don’t need me as much as they used to.” Smiling, she continues. “I live with them. That’s why I was ready to rock and roll, as long as you need me.”
“Glad it’s working for you.” There’s another reason why I’m damn glad she’s here, besides taking care of Nelson. Jackie’s presence moved Grace into the house. “What do you think, then? Maybe two, three more weeks before he’s able to get around freely again?” I ask.
“That was Dr. Abrams’ assessment when she checked in on him last night. I agree with her; Nelson should be doing very well by then.” She covers the side of her face closest to Nelson’s room and leans in, whispering, “Don’t let him off the leash too soon if you can help it, Ridge. He’s a grumpy old man, and he’s already making big plans for Montana, dreaming about fishing trips.”
I smile. “Will do, Jackie. Let’s plan on you sticking around a little while longer.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean he’d even need me that long,” she says. “Not every single day, I mean.”
“Are you needed elsewhere?”
“No, I wouldn’t mind staying, but...I don’t want you thinking I was trying to stretch out this job for money. I know who you are, I heard all the fuss in town about your big wedding plans. Even if your bank account looks nice and plump, you’ve got enough on your plate. No need to worry about an old nurse bilking you out of a few dollars. He won’t need a babysitter for three more full weeks, I assure you.”
“Jackie...”
I’m actually at a loss for words. I’m genuinely shocked nobody’s tried to take advantage of me even once since landing in North Dakota.
Hell, it was a near monthly occurrence back in L.A.
Tobin spent a few hours every week sorting my mail to filter out the obvious grifters and investment inquiries from half-baked entrepreneurs down in Silicon Valley, plus outright scammers.
When you’re rich, everybody wants a piece of you.
Except for in little Dallas, apparently.
“But you won’t mind staying to help keep Nelson in line?” I ask, raising a brow. “I’ve got a bit of a situation with Grace, some unruly guests. Tobin and I will do our damnedest to make sure he doesn’t try to leave Dallas again, but somehow, I think having you around might help keep him settled for a few more weeks. With pay, of course, double what you’re making now.”
She opens her mouth to protest, but I sharpen my look. My acting powers are still a little like a magician’s trick—a soft change in tone, a certain tilt of the head, a bossy eye goes a long way in the art of persuasion.
“Good, then it’s settled,” I tell her, breaking into a massive grin. “I’ll tell Nelson the good news.”
Her green eyes twinkle. “Thank you for that and the bonus pay, Ridge.”
I give her a nod and walk over, knocking on the bedroom door.
“Come in,” Grace calls softly from inside.
Opening the door, I ask Nelson, “How you feeling today?”
He glances at Grace. “Good.”
There’s worry on Grace’s face, letting me know what they’ve been discussing.
“Tobin’s making a list to go shopping,” I tell Grace. “He’s wondering if you need anything over here.”
She stands up.
“Great timing. I’ll ask Jackie and let him know.” On her way to the door, she pats Nelson’s leg. “I’ll see you later, Dad.”
Nelson waves her off, but his eyes follow her. I recognize the longing, the regret that’s reflected in them. He looks old and frail now, but that’s the pneumonia and age to some extent.
There’s no doubt he was once a strong, able-bodied man like me whose highest focus was taking care of his family. It poisons his heart to know the trouble he’s caused.
I close the door and sit down in the empty chair next to him.
“You asked her about The Old Town Boys?” His eyes remain on the door. “I thought—”
“I asked because I’ve got next to nothing on the logistics, even with my FBI-trained buddy doing research. Turns out, Grendal has friends in high places, and they’ve done a shockingly good job of doctoring police reports. They’re practically a big fat question mark in FBI crime catalogs.” I lean back, resting one ankle on my opposite knee. “And Grace deserves to know, Nelson. If our plan’s going to work, we’re cluing her in on everything.”
He nods, then shakes his head with a sigh. “I suppose it’s only right. I hardly ever gave her details, as few as I could.”