Cortland
The Wyoming landscape blurs past my truck window - a kaleidoscope of earth tones and jagged peaks casting shadows across the horizon. Miles stretch between Austin's ranch and mine, tightening my chest.
I grip the steering wheel, knuckles white, cursing my stupidity. Leaving Austin, pregnant with our child, crushed me. Her haunted eyes, brimming with tears, sear my memory - a reminder of my failure.
"I'll be there for you, darlin'," I'd sworn, pulling her trembling body against mine - another empty promise.
The kid faces a bleak future with a screw-up like me as a father. Austin deserves better than this sorry son of a b***h.
A bitter laugh escapes as the truck hits a pothole. "Be there for her? Bang-up job, asshole."
Guilt slices through my gut. How can I support Austin whil
