss their father on the cheeks, wrapping their arms around him.
“Not YOU!” they said simultaneously, as Hailey leaned in hugging her husband too. “Yeah, not you, Gump. You’ve always been one of a kind. One of the few good ones,” she leaned forward, he leaned in and they kissed, sending their daughters jumping up, staring at them with disgusted glares.
“Eeew! Not that now too! Haven’t Bri and I been through enough already!? Get a room for your geriatric smooching! Do you really have to turn this into Squid Games now?!” Iris complained.
Hailey gave her an unimpressed mom glare, “How about YOU both get a room. One you actually pay for? This is OUR house. YOU both are guests. So, you don’t like our PDA, go to your rooms, or move out, girls!”
“Yeah, listen to your mother. Get with it or get lost, you brats.”
“Parents!” Iris rolled her eyes, then grabbed her sister’s arm, still holding the wine bottle. “Come on, Bri, I am thinking tonight calls for chick flicks, ice cream, candy, chips and more wine!”
“Iris! I have a child to take care of. I can’t eat and drink myself into a coma!”
“No, you have a sister to take care of, I was here before Bonnie, and I will take care of you. Bonnie has grandparents to take care of her. Tag, you are it, parents! Have fun with the grandbaby when she wakes up! Bri and I are out of commission for the night.”
With those words, Bri was pulled along towards Iris’ guesthouse.
San Sequoia,
Connor, Keira and Christian’s home
One evening, at a lively gathering at her brother Connor’s home, there was laughter and merriment. Jackson’s father, Jack, stepmother Izzy, and half-brother Cody had come to visit from Henfordshire. It was loud, but that didn’t matter, as all the neighbors were at the party too. The camaraderie was infectious—everyone was having fun, laughing, dancing, even Jackson and Bri found themselves swimming and playing together in Connor’s pool with their children, Bonnie and Beau, as if everything was perfect. It was a night where, just for a moment, things felt as they once did.
One exception would be Jasper, who had come in with his parents Colton and Maddie. He and Iris kept their distance, but if they did happen upon each other, it was a test for everyone around it and Connor had to call them to order in his ways that were polite, but left no room for argument several times. Like when they ended up at the buffet together. Iris shot Jasper a damning glare. “Dick,” she said, like a greeting. “Bitch,” he responded in kind.
“Guys!” Connor warned, while piling potato salad on his plate.
“Just surprised he would show his face around here. Didn’t see the douchemobile in your driveway, Connor, or I would have turned right back around.”
“Strange, I parked it right next to your broom,” Jasper shot back, picking up fruit slices from a plate with his fingers until Connor slapped his hand, slipping a serving fork in it, giving him a glare.
“Well, yeah, now I do realize it does stink to high heavens around here, so I should have guessed you disgraced us with your unwelcome presence.” she pretended to sniff the air, then ‘evaluated’. “Yup, there it is. Arrogance, with undertones of entitlement, hints of delusions of grandeur, and a footnote of manwhore.”
“Have you tried closing your legs? Usually that improves the stench instantly.” Jasper retorted dryly.
This earned him a nudge from Connor, who slammed down his potato salad and dragged Jasper inside with him. “That’s enough!” Connor’s voice was a low, controlled growl as he led Jasper away from the crowd.
Party guests exchanged uneasy glances but soon resumed their conversations, the tension dissipating as the background music filled the air once more. The twinkling lights cast a soft glow over the gathering, masking the brief burst of drama.
Once inside, Connor released Jasper, his expression softening as they moved away from the crowd. “Jas, I love you like a brother, and I get it. I’ve been where you are before, I know it sucks, but you can’t be starting one of your legendary arguments here. There are kids around, man. This is a family party, and I need you to keep it civil.”
Jasper sighed. “Yeah, I get it, Connor. I’ll behave. But you might want to remind Iris to do the same. She’s the one who started the drive-by at the buffet. I just wanted to hang with my favorite peeps and get some food.”
Connor sighed, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, Iris is next to get the six degrees of Connor. I know she started this, I saw it. But that doesn’t mean you have to engage. We already have a minefield with Bri and Jackson. We’re all trying to make that work, and even they can act civil, so I expect the same from you and my other sister. Are we good then?”
