Page 53 of Rancher's Pride

“I could just pop into her room.” My mother, the charmer, batted her eyes and smiled sweetly.

“No, she’s a light sleeper. Come on, Violet, we’ll set two more places.” Fallon looked up at me and smiled. It wasn’t a cheerful smile, it was an I’ve got your back gesture.

The woman I loved led us all back into the dining room and Julie had already changed the seating arrangement, and smiled as my mother walked in the room. They’d used to be the best of friends, but if there was one thing Julie Miller couldn’t abide, it was abandoning family. She’d be pleasant, and treat my mother well, but the second she walked out the door, she’d go back to hating the woman. That was the loyalty you got from Julie when you were someone she thought of as family.

My mother froze in the doorway when she saw my father. Wanda turns and her face goes dark with anger. This might not have been a good idea. “Violet.” Pop nodded as he moved Wanda to his side, snaking his hand around her waist and pulling her tightly to him. Wanda looked over at my father and smiled. It was like it was the reassurance she needed.

“Let’s not prolong this meal. Nora, this is Nash’s mom, Violet and her husband, Desmond,” Fallon said, smiling tightly. Nora smiled and greeted them both politely. Even though she didn’t know what went on, I knew Nora so well I could see she wasn’t impressed with my mother being here. This was the solidaritythat I’d expected from family, and while I never imagined I’d have it, I had a table full of people ready to stand in front of me if I needed them to.

“Julie, who is that man beside you?” My mother asked as she took her seat.

Fallon’s mom looked at Phil and beamed as she did. “This is Phil. He’s my partner.” Phil put his arm over the back of Julie’s chair and rested his hand on her shoulder.

“Well, isn’t that surprising? I never dreamed you’d ever move on from Miller.” Violet shook her head, and reached for her wine.

“I don’t think it’s moving on as much as making room for someone else,” Phil said flatly, not even trying to hide his irritation.

Violet set down her glass. “Well, I moved on,” she said, reaching for Desmond’s hand. She grasped it, but he just left it resting limply on the table.

My father and Wanda didn’t take the bait. They gave each other a side glance and carried on, passing the food around the table.

The silence was deafening in the house. I’m not sure there was anything more awkward than this meal.

My mother’s husband looked like he was eating glass with every bite he took. Violet just pushed food around her plate. “Wanda, I hear you’re working for Alfred in that ramshackle coffee shop.” Again, she picked up her glass of wine and took a long sip.

Wanda pasted a smile on her face and set her forkdown. “Actually, I don’t work for Fred. We’re partners and work together, as a supportive spouse should.” She locked eyes with Violet as she clasped my father’s hand in hers.

Resting my elbow on the table, I rubbed my forehead with my fingers, taking long slow breaths, trying to stop the bubble of laughter from trying to escape. Wanda had schooled my mother without losing the smile on her face.

“Vi, I think we should go.” Desmond quipped as he pushed his chair back from the table. She looked up at him with confusion on her face. “I have work to do.” He added, before looking around the table.

“Oh, yes, of course darling, you’re such a busy man. I completely forgot you had things to do.” She wiped her mouth with the napkin before she stood. “Thank you for supper. It was so lovely seeing everyone again.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Bye, Vi.” Josie called from her highchair before stuffing something else into her mouth. I pursed my lips together, knowing how much my mother had always hated being called Vi.

Fallon got up from the table, and showed them out like any well mannered, proper hostess would. I leaned against the doorway, arms folded and a scowl on my face.

It was as if the entire house let out a unified exhale when Fallon closed the door.

“Well, that was… something.” I sighed before flopping back down in my chair.

“It was more than something, son,” Pop said, putting his arm around the back of Wanda’s chair. “She’s here for a reason.” He looked over at me and his arched brow said more than the words he spoke.

He was probably right.

CHAPTER FORTY

FALLON

The house was quiet, and I wished I could shake the nagging feeling something was funny with Violet’s new husband. His name was familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Grabbing my phone, I stared at my contacts, scrolling trying to think of someone who would know who he was.

I stopped my scroll on Phil’s name. Hitting the call button, I waited and listened to it ring.

“Fallon, what’s wrong?” His voice filled with concern, and no pleasantries. A long time ago, he’d given me his number and told me if I ever needed it to just call.

“I have some concerns about Violet’s new husband. I’ve heard his name before.” Walking out of the kitchen and stared at the door, willing Nash to stay in the barn. This might be nothing, and I didn’t want to make him worry. I wasn’t sure what Nash would do. The littleboy whose mother turned her back on him was still hidden deep within.

“To be honest, Fallon, I’ve had the same concerns. The way he looked around, the way he assessed everyone in the room, that wasn’t normal. He’s after something.” Phil’s voice trailed off. “I also got some news yesterday that I didn’t give you last night with the turn of events. Are you sitting down?” His voice was ominous and while I was standing, I shuffled to the couch and plopped down.

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