Page 13 of Rancher's Pride

“Yeah, I’m good. I’ll hate myself in the morning when my neck’s got a crick in it and my back screams every time I move, but if Josie’s sleeping, I guess it’s worth it.” Shifting slowly, I put my feet on the couch and moved down until I was using the armrest as a pillow. Josie didn’t stir, and that was a win.

“You’re a natural, Nash.” Nora mumbled before her eyes drifted closed.

Why does everyone keep saying that? I’m a bachelor, no wife, no kids. I couldn’t risk falling in love, nobody needed the screwed up family I bring with me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Julie standing and patting Lottie's back.

“Can you handle both for a minute?” Julie leaned down and put the baby in my free arm before disappearing down the hallway. No doubt to check on Fallon.

I looked at the two little girls asleep on my chest. Two girls that should have been mine had I been half the man I should have been for their mother.

Well, isn’t this just fucked?

CHAPTER TEN

FALLON

“She’s the most perfect thing, isn’t she?” My mom was whispering to someone.

“Yes, she is.” A lower whisper answered. Was that Mom’s boyfriend? Do I wake up and meet him or pretend I’m still asleep? Maybe I’m dreaming? That must be it. I’m in a dreamland and am imagining things.

“Thank you for getting the formula.” It sounded like she’d kissed him. Was my mother seeing this guy? Of course she was. He was staying at her house. Oh, my god she was sleeping with him. Well, obviously not right now, but my mother was sleeping with a man.

“We were lucky the storm broke when it did. Thomas didn’t really want to let me leave town.” The not quite stranger said quietly.

“He could hardly have kept you there,” Mom said with a lightness in her voice,and she giggled.

Great, she was dating and now she giggled. I hadn’t heard her make that sound since before my dad passed away.

“I didn’t want to force the old man to let me go when he’d been kind enough to open the pharmacy.” He was talking about Thomas Fisher, the pharmacist. “He said if you need anything else, just to call him day or night, and he’ll open up for Fallon.”

“That man always had a soft spot for her. She worked there after school for a few years, you know.” Their chatter slowed, and I heard Mom sigh. “At one time, she wanted to be a pharmacist. That’s why she’d taken a job there. Thomas would say he’d leave the pharmacy to her. I think he was joking, but I always wondered what would have happened if she’d followed through.” Mom’s voice trailed off, and I wondered when my life plan had changed.

I’d been so focused, but when I graduated high school, I’d turned down all the schools I’d applied for and was happy just working on the ranch. It wasn’t just Mom who wondered what life would have been like if I’d stuck to the plan.

“I should get back to your place before anyone wakes up.” The chair creaked as he stood, and I heard the rocking chair swoosh back and forth when Mom got up.

“Thanks for getting the formula and sitting with me. I just can’t believe she’s home. I’ve waited so long for this.” They were standing by the door now.

“I’ll wait up for you. I have some work to do to find out everything I can about this fucker. He’s going to pay Julie, I promise.” Their voices hushed again, and I cracked my eyes. She was kissing him. I clamped my eyes closed again and waited.

“I’m sure Nash will ask you looking as soon as he wakes up, so I appreciate you starting now.” I heard the door open and their voices grew muffled. Opening my eyes, I stared at the ceiling, letting what I just saw rumble around in my brain.

“Thank you for not interrupting us.” My mother said when she walked back into the room.

“How did you know?” I propped myself up on my elbow and looked at her.

“The same way I always did. You squeeze your eyes tightly, trying to pretend you’re asleep.” She took her place in the rocking chair beside my bed.

Moonlight shone through the window, and I rolled over onto my side. “Are you happy, Mama?” I reached out my hand and she shifted Lottie in her arms and took it.

“Oh darling, I’m happier than I’ve been in many years. He makes me feel alive again. It’s like he’s healed a place I never thought would ever be soothed.” She gently rocked the chair and brushed her hair away from her face.

“I’m glad Mom, you deserve to be happy.” I smiled at her. “Can you help me get out of this bed.” Shifting, I winced as I put my legs over the edge.

“Just wait. Let me put Lottie down.” She placed my sleeping baby in the cradle that had held the four of us and my dad. It was a piece of family history that had survived through the years. Mom put her arm around my back and helped me stand.

“How did you do this four times?” I groaned as I took my first steps in hours.

“I had drugs, dear.” She rubbed my back and opened the door. Walking into the hallway, I looked in the living room. Nash was sound asleep with Josie on his chest, curled up, sleeping peacefully. My heart fluttered and ached at the same time.

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