A Family for the Rancher

by Allison B. Collins

She raised a tiny hand and pointed toward the kitchen. He knew where it was, but he was desperate to get her to talk.

  “Well, thank you, ma’am,” he drawled. Maybe he could turn on some cowboy charm and get her to talking. “What do you think I should have for a snack?”

  She just stared up at him.

  Great.

  “You want to go with me to the kitchen, show me where your mom keeps the food?”

  She stared up at him, then cocked her head. Reaching up, she surprised the hell out of him by latching on to his hand. She led him toward the kitchen, then dropped his hand and pointed at the pantry.

  “Thank you, Maddy.” He hunted up bread and cheese, and grilled up some cheese sandwiches. A beer sounded really good right about now, but no way would he drink on the job. He sat at the kitchen table and ate his lunch, then made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen, all while she stared at him.

  He patted his stomach. “Well that was good. Thanks for keeping me company while I ate. You want to go watch some TV with me?”

  Maddy turned and headed out the door, back to the living room. He followed her, and saw her standing by the couch with the remote in her hand. Sinking down on the leather sofa, he took it from her. “What should we watch?”

  She shrugged, so he shrugged and clicked the TV on, searching for something that wouldn’t bore either of them. He had no idea what kids watched. “You tell me if you see something you want to watch, okay?” Other than me, he thought when he saw her still staring at him.

  Maddy leaned against the couch and looked up at the TV. He settled on a Scooby-Doo cartoon, and at least she was watching it.

  Sharp pains shot through his thigh, and he rubbed it. He shifted, trying to get more comfortable. Digging his fingers into his leg, he tried to ease the aches. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Maddy turn toward him, staring at his leg. Then she turned and fled the room.

  He shut his eyes, a hard ball lodging in his throat. At this point, nothing would ever win her over. How could he try for anything with Kelsey when her daughter was terrified of him?

  Something tapped his arm, and he opened his eyes to see Maddy standing in front of him. She glanced at his leg again. “Does your leg hurt?”

  He nodded slowly, bracing himself for tears, or worse. “Yes, it does.”

  She opened a box and pulled something out, then held it out to him. He took it and looked at it.

  A pink Band-Aid. With white daisies on it.

  “This is what my mommy puts on me when I get a boo-boo.”

  His heart cracked, just a tiny bit, and he blinked his eyes. “Thank you, honey.”

  “Mommy said you got hurted being a hee-woh. You saved people from the bad men.”

  “She told you that, huh?” he whispered.

  She nodded, a very serious look on her face, then tapped the Band-Aid. “That will make you all better.”

  He couldn’t very well put it on his thigh without disrobing, which he would never do. No time like the present to see how she’d react to his leg now. He pulled the wrapper off the Band-Aid, braced his foot on the coffee table and pulled the leg of his jeans up just above his boot. The metal glinted in the light from the TV, and he looked at Maddy to see how she would react.

  She studied the prosthesis, but didn’t say anything.

  “Do you want to touch it? It won’t hurt you.”

  She looked up at him, then gingerly touched the metal. Silently, she took the pink Band-Aid from him, peeled back the tabs and put it across the shin. Then she leaned over and kissed it. “Mommy always kisses my boo-boos. That makes it better, right?”

  Nodding, he opened his arms wide, and she crawled onto his lap. That tiny fissure in his heart widened, and he fell hard for this little miniature of Kelsey.

  Chapter Nine

  Fighting exhaustion, Kelsey pulled up in front of the cabin and nudged her mother awake. Thank God it was only a sprain, but she would have to take it easy for a while. She got out of the car and helped her mother. They headed up the porch steps, and she fumbled to open the door.

  The lights in the living room were on low, the television tuned to a cartoon. Maddy’s old tea set was spread out on an overturned box, stuffed animals decorated the floor and Candy Land was scattered on the coffee table. Nash sat on the couch, head resting against a pillow, with Madison on his lap, an arm curled around her. She raised her head from Nash’s chest to look at Kelsey, then put her finger to her lips.

