It’s like they think if they fight it long enough, I’ll eventually cave in and take them back to New York.”

“Will you?”

That’s when I lose steam.

I don’t want to return to New York. It feels good to be out of the city, away from the traffic and noise and stress. I love having a horse again and going riding every day and waking up to the crowing of our rooster. After sixteen years of living the high life as a glamorous fashion model, it’s a hoot bouncing around in Pop’s ancient work truck in my boots and jeans and cowboy hat. I might complain about my overprotective big brothers, but I adore them. I also happen to think it’s good for my boys to have their uncles around, especially in light of their father’s recent identity crisis.

“If I had to,” I say slowly, “I would. But I’m not ready to throw in the towel. Not by a long shot.”

“Can you afford to buy a new place on the Upper East Side?”

“I could. It’d be smaller than what we had before, but I’d rather sit on my little nest egg instead of purchase real estate, because it’s not long until the boys go to college and that’s going to be expensive.”

“So you’re okay financially?” Marta asks.

“I’m good. I’ve always been careful with my money, and since John and I kept separate checking accounts, it was relatively easy dividing our assets.” I pause, think of John now living with his boyfriend, Erik, try not to cringe. “John’s hurting financially, but Erik’s supporting him so I guess he’ll be okay.”

“Why are you still worrying about John? He was the one who wanted out, not you.”

“I can’t help worrying about him. He was my partner, my husband—”

“Was,” she interrupts flatly. “And you need to move on and focus on you now. Which leads me to my next question. Are you working?”

“Brick’s hired me to do the ranch books, but that’s only a part-time job.”

“I meant modeling.”

I swing a leg, flex my foot, and study my scuffed boot. These are my favorite pair. They’re so comfy that they feel better than slippers. “I signed with Stars of Dallas but haven’t been booked for anything yet.”

“They’ll call you. You’re still gorgeous.”

I flex the other foot. “I think I’m getting lazy, though. The idea of commuting to Dallas isn’t appealing.”

“How long a drive is it?”

“Ninety minutes or so.”

“That’s not lazy, that’s being real. It’s hard enough working without spending hours in the car.”

“How about you? Working a ton?”

“Not as much as I used to. I can’t, not with Zach and the twins. I don’t know what happened to me, Shey, but I’m beat. Tired all the time now.”

“That’s because you have babies. The twins still waking up at all hours of the night?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Sorry, Ta,” I commiserate, lifting my face to the sun, concentrating on the warmth against my skin. I can’t get enough sunshine. I need it, crave it, depend on it. “I remember those days. Couldn’t do it now.