Chapter 29 - Ethan Tells the TruthMonths after Claire left, Ethan finally spoke freely about the barn.
He and Daniel sat beneath the apple trees.
No lawyers.
No investigators.
No cameras.
Just father and son.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Daniel asked gently.
Ethan picked at a blade of grass.
“Claire said you would think I was bad.”
“I would never think that.”
“She said you liked the farm more than me.”
Daniel felt the words like a weight.
Ethan continued.
“And you were always working.”
Daniel looked toward the dairy buildings.
The farm had been his identity.
His inheritance.
His proof that he had continued the Carter legacy.
But legacy had nearly cost him the person who mattered most.
“You’re right.”
Ethan looked up.
“I worked too much.”
The boy seemed surprised by the admission.
Daniel continued.
“I should have noticed sooner.”
“You came home.”
“Yes.”
“Because you heard the bucket?”
Daniel smiled slightly.
“Because your stepmother told me you were watching television.”
Ethan frowned.
“That made you come home?”
“Something about the way she said it.”
Ethan thought about this.
Then smiled.
“So you’re like a detective?”
“No.”
Daniel pulled him close.
“I’m your dad.”
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Ethan leaned against him.
For Daniel, that answer finally felt larger than owning any farm.
