It was the Annual Family Gathering.
And the prodigal children were coming home.
The first to break the country silence was the smooth roar of a brand-new engine.
Ryan Whitaker, the youngest, pulled in driving a gleaming black Ford Expedition Platinum. Not a speck of ranch dust dared cling to its polished surface.
He stepped out in designer sunglasses, confidence radiating from every movement. A senior project engineer in Dallas, recently promoted, he wore success like a tailored suit.
Minutes later, a glossy black Toyota Land Cruiser rolled in beside him. Out stepped Dr. Savannah Whitaker, orthopedic surgeon, heels clicking against the gravel like a judge’s gavel. Her jewelry probably cost more than the ranch’s annual cattle revenue.
Finally, a sporty silver BMW 5 Series completed the trilogy. Ethan Whitaker, CPA and rising partner at a multinational firm, adjusted his blazer and grimaced as chickens scattered near his imported Italian loafers.
The driveway turned into a runway of vanity.
“Nice upgrade, little brother,” Savannah smirked, running her hand across Ryan’s hood. “Engineering must be paying off.”