One Southern Cowboy - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,16

inwardly at Lemon’s startled expression. “We’re offering a prayer,” he explained.

“Oh,” she said in relief as they all joined hands. Lemon’s hand was soft and delicate in his grip. He could almost feel her energy flowing into him.

Daddy said the prayer, giving thanks that Jaxson had been protected during the accident. When he asked for help on Lemon’s behalf to recover her memories, Jaxson thought he felt Lemon tense, but maybe he’d only imagined it. “Amen,” Daddy said with gusto as he ended the prayer.

“Amen,” Jaxson and Lemon repeated.

Lemon raised an eyebrow. With a jolt, Jaxson realized that he was still holding her hand.

“The prayer’s over,” Knox said unnecessarily as he winked at Lemon. “You’ll have to excuse, Jax. He doesn’t get out much.”

Jaxson let go of her hand, heat blotching up his neck. Sheesh, he was acting like he was wet behind the ears, like he’d never been around a woman before.

“Dig in,” Knox encouraged.

Jaxson didn’t have to be told twice. He unwrapped the biscuit and took a large bite. The biscuit was tender and flaky, the sausage hot and spicy. It melted in his mouth. He grinned to himself when he saw Lemon eating her biscuit with relish.

“What’s on the agenda today?” Daddy asked, turning his focus to Jaxson. “You’ll need to meet with Lucas and get him up to speed.”

Jaxson took in a breath as he nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to handing over the reins to Lucas.

“It’s temporary,” Daddy said, as if reading his mind.

“I know,” Jaxson sighed.

“Briggs can help too,” Daddy added.

“That’s true.” Briggs, the resident veterinarian was a huge help on the ranch. In many ways, he doubled as Jaxson’s right-hand man. “I could just put Briggs in charge.”

“Nah, that would be too much for Briggs. I need his primary focus to be on the cattle and the other animals. Besides, Briggs has a lot on his plate with the wedding coming up.”

“Briggs is engaged to my sister Zoe. They’re getting married in December,” Jaxson explained.

“Yep, lots of things happening in the Romeo family,” Knox quipped. “Jaxson’s younger brother, Ramsey, just got married yesterday. In fact, Jaxson was coming back from the wedding when he had the accident.”

Lemon’s face paled. “I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “I’ve caused you so many problems.”

Jaxson was quick to reassure her. “It’s okay.” He shot Daddy an irritated look. Lemon had been through so much already. No need to add insult to injury.

“What?” Daddy demanded.

“You didn’t have to bring that up,” Jaxson retorted.

Lemon spoke up. “It’s okay.” She lifted her chin, putting down her biscuit. “I can handle it.”

Daddy gave her an appraising look. “Yes, I believe you can,” he said decidedly. He sat back in his seat. “Tell me how all of this works.”

Lemon moistened her lips. “Um, I’m not sure what you mean.”

Daddy cocked his head. “You don’t remember anything … at all?”

Jaxson cut in. “I don’t think right now is the best time to give her the third degree.” Daddy could be so dang infuriating. Hadn’t he heard anything Doctor Jepson said? Lemon needed to remember slowly, on her own terms.

“I’m not giving her the third degree,” Knox countered, casting Jaxson an annoyed look. “If we’re gonna help Lemon, then I need to know where she’s coming from.”

“It’s okay,” Lemon said to Jaxson. She took in a deep breath, pressing her lips together. “To answer your question, no, I don’t remember anything.” She paused, her expression going pensive. “The first memory I have is standing in the middle of the road and seeing the headlights from Jaxson’s truck.”

Knox shook his head. “I’m sorry. That’s rough.”

“Yes,” Lemon said, pushing her biscuit away and hugging her arms.

Knox looked thoughtful. “Do you have any questions for us? Anything you’d like to know about your past?”

“Daddy!” Jaxson exploded. “Stop it! She’s not ready.”

“We’ll let Lemon be the judge of that,” Knox said firmly.

Lemon nibbled on her lower lip. The gesture was so familiar … something Lemon did when she was nervous. Her eyes darted hesitantly between Jaxson and Knox. “I take it I grew up here? In Franklin?”

“Yes,” Knox answered.

Lemon searched Jaxson’s face. “The two of us were friends.”

Jaxson nodded in the affirmative, swallowing his disappointment. He wished that Lemon could remember something … even if it was a tiny shred of what they’d shared together.

Her jaw worked as the strip of skin between her brows dented. “Do I have any family here?”

Knox looked to Jaxson, waiting for him to respond. Great! Daddy was the one who’d initiated this