Page 32 of Easy Rider
Six Months Later
“You’re the last one standing, Shane,” Chase ribs me, as though I don’t already know I’m the only one of us who’s still single. We’re out at Boondocks for a boys’ night, and Ryder is on cloud nine. He’s been wearing that same goofy grin since he and Emma got married. And I’m happy for him. I am.
“In three months I’m going to be a father, Shane. Think about that. My kid will grow up with Chase’s. Jenny already has hers. Come on, man,” Ryder teases, “what’s the hold-up?”
Do I have to go through this again? I get the third degree about when I’m going to settle down every damn time I’m with these two. They’re relentless. I let out a sigh, and level a stare at Ryder. “You were fortunate to find Emma, and damn lucky she didn’t hightail it out of here.” He chuckles. “Same goes for you, movie star.” I tip my glass to Chase. “But I’m not going to just run out and start a family because you say so. I haven’t found the right woman yet. Shit. I’m not even sure she’s out there.”
My phone starts vibrating on the table, and I grab it, hoping it’s not an emergency call from my ranch. I angle the screen to avoid the glare. Shit. It’s the sixth time he’s sent me the same damn text.
“What is it?” Ryder asks. “One of your hands call in sick?”
“Naw, it’s Chuck Carlisle.”
Chase eyes the phone. “How’s he doing? Any better?”
“No.” I grimace. “You don’t get better when you’re ninety-five. He doesn’t have much time left.”
“I’m sorry, man,” Ryder says softly. “I know how close you two are.”
I nod, still getting used to the idea that Chuck Carlisle won’t be around forever. He’s been like a father to me. His property borders the other side of our ranch. The side farthest away from the drug-dealing Johnsons. “I have to go,” I say, grabbing my phone. I drop a few twenties on the table. “Good talk.” I tip my chin to Ryder. “I’m happy for you.”
After saying goodbye to my brothers and tipping my hat to Travis. I head out to Chuck’s property. The front door to his one-story rancher is open, so I let myself in. I know where he is. He’s on the other side of the house, in his room, where he’s been for the past two weeks.
“You finally made it,” the old codger barks from his bed. “It took you long enough.” Even though he’s hooked up to an IV, he’s still as ornery as ever.
I take off my hat and rest it on his dresser in the usual place.
“I’m glad you’re here.” His face softens, and I see a trace of a smile. “I don’t have much time left.”
“As you keep reminding me,” I tease. “Looks like you’re still here.”Thankfully.
He focuses his crinkly eyes on me and takes a beat. “We need to talk, son.”
“I’m listening.” I grab a chair and pull it up close to his bed. “I’ve got all the time you need,” I say, settling into the seat.
“As you know, my ranch comprises seven hundred acres.” Chuck eyes me, apparently making sure I comprehend, so I nod. “And I’ve been pretty savvy with stocks and cashed them out. So I’ve got more money in the bank than you can imagine. You following me?”
“I think so. I’m not surprised you’re wealthy, Chuck.”
“Well, I’m leaving it all to you, and my granddaughter, Brooke.” He cocks his head and winks at me. “You surprised now, son?”
Flabbergasted is more like it. What the hell? I’m about ready to fall off my chair, and I’m not entirely sure Chuck isn’t already off his rocker. “Hell yeah, I’m surprised, and flattered. But I can’t take your money, Chuck. You should leave it all to B—”
“Stop your yacking. I want you to have it. You’re like a son to me, and I need the ranch to stay in the family. So just calm down. I have a favor to ask.”
“Whatever it is, you’ve got it.”
“Not so fast.” Chuck raises his hand, taking the IV lines stuck into the top of his hand with it. “This is a big ask.”
“Okay, let’s hear it.”
“You remember Brooke, don’t you?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Sure do. Whenever I was here, working for you over the summer, she was always following me around. Asking if I needed help with this or that. She was a cute little thing.”
“Well she’s all I have now. She’s Bobby’s girl. All that I have left of him. And when I leave the planet, Brooke is all that will be left of me.”
Well, shit. I hate it when he talks like this. I know dying is a fact of life, but I don’t like thinking about Chuck being gone. “I’ll look out for her. I told you I’d take care of anything you need. I keep my word, Chuck, you know that. I’ll make sure she’s happy.”
