Page 8 of Grit
Beverly was silent, but Melissa knew she’d held off the argument for another day. It was the best she could manage. They’d paid attention when Calvin told them he wanted to live in Oakville, but they acted like Melissa didn’t know her own mind, even after six years on her own.
She shifted gears. “Did I tell you I’m planning to convert the old bunkhouse into a holiday cottage? Once it’s done, you and Greg could stay on the ranch when you visit, instead of at the hotel in Metlin.”
Beverly’s eyes went wide. “A guest house?”
“Yeah. For guests and for some tourists. My friends who have converted old outbuildings into rooms can always rent them out to people visiting the national park. It’s a nice side income.”
Bev’s face was frozen, and it wasn’t just from the Botox. Her blue eyes blinked over and over. “You’re going to have strangers in your home?”
“Not in my home. In the old bunkhouse. After we convert it.” Melissa tried not to get frustrated. “I think it’ll be cool. We’ll meet people from all over.”
“Strangers from all over. What kind of people would rent a bunkhouse from strangers?” Her pale face turned even paler. “What about security, Melissa?”
You think I don’t know how to take care of my family?Melissa withdrew her arm. “Don’t worry, Bev. I have a shotgun and really good aim.”
“I would hope so.”
Melissa bit her tongue and caught Cary watching her again. His eyes were narrowed. She shook her head again.
Don’t get started.
She could read his eyes even though he didn’t say a word.
Fine. For now.Cary crossed his arms and watched them.
It wouldn’t be the first time Cary and the Rhodes family had fought. The first time had been at Calvin’s funeral when Greg and Beverly tried to hustle a grief-stricken and confused Melissa and Abby into a car to take them to their opulent house in Paso Robles. Melissa had been so exhausted she barely understood what was happening, but Cary, Ox, and Greg had almost come to blows.
“Mom! Uncle Ox said he can take us outside.” Abby was hastily braiding her wavy brown hair. “Is that cool? Can he take us out to ride? We’ll just be in the pasture. I can saddle Moxie and PJ.” Her big brown eyes pleaded with Melissa. “Do we need to clean up the dishes or—?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Calvin’s father, Greg, broke in. “You shouldn’t be washing dishes.”
Abby looked between Melissa and her grandfather, unsure of whether she’d been given permission or not.
“Thanks for asking, baby.” Melissa smiled. “But it’s your birthday. Grandma and I will take care of the dishes. You go out with Uncle Ox.”
Cary stood up. “I can help too.”
“Thanks.”
“Before you skip out on us”—Greg raised his voice to attract everyone’s attention—“I think Abby has a present from her grandmother and me to open.”
Melissa could feel Beverly vibrating next to her.
Oh boy. A present from the Rhodes grandparents was bound to put anything Melissa gave Abby to shame. She’d learned not to let it bother her. Greg and Beverly gave Abby extravagant presents. Melissa gave her everything else.
“What is it?” Abby was nearly jumping.
“There’s an envelope there with your name on it.” Greg nodded to a vase of flowers they’d brought. “Why don’t you open it up?”
Dear Lord, it wasn’t even in a box. What was it this time? A trip to Europe? An iPhone? A car she couldn’t drive for another six years?
Abby opened the envelope and pulled out a picture. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Is it…?”
“He’s yours,” Beverly said. “That’s Sunday Picnic. He’s sixteen hands, seven years old, and he’s on his way from Kentucky right now.”
Abby ran over and hugged Greg. “Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