“Yeah, we’re good. You know I love this family, even though I may not like one of its members all that much right now.” Jasper said.
“We all love you too, kid. I am glad you came, big of you, knowing what you might be walking into. Good to see you. Come here, bring it in, bro. Give your gracious host a hug.”
“Do I have to?” Jasper smirked, until Connor pulled him in with his bear strength, mumbling unflattering words under his breath, trying not to laugh, knowing Jasper was just being silly.
Jackson, still holding onto fragments of those joyful moments, stayed a few days longer at Connor’s place to spend more time with his father and both of his kids, he missed Bonnie, but knew it was too risky to have her visit him longer than a few days at a time. This was how he and Bri had met a long time ago when they were young teens—Connor’s parties were legendary for bringing people together.
Two days before Jackson was supposed to head back to his ranch in Chestnut Ridge, a 2-3 hour car ride from San Sequoia, Connor reminded Bri about Bonnie’s hospital appointment the following day, one of the frequent checkups for her severe allergies. Jackson overheard the conversation, his heart tightening.
The next day, Jackson walked into the hospital with Beau, his plan was to surprise Bri and Bonnie by showing up, and maybe go have lunch with them downtown, his eyes scanning a hospital map on the wall for the right station. As he approached the hallway, he could already hear Connor’s carrying voice and infectious laughter echoing through the corridor. It was a sound that usually brought comfort, so he leaned down to his son “Guess we found your uncle, huh?” and the little boy beamed up at him, excited to surprise them.
Turning into the hallway, Jackson spotted Connor’s unmistakable towering silhouette, Bri’s familiar form, someone else with them and little Bonnie playing by the window. The group laughed, and Jackson’s pace quickened, his heart fluttering with a sudden hope. But then, a chill ran down his spine. He saw another man’s hand resting familiarly on Bri’s back, almost appearing possessively.
It was Dr. Bradford Cunningham—Bri’s ex, a figure who had never fully let go. Tall and slender, Brad stood out with his soft features and large blue eyes, his curly hair meticulously kept in a controlled cut. His appearance was more boyish and youthful, almost like a member of a boyband—handsome in a cute, unassuming way, but not rugged and manly like Connor and Jackson. Brad’s demeanor exuded an air of intelligence, but to Jackson, it felt like an unwelcome presence, one that now stirred a tempest of jealousy and insecurity within him.
Beau screamed ‘SURPRIIIIISE!” as he pulled away from his father’s hand and ran towards his mother and uncle, Jackson followed, his heart sinking as jealousy flared up within him. Politeness masked his despair.
Chestnut Ridge
Kershaw Ranch
The weekend arrived. A sleek, black Bentley Mulsanne rolled up to Jackson’s simple wooden cabin, dust swirling as it settled. Bri stepped out hesitantly, her mind awash with memories. She walked over to the horses, saw Jackson’s old truck parked, and was greeted by Millie, the faithful old dog. Hugging Millie, she whispered, “Where’s your daddy, old girl? Is he inside? What a slacker, huh?”
Bri paused at the door, her hand hovering to knock before remembering this had once been her home. In a way it still felt like her home. So, she entered unannounced, her breath hitching as she saw Jackson, freshly showered, water droplets glistening on his tan, muscular frame. Their eyes locked, and time stood still, old emotions flooding back.
Just then, a strikingly beautiful blonde woman emerged from the bathroom, naked and confident. She saw Bri and smirked, her Southern drawl dripping with mockery, “Hi, Bri…”
Bri felt as if she’d been punched in the gut. She turned and fled, Jackson hot on her heels. He caught her at the car, his almost naked presence adding a cruel twist to her anguish.
“Bri…” he began, but she slapped him hard, tears streaming down her face.
“How could you?” she choked out.
Jackson stepped back, taking the blow. “After I saw you with Brad,all cozied up, I figured what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.”
She glared at him, anger and heartbreak intermingling. “Brad was visiting my brother’s medical center on business! Was I supposed to ignore him, pretend we never knew each other?”