  A tiny giggle erupted from Bunny, and she hurried to her bedroom, holding her uninjured hand over her mouth.

  Kelsey tiptoed to the couch and picked Maddy up off Nash’s lap.

  “Mommy, Mr. Nash needs sleep. He’s weally tired.”

  “I see that, sweetie. You must be tired, too. Did you eat dinner?”

  Maddy nodded. “Mr. Nash cookeded, and it was yummy.”

  “You ready for bed now?”

  Maddy yawned and nodded her head.

  Kelsey took her baby girl to the bedroom and got her changed into her favorite pink pajamas. She settled Maddy into bed, and by the time she’d walked to the door and peeked again, she was out.

  She checked on her mother, who was also out like a light, then headed back to the living room. Grabbing the remote from the coffee table, she clicked the TV off and braced herself to look at Nash.

  He’d wormed his way into her mind, then today, into her heart. Yes, he was grumpy and grouchy, and could even be surly, but after all he’d been through, she understood. He shifted and brought a hand up to scratch his chest. Something was on the back of his hand, and she looked closer.

  One of Maddy’s pink Band-Aids.

  She clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle the laughter. Maddy only shared those with special people.

  Nash’s eyes opened, and he sat up abruptly. “Where is she?”

  “I put her to bed. Tha—”

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her down on his lap, then kissed her. Oh boy, did he kiss her. His lips should be registered as lethal weapons, because his kisses were doing something to her body, and she didn’t want it to stop.

  Threading his fingers through her hair, he eased back. “I was just dreaming about you. I opened my eyes, and there you were.”

  One finger traced her lips, and she glanced down at his large hand. She smiled and took his hand in her own, holding it up. “I can’t believe Maddy gave you one of her special Band-Aids.”

  “She saw my busted-up knuckles from the other night. Kissed it to make it better, too.” He scooted her off his lap and onto the couch next to him, and she missed his warmth immediately. “But that’s not all she did. She saw me rubbing my leg.” He leaned forward and hitched his pant leg up. Five pink Band-Aids crisscrossed his prosthesis.

  Tears filled her eyes, and she looked up to meet his gaze.

  “She’s one special little girl, Kelsey. You’re lucky to have her.”

  “She’s not scared anymore?”

  He shook his head. “Guess not. Whatever you said to her made an impression.” Clearing his throat, he took her hand in his, twined their fingers together. “Thanks for that, by the way.”

  “You’re welcome.” She squeezed his hand, and it felt odd to be held by a man’s hand again. “It’s true, you know. You are a hero.”

  His grip on her hand tightened. “No. I’m not.” He stood up. “I need to get going. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

  Bewildered at his abrupt change of mood, she stood, put a hand on his arm. “You said your leg was hurting earlier. How’s it doing now?”

  “Fine.”

  Now she gripped his sleeve. “Nash. How is it really?”

  He rolled his eyes. “It hurts, okay? I’m going to go soak in the Jacuzzi.”

  At least he could admit it now. “Want a massage?”

  He shook his h
ead. “You look beat. Go to bed.”

  “Thank you for staying. It really helped, especially since we had to wait so long at the ER.”

  “Your mom okay?”

  “Just a sprain.” She took his hand and led him to the door. “I mean it. Thank you.” Rising up on her tiptoes, she kissed his stubbled cheek.

  “You’re welcome. Night, Kelsey.” And he left without another word or look back.

  Now what did I do? She thought back over their conversation. He seemed to shut down when she said he was a hero. Was that it? Why did it bother him so much?

  Smiling, she remembered how the pink bandage looked on his big, tanned hand. Her heart had turned over, and it scared her. While every day seemed like a lifetime without Rob, it had still been almost three years. Maybe she should go out on a date. Share some kisses with a very hot cowboy.

  But that’s all it could be.

  She still needed to find a job, and more patients, so she could finish paying off the debts. It would be too hard to get involved with Nash and then have to move on.

