The Rancher Meets His Match (The Millers of Morgan Valley #4) - Kate Pearce Page 0,66

say your name.”

Leanne groaned. “Neither of us would win parent of the year, that’s for sure.”

“I guess you both did your best.”

Leanne reached for his hand. “There you go again, trying to make me feel better about myself. At some level I know I did the best I could, but my heart tells me differently.”

“I’ll apologize to Dad tomorrow, okay?” Kaiden finally stirred.

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I’ll feel better if I do.” Kaiden shrugged. “I don’t like falling out with people.”

“It’s hard to deal with other people’s anger, isn’t it?” Leanne said.

“That’s not the thing I have a problem with. I’m used to . . .” Kaiden said slowly. “I’m way more worried that I’ll be the angry one, and I’ll sound just like Dad.”

Chapter Fourteen

“We’re going to store most of this lumber in the barn, Wes, so you can help carry everything in.”

Kaiden let down the tailgate of his truck as Wes got out and ambled toward him, yawning so hard Kaiden could see his tonsils. He hadn’t particularly wanted to go to the Garcia Ranch this morning, but he didn’t have much choice. Mike’s truck was already parked outside the house, which meant that at least Kaiden wouldn’t have to face Julia alone.

“Isn’t that stuff, like, heavy?” Wes frowned.

“Just think of the muscles you’ll have to flex when we’re done.” Kaiden grabbed hold of the first long plank. “Get the other end, will you?”

With a long-suffering sigh, Wes pocketed his phone and did as Kaiden asked.

“Ouch.” After they’d set the plank down, Wes sucked his thumb into his mouth. “I think I got a splinter.”

“I’ve told you a million times to wear your gloves, Wes.”

“I left them in the truck.”

“I suppose that’s progress. Last week you didn’t even manage to bring them,” Kaiden muttered as he stalked back to the truck.

“You’re super salty today, boss. What’s up?” Wes called out to him.

Kaiden yanked hard at the next piece of wood, which, typically, refused to budge. “I’m good, thanks.”

“No, you’re not.”

For a second, Kaiden debated the merits of getting into a stupid argument with a teenager, and reluctantly decided it wasn’t worth it. Just because he was salty, wasn’t a reason to take out his frustrations on Wes.

“Is it because of your dad?”

Kaiden looked up at his apprentice.

“Beth said I should be nice to you, because, like, your dad is sick, and that you must be feeling worried about him,” Wes said. “So, if you are worried, you can, like, talk to me about it, you know? Because I, like, know how it feels when you’ve got a sick parent.” He frowned. “Although, my mom died, and I don’t think that’s going to happen to your dad, okay?”

“That’s . . . really thoughtful of you, Wes,” Kaiden said, then blew out a breath. “I appreciate it.”

Wes grinned at him. “Awesome!” He pointed at the bed of the truck. “If I climb in there I should be able to move that piece.”

“Thanks.”

Jeez, his emotions really were rattled if the awkward offer of help from a teenager was making him feel like welling up. Behind him, the ranch door opened and shut and his shoulders tensed.

“Hey,” Julia said brightly. “Dad and I decided to take a walk while the weather was holding up.”

“Good morning, Kaiden and Wes,” Juan called out.

He turned to see Juan smiling from his wheelchair with Julia behind him pushing. He’d laid the new wider and graded path for the wheelchair a couple of days before, and he was glad to see Juan taking advantage of it.

“Hey, Miss G and Mr. G!” Wes said. “How’s it hanging?”

“Er, great! Thanks!” Juan replied.

Kaiden finally got a good hold on the end of the wood as Wes eased it clear of the congestion and managed to wrestle it out of the truck.

“What’s all that for?” Juan asked after Kaiden and Wes returned from the barn.

“Most of it is for the kitchen cabinets.” Kaiden stripped off his jacket as he started to warm up from the exercise. “I won’t be starting yet, but I wanted to bring the wood over so I could measure up.” He nodded at the barn. “I can set up my workshop out here so I’m not in Mike and Bernie’s way.”

“I can’t wait to see what you do with it,” Juan said.

“I’ve got some ideas.” Kaiden smiled at him. “But, don’t worry, I’ll consult with you as I get going.”

“I trust you,” Juan said. “I’d rather wait and get a surprise.”

“You sure?” Kaiden joked, aware that

readonlinefreenovel.com Copyright 2016 - 2024