For Her, He Will

Chapter Thirty-Seven - Make your rounds before you leave.

Figuring it would be better to act instead of wait and see, Oakley walked up to John and Beth. The two were still focused on Kayce and Jamie, but finally, when Oakley cleared her throat, John looked over at her.

"Please," Oakley sighed. "Just...let them talk. Please don't cause any type of scene."

"I think that's meant for you, honey," John nodded at Beth.

Beth looked at Oakley, her blue eyes harsh but stable.

"It's meant for all of us," Oakley said. "It's our wedding...can we just not have any drama for one night? Can you please do that for me?"

"You know how I feel," Beth snapped but turned and walked away from the pair, in the opposite direction from where Kayce and Jamie were standing.

John took a sip from his whiskey glass and despite the situation, let out a dry chuckle. Oakley smoothed her dress down around her hips and waited to see what the man would say to her. She thought she'd be fighting Beth right about now, so she was unprepared for John to still be standing in front of her.

"I'm honestly surprised he came," John said.

"I am too, if we're being honest," Oakley shrugged. "But maybe that means something? Maybe he's...trying?"

"Trying what?" John asked her.

"To be...I don't know," Oakley sighed. "Maybe he's trying to be in the same room as his family where none of y'all are threatening to kill each other?"

"He threw us away," John said. "You don't do that to family."

"I don't think this situation was one-sided, John," Oakley glanced back as she moved to stand next to John. "I don't think all the blame goes on one person either."

"You weren't here for everything, Oakley," John took a sip. "There have been many battles fought to get where we are right now."

"But right now, everyone is in the same room," Oakley blinked up at John. "That has to mean something to you. I know your...relationship with Jamie is probably far too gone to be anything like it was...but he's here. He came onto the ranch."

"For you," John said. "Don't think none of us know the real reason why he's here."

Oakley felt her nerves boil up, wondering if John had picked up on the same thing she and Kayce had spoken about after seeing Jamie with his family in Helena. Did John also know there were feelings Jamie held for Oakley?

"You've always been nice to Jamie," John continued. "He's here because of you...not because of any of us."

"I think he and Kayce do still have some sort of relationship," Oakley looked over at Kayce, the way he was standing made it hard for her to see his face.

"Kayce's heart won't shut anyone completely out," John said, making Oakley look back at him. "Not if they show him an ounce of kindness, even if they've betrayed him."

Oakley frowned.

"You think Jamie has betrayed Kayce?" Oakley asked.

John looked at her and chuckled.

"You tell me, Oakley," John took another sip.

"Why do you always talk in riddles?" Oakley asked. "Why can't you just say what you're thinking...I think you'd find out people would figure out what you want a whole lot quicker if you did."

"Oakley, there's nothing on this ranch that happens that I don't know about," John finished his glass.

"I'm sure," Oakley crossed her arms.