Nick drove through the gates of Westbrook with a sinking heart. He dreaded the ordeal ahead. Betraying his father would be the hardest thing he’d ever done.
Carson was waiting for Nick on the stone steps of the homestead. He sang out when he saw his son, waving and smiling. Nick’s mouth went dry. It was a bittersweet moment. Up until today, Nick had lived to see that smile. He’d basked in its approval as a boy and strived to earn it as a man. It was a precious thing. But now Carson’s smile sent shivers of shame up Nick’s spine. He’d never lied to his father before now.
‘Hello, Dad.’
Carson came down the steps, his gait slow and a little stiff. His knee must be bothering him again. Nick had only been away for a few weeks, but his father seemed frailer than he remembered. Carson stumbled
