The Rancher's Redemption

Just imagining stuff.

Me, too.And now I really need that shower.

Lizzie got a grip and typed again. I’ll speak to you tomorrow, okay?

Yeah. Sleep well, Lizzie.

She restrained herself from telling him that she’d sleep much better if he was beside her, and that they wouldn’t actually be doing much sleeping.... He wasn’t hers, and she was currently in the middle of a nasty battle with her son’s family that she didn’t fully understand and didn’t want. It wouldn’t be fair to drag him into that.

You too. x.

She waited a whole minute to see if he’d text back, but there was nothing, which was good. Maybe he had really needed that shower after all....

* * *

Adam brought his coffee over to the kitchen table where his dad was digging into a plate of pancakes, bacon, and maple syrup. It was still early, and they were the only two members of the family up, which was fairly typical. He hadn’t slept well, his mind full of images of Lizzie smiling down at him as she straddled his hips, her hair falling over her shoulders to tickle his skin....

He was so screwed.

“What needs doing today?” Adam asked as he loaded his own plate with a side of pancakes to go with his eggs. He thought about reminding his dad about his cholesterol levels, and decided not to ruin the day before it started.

“Those new calves you got?”

“What about them?” Adam sipped his coffee.

“Vet’s coming out to see them this morning.”

“Why?” Adam picked up his fork. “The paperwork was all in order.”

“I heard from Roy up at Morgan Ranch that the batch he just got weren’t all vaccinated, and as we bought from the same supplier, I want to be sure they’re okay before I add them to the herd.”

“Makes sense. Do you want me to hang around here and help you deal with it, or can you do it yourself?”

“I’m not planning on being here all day.” His dad kept his attention on his food. “Someone needs to be here when the vet shows up.”

“Where are you planning on being then?” Adam asked, although he’d kind of guessed the answer.

“I’m taking Leanne to visit with Ruth Morgan.”

“I could’ve done that,” Adam pointed out. “Or I’m sure one of the Morgan boys would have come into town to pick her up.”

“I wanted to do it myself.” His dad finally raised his head and looked at Adam.

“You seem to be getting on great,” Adam commented.

“We are.”

“Like you hadn’t been separated for years after a horrible and acrimonious divorce.”

“Are you getting at me, son?” His father glared at him. “What Leanne and I decide to do together has nothing to do with you.”

“Except that it does—seeing as Leanne is my mother, the woman who left us for all those years without a word of explanation.” Adam refused to back down.

“It’s still none of your damn business.” Jeff pushed his plate away. “And, as far as I’m aware, you might be my son, but I’m still your boss. I’m telling you to stay close to home for when the vet arrives so we can sort out this damn paperwork.”

“I hear you,” Adam said evenly. “I just don’t get it. For years we weren’t even allowed to mention Leanne’s name and now, suddenly, you’re okay with everything?”

“People change, Adam.”

“I get that, but—”

“Just because you like staying in the past, doesn’t mean I have to.”

“Hang on a minute.” Adam glared at his father. “How did this suddenly become about me? We’re talking about you and Leanne.”

“I’m talking about people letting go of stuff and moving on. Something you can’t seem to manage, Adam.” His dad stood and took his plate over to the dishwasher. “Maybe instead of reading me a lecture, you should look at some of your own behavior.”

“Like what exactly?”

“Like missing your chance with Miss Lizzie because she’s not Louisa.”

“They’ve never been the same,” Adam protested. “And I’m not—”