  Her phone dinged with a text message alert.

  Dr. appt tmrw in Billings. Want to go?

  Billings? Not sure of her geography, she flipped to the maps app on her phone and plugged in the city. A three-hour drive each way. That much time enclosed in a car with Nash? A part of her shivered with anticipation. Another in dread. But it would be a good chance for her to hear straight from the doctor how her patient was doing.

  Need a sitter. Can I get back to you?

  Chkd w/ Mrs. G. She’s good to go.

  He’d already checked? She sighed, pleased he’d thought of her daughter so quickly.

  OK. Time?

  Pick u up @ 6:30.

  “Kelsey? Anything wrong?”

  She turned at the sound of her mother’s voice. “Nash just texted. He has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow and asked me to go with him.” Spying her mother’s sling, she grimaced. “I better tell him I can’t go. I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Nonsense, pumpkin. Angus called a little while ago to check on me. He’s going to take me up to the lodge tomorrow and keep an eye on me.”

  “Are you sure? I hate abandoning you.”

  “You’re not abandoning me. You’re giving me the chance to have a very handsome man fuss over me. Maddy can go to her day care, and then stay with me, so you don’t have to worry about that. You go spend the day with your very handsome man.”

  Seemed to Kelsey her mother was doing some matchmaking of her own. “I keep telling you Nash is my patient. I just want to be there at the doctor’s appointment to see what he has to say. Nash may not be as forthcoming telling the doc what he needs to if I’m not there.”

  Her mom winked at her. “You betcha. Now, you better get to bed and get your beauty sleep. We’ve had a long day and I know you’re tired, too.”

  Kelsey helped her mom back to her bedroom and got her settled, then headed to her own room. She opened her closet door and peered at her meager clothes. She needed to be professional for the doctor’s appointment, yet she still wanted to look pretty for—

  What am I doing? This isn’t a date! He’s my patient.

  Just. A. Patient.

  * * *

  NASH IDLED HIS truck outside Kelsey’s cabin and saw her walk out the door just as he was about to get out. She waved and hurried to the passenger side before he could open the door for her.

  “Morning.”

  “Hey. You’re chipper this morning.”

  She smiled and held up a travel mug. “I’m on my second cup of coffee, so that helps.” Holding up a bag, she said, “I also packed us some cinnamon rolls, whenever you get hungry.”

  He took a deep breath, and the aroma of hot cinnamon mixed with her own fresh-from-the-shower scent. “Smells good enough to eat.” And with his words, his mind immediately went to just what it was he wanted to eat.

  “Nash?”

  He took his mind out of the bedroom and looked at her.

  “I asked why the appointment is in Billings and not in town.”

  “This doctor was recommended by the Army surgeon who worked on me. They went to med school together.”

  “I see.”

  True, the doctor in Billings had been recommended to him, but so had one locally. He just didn’t want anyone so close to home knowing yet. Or ever.

  * * *

  THREE HOURS LATER, they pulled into the parking lot of a medical center. Luckily they didn’t have long to wait. Once the doctor had given him a full examination, they had the nurse bring Kelsey back to talk to the doctor. Nash had already cleared it with the doctor and signed papers so she could be given information about his condition.

  “Nash is doing well, but I’m concerned about the redness and bruising on his thigh. I’ve recommended he get an additional prosthesis. You all can go straight downstairs to be fitted for a new one.” The doctor turned to Kelsey. “How’s he doing with therapy?”

  “I’ve devised a daily regimen, and he seems to be getting stronger already. We did have an incident with a horse a few days ago. It knocked him up against a fence post and pinned him.”

  Now why’d she have to go and say that?

  The doctor turned to him. “Is that where the bruising came from?”

  “Yes.” He tried to school his features so he wouldn’t throw the glare he wanted to at her.

  “Anything else happen?”

  He could just feel her stare burning a hole in his head, but he kept silent.

  “The bruises from the horse were layered in over bruising from a fight.”

