Page 53 of Rancher's Heart

Do I have to go to school today?Parker asked as he looked from Elle to Troy and then at me.

You can stay home.Elle said as she signed.

Want me to stay home from this trip?”Troy asked Parker.

No you can go. You need it for your total.

My totals don’t mean anything, only you do.Troy said as he pulled Parker to him.

I’ll be okay, Dad, you can go.Parker smiled and Troy looked at him but didn’t look convinced he should be leaving.

“I’m going to the kitchen,” I whispered in Elle’s ear and I left the room. This wasn’t a discussion I needed to be here for. As much as I wanted time with Parker, I couldn’t imagine what was going through Troy’s head right now.

When we returned to my house, we stepped over piles of stuff all over the floor. I used to keep a go bag, of everything I would have needed for a night like we’d just had. But when we got out of the game I stopped having it all ready, so nothing I needed was where it should be. “You both did a number on this house,” Elle said as she stepped over a pile of boxes containing various calibers of bullets.

Troy hadn’t let go of Parker for long since we’d got him back. They were sitting on the couch, and Parker’s eyes were growing heavy. “I think I’m going to take off, but I’ll be back in two days.”

Parker had put his implant in when he got to the house, so he nodded and hugged Troy. “Thanks for coming for me Dad.” Troy nodded and wiped his eyes.

“I’ll always be there for you pal.” They hugged again. He turned to me and held out his hand. “Thank you again for finding him.”

“You were right there with me,” I smiled and he nodded. “Look, Troy, the five of us trained to do this kind of thing. You haven’t, but you didn’t even hesitate following us. You’re a good man to have around.” It was the truth, and I know he was there for Parker, but I had a feeling if it was any other kid, he still would have been with us.

The door closed, and I looked at Elle, who was sitting on the couch with Parker, who had dozed off on her shoulder. I grabbed a blanket and covered them both. Elle reached for my hand, andpulled me down beside her. “Right now we need you here with us,” she whispered, smiling up at me. I nodded and sat beside them

CHAPTER 29

GRIFF

Parker had been seeing a therapist for two weeks, and while he said he was fine, he was quieter, and Troy said he was hesitating when he went into his bedroom alone at his place and Troy had taken to sleeping on the floor in Parker’s room to make sure he felt safe. My heart ached for the boy and I constantly tried to figure out how I could help him.

For Parker’s sake, Troy had moved back to the place he had been living prior to moving to the Hays ranch, and that eased his mind and he was able to feel comfortable again. Troy and I talked about building a new house on his ranch and as soon as he got the go-ahead, I was happy to watch that shack be bulldozed to the ground. Too much heartache had happened there for it to ever be a home for anyone.

“Parker, the bus is on its way,” I called as I put the lunch bag in his backpack and zipped it up. His thundering footsteps down the hallway made me chuckle to myself. “Hey, I wanted to tell you something,” Elle said before he could get out the door.

Parker hopped onto the stool at the island and looked at me. “So Doctor Jake offered me a job and I decided I’d take it. I start today.”

“What does that mean?” He asked before he downed the rest of his orange juice.

“I’ll work during his office hours, have weekends off, no more shift work.” She shrugged.

“Will you be home for supper?” He asked as he got off the stool and headed for the door.

“Yeah, I will.”

“Awesome.” His smile lit up the room and even if he was keeping his feelings to himself, I loved seeing the happiness on his face. I looked over at Elle and smiled as I handed him his backpack. “Thanks, Griff, I’ll see you after school.” He flung his bag over his shoulder and ran out the door. Following him, I watched him get on the bus, and I closed the door behind him. I was sure he’d leave the door open in the middle of winter when he was in a rush.

“Well, I don’t want to be late for my first day.” Elle rolled up on her tip-toes and kissed me quickly before running out the door. Glancing at the clock I grabbed my hat and headed out the door myself. It was time to tell the others what I’d found out about the people trespassing on our land.

“Hey, we’ve got a problem,” I said as I walked into the kitchen of the main house. All eyes turned to me.

“This isn’t about a bra is it?” Kipp asks as he takes a seat at the table, his eyes dancing with laughter that he was smart not to express any further.

“Shut up,” I grumble as I sit next to him. “I finally tracked down who bought the old Hays place.” Nora reached over my shoulder and put a cup of coffee in front of me. “Thank you,” I say as I turn and smile at her. She’s become the sister I never had. Being an only child I welcomed this big, crazy bunch I was lucky enough to call family.

“You going to tell us, or are we supposed to guess?” Nash, asked and I turned to look at him.

“Desmond Tucker.”

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