A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)

He sighed. “If that’s how you want to look at it. I’d like to think we’re negotiating how we plan to move forward.”

She put her hands on her hips. “What do you want?”

“I want you to leave. Send him a card on his birthday and the holidays. Call me before you call him.”

“For how long?” she snapped.

“Do you understand that I have every right to call the police on you?” He stepped closer, his voice rising. “Don’t you care that what you’re doing is illegal? What do you think Eli would do if he found out about this?”

“He’ll never have to,” she yelled. “He’ll have the Boone fortune to support him.”

“If you need money—”

“I do. I need money.” She pointed at the medicine. “Rodeo is what I love, what makes me feel alive. I can’t give it up, you know? But it’s expensive.”

“So is spending years in jail. Might not cost you money, but it will cost you time.” He shook his head. “I’ll make sure you have money—”

“And I’ll go.” Her voice was lower. “Just don’t make him hate me.”

Hunter frowned. “Why would I do that?”

She shrugged. “You and Joselyn Stephens—”

He held up his hand. “I’m not talking about Jo with you.” He sighed, taking his key ring off her jeans and pulling the door closed behind them. He locked it, pocketed his keys and pulled out his wallet.

“You’re a good guy, Hunter.” She took the five hundred dollars and tucked it into her pocket. “I know Eli will turn out just like you.”

He didn’t leave the hospital until she was gone. Once he rechecked all the doors were secure, he waved goodbye to Jarvis and headed home. He took the long way around town, needing the time to get his head in the game. It was Christmas Eve and his son needed cheering up.

The Lodge was aglow with white illuminated lights and a massive wreath mounted on the front of the house. Hunter climbed up the steps and went inside.

“About time you got home.” Renata hugged him. “Eli’s sick.”

“Sick?” Hunter asked.

“I’m not sure what’s wrong with him, but he doesn’t want to get out of bed.”

Hunter looked at his dad.

“Don’t look at me,” his father answered. “He fell asleep after you left, but he was fitful.”

“You left this.” Renata handed him his phone. “See if you can get him up for dinner. It’s beef tenderloin, his favorite.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He did his best to relax and smile before heading into the guest room where Eli was propped up, playing his handheld game.

Eli sat up. “Hey.”

Hunter sat on the edge of the bed. “What are you playing?”

“Nothing.” Eli put the game down. “You okay?”

Hunter nodded.

“You don’t look okay.” Eli’s hands fiddled with the blanket.

“I’ll be okay,” Hunter promised. “Long day.”

“Yep,” Eli agreed.