Jackson’s frustration boiled over, jealousy flaring. “He wasn’t just someone you knew now, was he, Bri?! His shadow always hung over us, and the minute I have to step aside, he immediately is back to take my place again!”
“That’s nonsense. Brad is happily married to Molly, as you well know, and they have two kids themselves! You are so paranoid, Jackson! Ten years now, that you and I have been together, and you are STILL on about that old shit!? And seeing me talking with him gives you the right to go and screw Taylor?! We are still legally married, Jackson! This means you officially cheated on me, and with that cheap whore at that?! Hope sex with the ex was worth it!” she shouted, her voice breaking.
Jackson’s face was flushed with anger, his eyes blazing as he gestured wildly. “You tell me! I can only imagine how friendly you and Brad were when I wasn’t lookin’! Don’t tell me that was the first time you seen him! I saw his hands all over ya, as if you were his! His eyeballs were practically stuck to yer boobies! And you were likin’ every second of it, I ain’t blind, Bri!”
Bri’s eyes narrowed, her voice rising in frustration. “You ARE blind … and stupid! Don’t try to be all high and mighty at me, you are a married man, screwing a married woman! I bet that’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow!”
Jackson’s jaw clenched, his voice dripping with bitterness. “Everyone here knows you and I never had a fightin’ chance and everyone thinks we been over for a year now. To them, we’re already divorced. And Taylor’s husband died.”
Bri let out a humorless laugh, her eyes flashing with anger. “Oh, he died, did he? How convenient! If that is even true, which I seriously doubt, she probably took him out with her daddy’s favorite shotgun after hearing we split up or he off’ed himself realizing what a harpy he is married to. You are so tone-deaf and blind if it comes to her. I wouldn’t even care anymore, were it not for Beau. I don’t want that witch around him. You know, Jackson, as much as you like to ride around on Brad, you should really take a long hard look at your own choices first. Your ex is a bitch, who hates me, and the feeling is mutual, cos she has made my life a living hell long before we ever became official, and you were absolutely NO help! At least my ex is far away and knows how to act civilized, he has never been anything but respectful and polite with you, Taylor on the other hand lives right here and man, she never missed a beat to let me know it! I don’t know why I am so surprised seeing what I saw here! You’ve probably been humping her from the moment I walked out of that door! I take it back, we are BOTH stupid, cos everyone has been telling me we need to end it officially, but I was holding on to something here, never realizing it’s not there anymore. Probably never was!”
“Oh, it was there, and it still is, at least on my end, but I ain’t as dumb as you seem to think. I knew you were done with me long ago. I know you won’t leave that fancy livin’ you went back to ever again and you were just waiting for me to give you a good reason. Probably been in everyone’s ear ’bout how miserable I made ya, livin’ here with me. Just as ya probably told everyone I was tryin’ to kill my own child!” Jackson’s voice got louder and louder.
“Well, you didn’t do anything to make sure Bonnie DOESN’T die, no matter how much I tried to remind you how important her Epipen is, yet you made me look as if I was some hysterical airhead! All you really care about are your horses, your ranch and this dustbowl you call home!”
“Naw, you got that all wrong, Bri. I changed my whole entire world to make ya happy. In my list of priorities, there was you, you, and you, then nothing for a while, and then you again, until our kids came along, and ya had to share the top spot with them. There are more ways to show love and dedication, not just big mansions, bigger diamonds, fancy clothin’, and all that what seems so important to ya. I gave ya all I had, Bri, and clearly, it wasn’t enough. And just so ya know, in case it wasn’t obvious, I feel plenty bad and guilty for what happened to Bonnie. I don’t need ya remindin’ me every chance ya get. I remind myself every second of every day, and that is the ONLY reason I allowed you to take my little girl from me in the first place, ‘cos I know I can’t guarantee she won’t have another one of those attacks here. I ain’t her only parent and YOU didn’t remember that dang Epipen either! We were both still gettin’ used to needin’ that back then. It wasn’t intentional or because she wasn’t important to me, ‘cos she and Beau are the only things that are even givin’ me a reason to keep going at all, ever since ya walked out on me! So, go ahead, blame me all ya want, Bri, but remember that every time you’re pointin’ fingers at someone, four point back at yerself!” during his rant Jackson’s tall frame leaned in towards Bri, his eyes burning with intensity. As his voice grew louder, he gestured wildly, his hands slicing through the air with each word. Spittle flew from his mouth, a testament to the depth of his frustration and hurt. His presence seemed to tower over her, the weight of his emotions palpable in the space between them.
