and Kaiden and Evan, who worked in Morgantown, were also there. As Adam dished up huge bowls of spaghetti and sauce, Ben got the beverages out of the refrigerator and set them on the table with the plastic glasses Auntie Rae had bought when they were kids.
“Thanks.” Adam glanced up briefly as Ben also doled out napkins. “Knowing the way this lot eat, we’ll need those.”
“This looks good.” Jeff came in rubbing his hands together as they all sat at the table. “I think we’re done with calving this year. Danny’s been a great help.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Danny looked over at Ben and rolled his eyes. “I can’t wait to get back to construction in town. My boss doesn’t shout at me half as much, and the pay is twice as good.”
Ben patted his ribs. “Great timing because Dr. Tio says I’m good to go, so I’ll be able to take up where you left off.”
“Cool.” Danny turned to their father. “You hear that, Dad? Ben’s back.”
“Maybe.” Jeff helped himself to a bowlful of spaghetti and sauce.
“Maybe?” Adam who was the last to sit down, glanced questioningly over at his father.
“Pablo Gomez came up to me in the feed store today and asked me if it was true that Ben was looking for a new job. He’s considering hiring a ranch manager.”
Everyone turned to look at Ben who carefully set down his fork. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him he’d have to ask you.” Jeff scowled. “I’m getting sick and tired of hearing what you’re up to from other people. What’s wrong with telling me to my face?”
“Because you’re terrifying?” Kaiden said mildly. “Because most of us would rather face a raging bull than have a conversation with you?”
“I’m not that bad.” Jeff waved the complaint away. “You all know my bark is worse than my bite.” He pointed his fork at Ben. “Is it true?”
“You told me that if I went on that trail ride that you couldn’t guarantee you’d have a job for me when I got back,” Ben replied evenly. “I put some feelers out before I left and Pablo must have found out.”
“I was angry because you were walking out on us at calving time,” Jeff objected. “You must’ve known I didn’t mean it.”
“Obviously I didn’t.” Ben held his father’s gaze. “You told me you’d already given me one chance to come back, and that I shouldn’t assume I’d get a second.”
“I did let you back after you fooled around with that girl and got kicked out of college.”
“Dad.” Adam spoke up. “That was a long time ago. Ben’s a different person now.”
Ben glanced over at his big brother whom he knew was trying to help, and wondered whether he should apologize to him, too. The Ben they all thought was dead and buried had returned with a vengeance during his time with Silver and done stuff they would never believe he was capable of. What if they found out about that? Would they all look as disappointed and horrified as they had when he’d finally returned home the first time?
“I’ll go over and speak to Pablo tomorrow.” Ben dug his fork into his pasta and made himself chew, aware of the uncomfortable silence around him.
“You’ll do no such thing,” Jeff snapped. “You’ve been lazing around for a month since you came back from that trail ride. If you hadn’t disobeyed me and taken it on, you wouldn’t have been injured in the first place. You owe me your goddamn labor.”
“I’ll go after I’ve finished my work here, okay?” Ben said. “Look, you’ve already said you don’t need me here, and that Danny does a better job than me, so why are you mad? If I’m that useless, surely you’ll be glad to be rid of me?”
“Maybe I would.” His father stood and glared down at him. “I never thought I’d live to see one of my sons be so damned ungrateful.” He picked up his bowl. “I’m going to finish my dinner in my office before I say something I shouldn’t.”
Ben winced as the door slammed behind his father and kept his attention on his plate. If he didn’t look up, no one could catch his eye and start talking at him.
“One has to wonder what Dad thinks he hasn’t already said.” Kaiden filled up Ben’s glass with iced tea. “I suppose it’s an indicator that Mom really is a good influence on him because he did actually leave before he lost it completely.”