The Rancher Meets His Match (The Millers of Morgan Valley #4) - Kate Pearce Page 0,50
and Leanne disappeared down the hallway toward his father’s bedroom, arguing amicably about heated blankets and commodes.
“Did Ben and Silver come back too?” Kaiden asked Danny.
“They wanted to, but I guess Dad didn’t want the fuss. Ben says they’ll be back in a week and to keep him in the loop until then.”
“Is Evan here?”
“Yeah, he’s just taking a shower. He was out last night with a calving.”
“Evan was?” Kaiden looked at Danny.
“Yeah, I know. He actually offered.” Danny smiled. “For some reason he decided to stick to home and be helpful while Adam and Dad were away. To be honest, I’ve been glad of the help.”
“I should be able to step up my game this week,” Kaiden said. “Just let me know what you need doing, and I’ll be there.”
“It’s okay, Bro. I’m more than happy to keep making Evan feel guilty enough to pull his weight for a change.” Danny grinned at him. “It’s kind of fun.”
“Fun doing what?”
Evan spoke from the doorway. His spiky brown hair was still wet from the shower. He’d changed into PJ pants with a banana pattern and a bright yellow T-shirt, and his feet were bare.
“Nothing you need to know about.” Kaiden winked at him. “How did the calving go?”
* * *
When Adam carried Jeff into the house, Kaiden stood back and let the women take over. The glimpse he got of Jeff ’s face wasn’t reassuring. His father looked ghastly, and he was too tired to even shout at anyone, which was a first. Kaiden waited for a good hour before he ventured into his dad’s bedroom. Only a lamp beside the bed shone light onto his father’s gaunt features. Kaiden stayed by the door, one hand digging into the wooden frame like it was a lifeline.
“Well, don’t just stand there gawping, Son. Either come in, or get out.”
His father’s voice was thin as a reed but somehow reassuring. Kaiden came in and sat on the chair beside the bed.
“I’m glad you’re home, Dad.”
“Me too, although I’m not sure what all the fuss was about.”
Kaiden met his father’s gray gaze, which was so like his own. “You damn well do know.”
“Maybe I do.” He sighed. “And even if I didn’t, your mother and Rae will make sure I get it if I ever want them to leave.”
Kaiden fought a smile. “You’re lucky to have them, you know.”
“Hmmph.” His dad relapsed into silence.
“I just wanted to see how you were doing. I’d better go and let you sleep.” Kaiden reluctantly rose to his feet.
“Good thinking. It’s not as if I’ve been waiting for you to show up so I could do that very thing.”
“Night, Dad.” Kaiden bent to kiss his father’s forehead.
“Now, don’t be getting all sentimental around me, Kaiden Miller. I’ll have enough of that from the triple threat.”
Kaiden paused at the door. “The triple threat?”
“Leanne, Rae, and Daisy.”
Kaiden was still grinning when he went down the hallway and into the kitchen to catch up on all the news from Adam. His dad might look like a dog’s dinner, but he certainly hadn’t lost his crankiness. Kaiden wasn’t the greatest believer in God, but he maintained a healthy respect for the Lord, and sent up a quick prayer of thanks to the heavens.
He suspected there was a long road of recovery ahead, which would not suit his dad’s personality at all. From what Adam had already told them, he was going to have to change everything, and that was hard for anyone. After checking the kitchen, which was empty apart from two members of the triple threat who were deep in conversation, Kaiden decided he might as well turn in early. It had been an eventful day.
He sighed as he walked down the hallway to his bedroom and almost wished Ben was back home so they could talk it through. But Ben had Silver to talk to now, Adam had Lizzie, Daisy had Jackson, and Danny and Evan were as close as twins. Which left him—the wisecracking ass with no friends who wanted everyone to like him—all on his lonesome. Even as he considered starting his own pity party, his cell buzzed and he took it out of his pocket.
How did it go with your dad?
He sat down on the side of the bed and replied to Julia.
He’s home. He looks exhausted, but he’s cranky as ever.
He waited impatiently as the little bubbles danced and bounced in the corner of the screen.