The Rancher's Redemption

“Are you okay to do this, Dad?”

“Of course I am. I’m looking forward to it.” His father frowned at him. “There’s no need to baby me, son.”

“I’m just checking in,” Adam replied. “She was very pleasant on the ride over here.”

He walked to the door and held it open for his dad to pass into the Victorian-themed lobby of the Hayes Historic Hotel, which had once been Morgantown’s premier saloon and brothel. Tom Hayes, the owner, was behind the mahogany-fronted reception desk dressed in his usual three-piece suit.

“Hey, Jeff. I set you guys up in a room down the hall on the right. Someone will be down to welcome you in a second. I thought you might enjoy some privacy.”

“Thanks, Tom.” Adam’s father offered him a gruff nod. “Appreciate it.” He glanced up at Adam as they turned the corner. “Better than the whole of the dining room listening in, and our family business being all over the valley.”

“Yeah.” Adam saw a crowd of his siblings and went toward them. “Go on in, guys. Tom’s sending someone to take drink and dinner orders shortly.”

He braced himself as he went through the door, but there was no sign of Leanne yet. He wondered if she was as nervous as they were, and concluded that facing six kids and an ex-husband was probably a way worse way to end your day than his had been. He’d gotten to kiss Lizzie Taylor. Again.

Daisy didn’t look too happy so he walked over to stand by her. She hadn’t made an effort to change out of her usual jeans and the T-shirt advertising her flower shop on Main Street.

“You doing okay?” Adam asked.

“Not really.” Daisy blew out a long breath. “I just don’t know what I’m supposed to say, or how I’m supposed to act.”

“I think we all feel like that.” Adam glanced around at his four brothers who were all unnaturally quiet and wearing their Sunday best. “She wasn’t like I remembered her.”

“I don’t really know her,” Daisy confessed. “My own mother. I wish Auntie Rae was here to help smooth things along.”

“Don’t we all,” Adam murmured. His father’s sister had taken on the task of bringing up his kids, and had done an amazing job of it. “I think she decided this was too big for her to handle.”

There was a stir at the door and Leanne appeared. She wore a pantsuit in a soft gray color with a bronze silk blouse that caught the light.

Adam’s dad stood up and walked toward her while everyone else held their breath.

He took her hand in a double clasp. “Leanne. You’re looking well.”

“So are you, Jeff.” Her smile reminded Adam of Daisy’s. “Thank you so much for letting me come visit with you.”

“I could hardly stop you, could I?” Adam winced, but Leanne didn’t seem to take offense at his father’s abrupt manner. “It’s a free country.”

Ben, who was the peacemaker in the family, stepped forward and offered Leanne a welcoming smile.

“Hi, I’m—”

“Ben.” Leanne smiled and touched her hair. “You were the only one with my hair color. It’s lovely to see you again.”

Ben put an arm around her shoulders and turned her to face his siblings. “That’s Kaiden on the end, Danny in the middle, and Evan on the right.”

All three men came forward to offer Leanne awkward hugs. When she turned toward Adam, he took Daisy’s hand.

“You’ve already met me. This is Daisy.”

Leanne’s face softened, and she took a step toward them. “Oh my gosh, Daisy, you’re so beautiful.”

Daisy made no effort to leave Adam’s side as she nodded. “Hi.”

Leanne’s hand fell to her side and she swallowed hard before brightly addressing her ex. “This place hasn’t changed much.”

“No need to. It’s fine as it is.” Jeff took her elbow and led her over to a chair by the fire. “Now what would you like to drink?”

* * *

Sometime later, Adam went out to use the bathroom and to check in with Tom about clearing away the dinner plates. He was awaiting Tom’s return from the kitchen when a man strolled out of the dining room and came over to him.