and my choice.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, but I have to go now. My father is due at the doctor’s for an appointment he can’t miss.”
“I’ll call you later, then, Julie.” Blaine had to have the last word. “I’m sure we can work something out.”
She hated him. It was that simple. The thought of having to go into the office for the rest of her life while he schmoozed his way up the corporate ladder made her feel physically sick. Her gaze settled on the ancient stove. But the ranch needed her and it wasn’t going to be cheap to adapt it to fit her father’s condition.
From what he’d told her last night, the place wasn’t even really operating as a ranch right now. He had a few cattle and horses in the barn and two retired cowhands who had stayed on to help when Juan hadn’t been able to get out of the house. She knew Miguel also sent money home, but it wasn’t enough to affect the gradual decline of the once thriving business.
Maybe it was time to let it go....
“Julia? Are you in there?”
She fixed on a smile and went to open the kitchen door.
“I’m right here, Dad. Do you want me to drive, or would you rather do it?”
“You drive.” He tossed her the keys. “I taught you, so I know you’re good.”
“You haven’t seen me in the city,” Julia teased him. “I’m a demon on wheels.”
She helped him to the truck, which she had parked as close to the back door as possible. “Your doctor’s in town, yes?”
“In the building opposite Baker’s gas station, and next door to the new pizza place.”
“There’s pizza?” Julia hoisted him up into the truck.
“Good pizza and gelato.” Juan settled himself in the seat. “If you behave yourself, I might treat you to lunch.”
* * *
Kaiden wouldn’t say he’d deliberately suggested he and Wes should get a slice or two of pizza for lunch, but here they were, sitting outside despite the slight breeze while Kaiden kept a close eye on Dr. Tio’s. He’d checked the parking lot behind the building and spotted Juan’s old truck in one of the disabled spaces. Wes was staring at his cell like he’d never seen it before, his eyes fixed on the screen as he typed with a speed Kaiden could only dream about.
A flash of movement made him look up to see the door into the clinic opening. He shot to his feet and walked over to take hold of it as Julia backed out with Juan in his wheelchair.
“Hey!” Juan looked genuinely pleased to see him.
“How’s it going?” Kaiden smiled at them both. “Didn’t want the door hitting you in the a—I mean rear.”
“Thanks.” Julia turned the chair around to face the front. Today she was wearing jeans, boots, and a peach-colored fleece that complemented her warm skin tones. She looked tired, as if all the cares of the world were on her shoulders. “Do I smell pizza?”
“You sure do.” Kaiden pointed toward Wes, who seemed oblivious to the fact that Kaiden had moved away. “Do you want to come and sit with us, or, do you want to go inside?”
Even as Julia hesitated, Juan answered him. “We’ll sit outside. It’s good to feel the fresh air on my skin.”
“I bet.” Kaiden took over the wheelchair and maneuvered Juan toward the circular table so that his back was to the wind. “Wes, say hi to Mr. Garcia.”
Wes didn’t react and Kaiden leaned over and gently poked him on the arm. “Wes!”
“Don’t take my phone!” Wes cradled his cell to his chest and cringed backward like some pitiful orphan child. “It’s lunchtime!” He suddenly noticed Julia and sat up straight. “Well, hi!”
Kaiden fought not to roll his eyes. “Julia, this is Wes Demoto.”
Wes put out his hand and took Julia’s. “Wes Baker, actually.” He brought her gloved fingers to his lips. “A pleasure indeed, my lady.”
Julia met Kaiden’s gaze over Wes’s head, her lips twitching with startled amusement.
Kaiden sighed. “Wes is my young apprentice.”
“I hate the way you keep calling me that, it’s so lame.” Wes made a face. “Like Star Wars is so over.”
“Do you work for Kaiden’s father up at the ranch?” Julia asked.
“Nope, just for Kaiden. I got kicked out of culinary class, and electronics, and this was the only choice I had left.”
Kaiden winced. “Thanks, Wes, you make working for me sound so appealing.” He glanced down at Juan. “Shall I get you a menu, or