Page 26 of Rancher's Pride

“We do what we have to do so we can survive this life. I hold no hard feelings, Fallon, and I know Nash doesn’t either. In fact, I’d like to thank you for cominghome. In a way, you’ve given my son back to me. We talk more now than we have in years.” He looked from Lottie to Wanda and then to me. “Let him in.” His words crushed me and I knew he was right, but did I have any right to let him in? Did he want to be let in?

The bell above the door chimed and a flurry of people came in, laughing and pulling their mittens and hats off. “I should let you get back to your business.” I stood and took Lottie from him.

“You’re always welcome here, and in my home, Fallon.”

“Thank you,” I said, turning to him after I’d zipped the cover around the car seat. Wanda handed me another latte and smiled.

“Drive safe,” she said before rushing back to the line of people.

“I need to pay for all this.” I set the drink down and went to reach for my wallet.

“No Fallon, you don’t. Family doesn’t pay.” Fred smiled as he stopped me from getting money out. Throwing my arms around his neck, I was immediately taken back to when I was a girl and Fred was a mainstay in our home. He was smaller than my father, but his hug was the closest thing I could get to a fatherly embrace and I didn’t want to let go.

“Come for supper tomorrow? I want you to meet Josie,” I whispered.

“I’ll be there with bells on,” he said in my ear before I let him go.

“Bring Wanda too. She’s part of your life, so she’ll be part of our girls’ lives, too.” Smiling weakly, I watched Fred clench his jaw and his eyes sparkle as he looked at me.

“He would have been proud of you, Fallon.” Fred reached up and wiped a stray tear from my face. “Need help out to your car?” he asked as I hooked my arm under the handle of the car seat.

“No, I’m okay, thank you. See you tomorrow and thank you for the coffee and snack.” I kissed him on the cheek as he opened the door for me.

Walking back to the car, I set the coffee on the roof and got Lottie all strapped in. Turning back to the coffee shop, Fred was standing at the window and I waved as I reached for my coffee and climbed into the driver's seat. He was still smiling as he waved, and I sighed far too contently. It was an odd feeling, one I hadn’t had for five years.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

NASH

Ipaced the living room waiting for Fallon and Lottie to be home. There was a pit in my stomach that wondered if maybe she was gone like last time. She’d said she was going to town and never came back. No, she wouldn’t do that and if she did, I wouldn’t rest until she was home.

“Nash, you need to trust her.” Julie said from the couch. She had Josie on her lap reading a book.

“I do.” I mumbled. We both looked at one another as we heard the sound of an engine.

“Told you.” She grinned.

Fallon walked through the door carrying Lottie in her car seat, hooked over one arm, and the other loaded down with groceries. She reached out her arm with Lottie and I took the carrier from her. Plopping the armload of groceries down, shewinced. “Hope the eggs weren’t in that load.” Turning, she headed for the door.

Grabbing her shoulders, I pulled her backward and traded places with her. “Take your stuff off. I’ll go get the rest.” I handed Lottie to Julie and reached for my coat.

“No, it’s all right, I’ve got it,” she said, pressing her hand to my chest.

“Fallon, you had a baby a week ago. You shouldn’t be carrying armloads of groceries. Let me do it.” She looked up at me and I saw her eyes filled with a sadness that hadn’t been there before she went to town.

“Thanks, Nash,” she mumbled as she took her coat off and hung it behind the door. There wasn’t a lot left in the car, but I saw a coffee cup from Dad’s in the console and grabbed it and the empty brown bag.

“Looks like that’s everything,” I said as I set things down on the counter. “Have a good coffee?” I asked as I held it up.

“It was almost heaven. Your dad’s little shop is fantastic. I hope you don’t mind.” Worry crossed her face.

“I’m glad you saw him, and I know better than to get between you and your coffee.” I laughed, remembering how she needed a cup before you even talked to her in the mornings when she was younger.

“Okay kids, I’m heading home. I’ll call you in the morning, but I think Josie’s fever broke, but she lookslike she’s ready to go back to bed.” Julie patted my arm and left.

“What’s wrong, Toots?” I asked as I watched her frown.

“There’s nothing wrong.” She shook her head and turned to put something in the fridge.

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