“I trusted you, Jackson! I asked YOU to pack it! I thought you would be responsible enough to make sure our daughter doesn’t die! The first time was the accident, we didn’t know. The second time we DID know, so it is neglect on your part! You can’t complain that I am too helicopter with the kids after all that happened and then rely on me doing everything for everyone anyway! I care too much because you care too little,” she turned and opened the car door, reaching for a large envelope, slamming it into his chest as she shut the car door again.
“Here! This is why I came in the first place. I hope I don’t have to tell you what those are. Sign them and you can ride off into the sunset with Little Miss Chestnut Ridge over there as a single man, marry her for all I care. FYI, I might just go for full custody, so Beau will be safe from you and that hoe over there! This,” she pointed towards the cabin, where Taylor, meanwhile wearing tight cut off denim shorts and a checkered shirt casually tied in the front, mostly unbuttoned revealing lots of cleavage and the fact she hadn’t bothered with a bra, was leaning in the doorframe watching the fight. “THIS is too much! I am done now for real!”
Jackson’s face contorted with rage. “Beau don’t wanna live with you in your fake world with all that luxury, detached from reality. He loves it here and he ain’t goin’ nowhere. Ya can try takin’ him from me, but you ain’t gonna get him! You already took my daughter from me, you ain’t gettin’ my son too. Besides, when I saw ya with Brad at the hospital, I knew it was over for sure. I came there with Beau thinking we could try to fix something. I came to be there for you and Bonnie, then take you out to lunch, as a family and maybe go to the park or something with the kids. After seeing his hand on yer ass and you lovin’ it I lost my apetite. You’re just itchin’ to jump back in the sack with him, if ya haven’t already. So, when Taylor came by and offered again, I accepted, why wouldn’t I? Not like you wanted any of this anymore. You found something better, didn’t ya?”
Bri’s eyes blazed with fury. “Don’t assume everyone is like you, Jackson. I came here to talk with you, about trying to fix this. I have the papers cos everyone has been telling me it’s what I should be doing, but each mile I got closer to this place brought back the good memories and by the time I saw you standing there in all your splendor, I’ll admit it, I was weak again. Had you said the right things to me then, these papers would have gone up in flames in your fireplace. Guess, clearly, I am the idiot and blind one here, thinking there was even a tiny chance left. Clearly there wasn’t. You never had any interest in trying to fix our marriage, too busy screwing your ex. You know my last time being intimate was with you, over a year ago. That’s how much I was still holding on. After seeing what I saw here today, I might just work my way through every single man in San Sequoia just so I don’t feel like the rejected consolation prize! What’s good for the goose, is good for that gander and vice versa! And Jackson, never ever talk to me about sacrificing to be with me again. You wouldn’t even begin to understand the kind of sacrifices I have made to be with you. Clearly, it was all in vain.”
With that, she tore open the car door, slamming it into him as she dropped into the seat. Jackson, seething, slammed the door shut for her. Bri started the car, backed out, and flipped him off as she sped away, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Jackson stood there, in total disbelief, fighting to maintain his composure as the dust settled around him. He stared at the large envelope with divorce papers in his hands, his mind racing. His heart ached, and he felt a mix of anger, sadness, and helplessness wash over him.
Bri drove down the highway, the world outside a blur of lights and shadows. Sobs wracked her body as she struggled to keep her eyes on the road. She didn’t know where she was heading until the familiar skyline of Del Sol Valley came into view.
She pulled up in front of a clearly fancy and modern door of an upscale mansion. With shaking hands, she knocked. The door swung open, revealing a handsome young man with blond hair in a modern, stylish cut, chiseled features, a sharp jawline, and deep, dark, empathetic eyes. Without a word, he pulled her inside and into a tight embrace.
As the door slammed shut behind them, the name sign read “Hargrave.”
EchoesOfLegacy 