Page 27 of Every Single Wildflower
“Ivy girl.” His voice is hoarse as he adjusts the oxygen tube in his nose.
“Dad.” I smile, because despite everything, it’s good to see him awake. Breathing.
He coughs, his hand coming to his chest with a pained expression. My mom stands, adjusting his pillow so he can sit up better. Clear his airway.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” he rasps, and mom places a kiss on his temple.
I feel the twist in my stomach, but I ignore it as he reaches his hand out for me.
With all eyes on me, I take it, not wanting to raise questions. I place mine in his and relief flashes in his red rimmed eyes. He clears his throat, knowing that when all of us are together at one time, it usually means we’re up to something.
“What’s going on?” My mother settles back in the chair next to his bed. “You look serious, Cooper.”
Which is a rare occasion.
“They told me about the ranch,” I blurt, causing dad’s hand to squeeze against mine.
“What about the ranch. The fire?” Mom’s brow furrows. “What are they talking about, Emmett?”
“Ruthie…” he coughs again before he curses low under his breath.
“How bad is it, dad?” I ask.
His eyes hold mine, while I straighten my spine. I can tell by his hesitation mom is the only one in this room who doesn’t know. Seems not much has changed. He still hides the truth toprotecther.
“The fire on top of everything else….” His hand trembles as he removes it from mine, then strokes his greying beard.
He always did this when he was thinking.
“I found the insurance policy. It’s a generous amount. Should be plenty to rebuild the house, but as far as how deep in the red we are with the finances, I don’t know how far the money will stretch. With you in here, that leaves us to help line things up. I’m just trying to help, dad,” I offer gently.
He nods, his eyes veering to my mom. “I’m sorry, Ruthie. I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Hush. Just tell them," she urges.
“I’ve been able to keep up payroll. But with the last couple of droughts, and the head we lost last winter, along with feed prices going up, we got behind. We’re barely paying the bills.”
“How does Rocky know?” Ryder asks from the corner he’s perched in.
Dad’s face hardens. “Did he show up? That greedy bastard.”
His monitors start beeping, indicating a rise in his heart rate.
“Emmett.” Mom stands. “You need to breathe.”
He takes a deep breath, releasing another harsh cough. Once he calms, he rests his head back on the pillow.
“How would he know, dad?” Cooper asks next. “I know he’s always wanted the ranch, but he’s been like a vulture the last couple of years.”
Dad’s sigh is audible as he closes his eyes. “Back taxes.”
“Taxes?” I glance at Ryder.
“How much?” Ryder asks
“Son…”
“How much?” It’s my turn to ask.
