Page 3 of Rancher's Healing

“Who do we need to go after?” Nash asked, with a menacing tone in his voice. Kipp let me go, and I dried my face.

“He cheated. I got mad and left. Lark is so mad at me for leaving without talking to her.” My sister Lark and I had been inseparable since we started racing. This was the first time we’d been apart in forever.

“She’s not.” My sister-in-law, Nora, said as she walked to my brother’s side. “She called about two hours ago, telling me you were on the way. I’ve been waiting for you and hoped you’d get here before these five got home.” She hugged me and left her arm around my shoulder.

“Thanks for the heads up, my darling wife,” Kipp said as he shook his head.

“I would have been, but I got a flat ten miles back. Then Jake stopped, and we talked for a while.” I tried to be aloof, but I watched Kipp’s brow rise slightly.

“Jake?” Kipp said flatly.

“Yeah, he was on his way home from a shift at the hospital.” I didn’t want to tell him anymore than that. He didn’t need to know.

“Come on, they can take care of the horses and unhitch the trailer. We can unpack your truck after supper.” Nora turned me toward the house.“I have to know about Jake,” she whispered, and all I could do was shake my head.

“How did we end up having to do all her work?” Nash asked loudly, laughing a little to let me know he was joking. Nash was a good man and like a second brother. He’d been in love with my youngest sister for years. Finally, they managed to get on the same page and have two of the most adorable girls.

“You’ve always been the lucky one, Nash,” I yelled over my shoulder and Nora laughed.

Nora put her hand on her growing abdomen. It wouldn’t be long now, and I was happy to be home to help her. It would take my mind off my pile of flaming shit life. “How much longer?” I asked as I lightly touched her stomach.

“Three weeks. When I saw Jake on Monday, he said I need to be ready any time though. Speaking of Jake.” Between her smirk and arched brow, I knew what she wanted to ask.

“Shut up, both of you until I get in there.” My sister, Fallon, yelled from the porch. The screen door slapped shut as she walked into the house. Josie, her almost three-year-old daughter, ran to me and launched herself into my lap.

“Auntie TayTay.” She squealed and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck. It was hard to believe that not that long ago, nobody even knew Josie existed. I was sad Fallon hadn’t felt able to talk to me about her problems, but I didn’t dwell on it. All I knew was that now I could spoil all these kids that were running around the ranch.

“Hey, missy, you have no idea how badly I needed that hug.” I said as I held onto her tightly.

“Okay, let your auntie go,” Fallon said, as I shifted Josie on my lap. With these women staring at me, I spilled the entire story, and they each reached out for my hand.

“Okay, but where does Jake fit in with all of this?” Nora asked, looking from me to Fallon.

“Don’t look at me. I only found out about Jake after I came back.” Fallon said, holding her free hand up. Both women turned to me and waited.

“You two together are very annoying.” I said, as I turned my attention back to Josie. “Little miss, you and I need to get out of here. Your mom and Auntie Nora are gossips.” I couldn’t helpbut smile when Josie nodded with a mouth full of the cheesy fish.

“Nope, Jake, spill.” Fallon pointed at me.

“I don’t want to corrupt young minds.” I covered Josie’s ears.

“Josie, find your dad,” Fallon said flatly.

“No, I stay with Auntie TayTay.”

“Smart girl.” I said, holding up my hand for a high five, and Josie didn’t leave me hanging.

“Bet Jake would tell me if I called him.” Nora said as she stood to reach for the cordless phone on the table.“Or I could get Elle to find out. You know, since she’s working for Jake and all.” I hadn’t known that Griff’s new wife was working for Jake. He didn’t mention who his new nurse was, but it made sense. Elle was fantastic, and it made me excited to know we’d be working together.

“We used to be on and off.” I blurted out, slamming my hand down on the phone before she could grab it.

“Nice.” Fallon nodded to Nora as she sat back down.

“It started as flirting here and there. He’s the same age as Kipp, so obviously off limits, but it didn’t matter. He offered to drive me home one night after a party and, well, I ended up on his lap in the front of his truck.”

“You’re three years younger than Kipp.” Nora said like she was doing the math in her head.

“How much younger are you? Both of you? Don’t look at me like that. You two can’t even talk. At least Jake and I were in high school at the same time.” I crossed my arms around Josie like she was my shield from whatever they were going to say next, but the two busybodies kept silent.

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