Page 87 of Whispers of Helena
Kiran giggles, cheeks flushing pink. “Sorry, Eli.”
Eli shrugs, filling a mug from the carafe. “It’s alright. I never had the gift of cooking. Think we all know that by now.”
I set my cup down, my gaze following Kiran as he moves toward the stairs. “Kiran, go get ready for the day before breakfast is ready.”
“Yes, Pa!” Kiran darts back up the stairs, his excitement palpable.
Eli takes a seat at the table, sipping from his mug. “So, I take it you two finally made nice?” He grins at Caroline.
Caroline puts down the spatula, glancing at Eli with a smile. “We did.”
Eli raises an eyebrow, letting out a relieved breath. “Thank fuck. I thought you two were gonna wake the whole damn county last night with the noise you were making.” He shakes his head, his grin widening. “Caroline, I love you like a daughter, so please, don’t make me hear those sounds again.”
Caroline’s face turns bright red, her hands hovering in embarrassment. “Oh my God,” she mutters, shaking her head.
I stand and walk over to Eli, slapping him on the back with a laugh. “We’ll get you earplugs, don’t worry.”
“So, how are you going to tell the boy? There’s a lot he needs to know.”
My stomach sinks. Reality crashes over me. “I honestly don’t know yet.”
Eli nods. “You’d best tell him soon. Knowing you, you’ll slip and he’ll start wondering why you keep calling her Caroline. Don’t confuse the boy.”
Caroline’s brows knit together, worry evident in her expression. “There’s so much he doesn’t know.”
I don’t answer right away, my mind turning over the importance of it all. Then, my gaze drops to her hand, to the wedding band she wears. Without a word, I reach for her fingers and slip the ring off.She watches me, curiosity flickering in her eyes, but she doesn’t stop me.
I take the ring and walk to the office, heading straight for the safe. Turning the dial, I open it and return her band to its box. My fingers hesitate before reaching deeper, withdrawing the red velvet box I had opened for her eight years ago. Flipping the lip up, I find the ring still nestled inside, untouched by time.
My chest tightens as I tuck the box into the pocket of my jeans and head back to the kitchen.
Caroline is still watching me when I return. I meet her gaze and say, “Pack up breakfast for you, me, and Kiran.”
She hesitates, but eventually moves, grabbing plates and foil. Kiran returns to the kitchen, hair brushed, clean clothes on. He comes to my side, grabbing my hand.
“Is breakfast ready?”
“Just about, son. How about you put on your boots? We’re going to have a breakfast picnic.”
“I’ve never had one of those. That sounds fun!” He walks to the bench and starts tugging on his boots as there’s a knock at the front door.
Caroline and I glance at Eli. “Don’t look at me, I’m not expecting anyone.”
“Can you answer it? See what they want?” I ask.
Eli walks to the entryway and we all stay quiet, listening for signs of who it is. I hear a deep, unfamiliar voice, so I peek around the corner. A man I’ve never seen before stands in a suit.
“Mr. Montgomery?” The man addresses Eli.
“That would be me. And you are?”
The man reaches out his hand to shake Eli’s, but Eli doesn’t move. His arm retreats. “I’m Baker Cowley. Attorney for Bennett Everly.”
I look back at Caroline. As her eyes meet mine, I see the fear in them.
The man hands Eli a manilla envelope. “The Everly family is very interested in the ranch here. And I understand it’s been inlimbo since the Hayes family passed, so we’re prepared to make a substantial offer to the estate.”
Eli takes the envelope. “Well, Mr. Cowley, I’m sorry Bennett had you come all the way over here in a suit and all, but I’m sure the estate won’t be interested.”