  This time he did turn his head and glare at her. She folded her arms and stuck her tongue out at him. It surprised him so much he almost laughed.

  “Aren’t you old enough to know fighting doesn’t accomplish anything? Especially in your condition?”

  He shrugged. “Fights happen.”

  The doctor glanced at Kelsey. “Sounds like this may go deeper than just a bad day. Have you thought about talking to a psychologist?”

  “I don’t need a shrink. It was just a bad day at the ranch.”

  “Then I suggest you don’t end bad days in a bar.” The doctor tore a sheet off a pad and handed it to him. “Make sure you have them take a look at your current prosthesis downstairs. I want to make sure nothing was bent from either incident.”

  Kelsey cleared her throat. “Doctor, I’ve done therapy using horses before, and I took Nash on a ride yesterday. I hope you’re okay with that. He grew up on a horse, and I know he’s been wanting to get back on one.”

  “I think a short ride once or twice a week is fine. Just don’t overdo it.”

  The doctor shook hands with of them and led them to the door. “Make an appointment to come back in a month, or sooner if you feel anything is wrong.”

  Leaving the office, they waited for the elevator in silence. Once the doors opened, he let her go in first, then hit the button for the lower floor. “Did you really have to tell on me?”

  “I know you’re not happy about that, and I’m sorry. But as your therapist, I have to keep your doctor apprised of your health. It’s for your own good.” She put her hand on his arm. “Please understand that I want you to be healthy. And don’t hate me too much, okay?”

  He glanced down at her slim hand on his arm. No one outside his family had ever cared about him this much. Looking back up at her pretty face, his gaze lingered on her lips. “I don’t hate you. And I know you care. That’s what makes you a good therapist.”

  The elevator stopped, and they headed for the office the doctor had sent them to for the prosthesis. He opened the door and let her go in first, then followed. The waiting room was half-full, all amputees of one form or another. Dread filled him, and he started backing out the door. Kelsey grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. />
  Keeping his gaze straight ahead, he signed in, then sat down in the far corner next to Kelsey. If she hadn’t been there, he’d have skipped this. A stack of newspapers sat next to him on a side table, and he grabbed one, opening it up so it covered his view of the room. None of the articles caught his attention until he saw one about a rodeo taking place in Billings. He checked the date of the newspaper. Today would be the second day of the rodeo, and bull riding was the main event.

  He set the newspaper down. “Want to go to a rodeo today?”

  She looked at him, frowning. “Today?”

  “I just saw the ad in the paper. It’s the second day, but we could still catch several events.”

  She glanced at her watch. “When would we get home?”

  “Late tonight.” He glanced at her. “We don’t have to go if you’d rather get home.”

  “Okay. I guess we could go for a little while. I just want to make sure we’re home before Maddy’s bedtime.”

  “Sure, we can just go for a couple of hours. Thanks.”

  * * *

  AN HOUR LATER they were on the way to the fairgrounds at the edge of town. He parked and they walked toward the entrance where the events would take place.

  “I’ve never been to a rodeo before.”

  He glanced at her. “You haven’t? Ever?”

  She shook her head. “Not once.”

  “Then you’re in for a great experience.”

  He bought their tickets and stopped to get popcorn and sodas, then led her to the stands. The smell of horses, hay and leather mingled with the fried food in the concession area. Lights gleamed overhead, spotlighting the cowboy hats bobbing around the pens. Metal clanged as a bull butted up against the pen. It all took him way back, and his gut clenched as he realized just how much he’d missed being a part of the rodeo scene.

  They found seats near the side railing, a few rows up, parallel to the bull pens. It felt odd to be on this side of the stadium seating, instead of down below where the action happened.

  Barrel racing was center ring, and he tried to pay attention, but his gaze kept getting pulled to the pens, and the line of cowboys leaning against the railing. He recognized a couple of men from his earlier years. One of the younger guys glanced at him, then did a double take. He whispered to another kid, and they all turned around to stare at him.