The Rancher Meets His Match (The Millers of Morgan Valley #4) - Kate Pearce Page 0,28

“Jeez, I’m really sorry about him thinking that. I’ll try and do better.”

Kaiden just nodded and moved on. It wasn’t really his place to interfere in his big brother’s relationship, but he couldn’t stand by and let Roman get unintentionally hurt. But, he’d said his piece, and he wasn’t going to labor the point. Adam wasn’t stupid and he truly cared for Lizzie’s son.

Kaiden sat down again. Julia was chatting across the table to Silver about some kind of skin-care thing that was like listening to a foreign language. As soon as Adam took his seat, Ben got to his feet and everyone looked inquiringly up at him.

“I’m glad you’re all here today because I want to share some news with you.” Ben put his hand on Silver’s shoulder. “We got married yesterday in Vegas.”

As the whole table erupted in cheers and whistles, Kaiden’s gaze was inevitably drawn to his father, who sat like a stone at the head of the table with his arms folded over his chest. Jeff definitely wasn’t cheering and Kaiden braced himself for impact.

Ben was grinning like a fool and still talking, blissfully unaware of the little storm cloud hanging ominously over the brilliance of his day.

“Silver had some final scenes to shoot in Vegas last week, and we just decided to get married one night without any fuss. We got a minister to come to our suite, and it was all over and done with in ten minutes.” Ben chuckled. “We didn’t even have to dress up.”

“And you didn’t think to tell your father about this important decision before you got married in front of strangers, or did you just tell the Meadows family?” Jeff asked.

Ben’s smile dimmed. “We didn’t tell anyone, Dad. We just didn’t want all the fuss.”

“The fuss.” Jeff stood up. “Well, you’ve made your bed. I wish you well.” He nodded at Juan. “Excuse me while I check the horses. One of my mares is likely to foal.”

Kaiden glanced at Ben, who looked like someone had kicked his puppy, and immediately caught his brother Adam’s eye. “We’ll have to have a party for these guys, right? So that we can celebrate in style!”

“Yes, like we did for Jay Williams when he brought back his bride,” Daisy joined in. “That was awesome. Would you like that? We can organize the whole thing, Silver. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

While his siblings were busy circling the wagons, Kaiden excused himself and went out into the yard, and on to the barn where he found his father leaning over the half-open door of the end stall. Jeff didn’t turn around when he spoke.

“Still no sign of that foal.”

Kaiden leaned up against the wall. “That’s because it’s not due for another month, Dad.”

“They can still surprise you, Son.”

“Just like people.” Kaiden paused. “Why did you have to be so unpleasant to Ben and Silver?”

“I wasn’t unpleasant. If they don’t like it when I speak my mind, then that’s on them.”

“You were rude and ungracious, and you know it.”

“Who made you the judge and jury?” Jeff swung around to glare at him. “I’m still your father, and I deserve your respect.”

“You always told me respect was earned.” Kaiden didn’t look away from his father’s irate gaze. “Ben’s happy, Silver’s happy, so what right do you have to blunder in and spoil it for them?”

“Spoil what?” Jeff looked affronted. “Am I supposed to be okay that my son, the first of my kids to get married, didn’t ask me to his own wedding? I like Silver, I think she’s a good match for Ben! I would very much have liked to see them stand up together in front of our family pastor, in our family church, and speak their vows to each other. Is that too much to ask?”

Kaiden winced as Jeff ’s words rose to a shout.

“What if the press had gotten wind of the information and the ceremony had been ruined by TV cameras, fans, and gawkers?” Kaiden countered. “Would you have enjoyed that, Dad? Because I can guarantee Silver and Ben wouldn’t have, and it is supposed to be their day after all.”

“Yeah, well.” Jeff’s gaze turned back to the horse. “Nothing I can do about it now, is there? It’s done. I suppose I’d better call your mother, and let her know—unless Ben has already done that.”

“You’re hurt, aren’t you?” Kaiden stared at his father.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Son.” Jeff avoided his gaze.

“I think I’m finally figuring you out. All this shouting