“Why didn’t you come back? You promised.”
A lump formed in Cade’s throat. He’d hated being away. “I’ve had some business to take care of, partner. But I’m here now.”
“Can we go riding?”
“Sure.” They started for the barn. “Is your mother around?”
“Yeah, but she’s busy.”
Not surprising, Cade thought, knowing he was the last person she wanted to see now. “So it’s okay that we go?”
The boy looked up at him with those big brown eyes. “She said it was okay that you take me.” Brandon tugged on Cade’s arm. “Come on,” he coaxed.
Once inside the barn, they wandered down the center aisle, heading toward the tack room. Brandon stood on a bench and took down two bridles from the hooks. Cade grabbed two horse blankets and one of the saddles, then the two of them went into Smoky’s stall.
After saddling Brandon’s horse, Cade readied a horse for himself. Fifteen minutes later they were riding out the gate, waving goodbye to Charlie.
“Where do you want to go today?”
Brandon smiled. “Mustang Valley?”
“Ah, Brandon, that’s a ways out. And it’s a pretty hot day.” Cade looked up at the cloudless sky. “Wouldn’t you like to go to the lake? We can take a swim.”
The boy shook his head. “I’ve never been to the valley. You and Mom have been talking about it. And I never saw a mustang.”
Cade started to argue, but he saw the stubborn look on his son’s face and changed his mind. Why shouldn’t the boy see the valley? “Okay, you’re on, but I don’t want to hear any complaints when you get tired.”
Brandon grinned. “You won’t.”
“Okay,” Cade said as he tugged the reins and nudged his horse west. The boy followed close behind.
“How many mustangs do you think we’ll see?” Brandon asked.
“Not sure,” Cade replied. “We might not see any.”
“I bet we’ll see a lot,” the boy said as he rode next to his dad. He pulled his hat lower on his head, shading his eyes from the sun. Sitting straight in the saddle, Brandon expertly controlled his horse.
Cade felt such pride he ached to reach over and hug the child who had become so precious to him. Soon, he promised himself. When they got back, he was going to talk to Abby. And nothing would stop him from telling Brandon that he was his father.
Abby fumed as she paced the room. How dare Cade come here and take her son? A rush of panic raced through her, causing her to tremble. What if Cade didn’t bring him back?
No. She put the notion out of her head. Cade wouldn’t do that. But she knew now that she needed to set some ground rules. Even if she had to go to court to do it. No, she didn’t want to do that. But Cade couldn’t come here any time he felt like it and take Brandon for a ride.
Suddenly the back door opened, and the sound of voices drifted into the study. Then Brandon and Cade appeared. They were laughing, but when Cade saw her, his smile faded.
“Where have you been?” she asked.
Cade’s eyes narrowed. “Out riding,” he said.
“Yeah, Mom, Cade took me to Mustang Valley,” Brandon said as he rushed to her side. “And I saw them. I saw the ponies.”
“Brandon, why didn’t you tell me where you were going? You know you’re not supposed to go anywhere without permission. I was worried.”
The boy stared at his boots. “I forgot.”
Abby wanted to pull her son into her arms, but she couldn’t. He’d deliberately disobeyed her. “Well, so you won’t forget again, you’re grounded for the next week. No riding.”
Brandon’s eyes grew large in shock. “But, Mom…”
Her stern glare cut off his words. “I think you should go to your room now.”
Brandon drew a shaky breath, then nodded. He looked at Cade. “Thanks for taking me. Will you come back when I’m off restriction so we can go again?”
Cade hunkered down in front of him. “I’ll be back, but I think we need to talk about some rules first.”
“I’m sorry, Cade. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.” The boy’s eyes filmed over with tears. “But when you didn’t come to see me yesterday, I thought you were mad and…”
“No, I wasn’t angry at you. But I’m upset because you should have told your mother where we were going.” He hugged the child. “We’ll talk about it later.”
Abby turned away until Brandon left the room. When they were finally alone, she swung around to face Cade. Her gaze roamed hungrily over him, taking in his faded jeans and shirt and the battered straw hat in his hand. No longer was there any trace of the Chicago businessman who’d returned home a month ago. Cade Randell looked pure cowboy.
Her eyes met his dark gaze, and she felt herself being drawn to him. She couldn’t help but notice the deep lines around his eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping. Good, she thought, remembering what he’d done to her. “Just who do you think you are, taking my son without my permission?”
“What are you talking about?” he asked, resting his hands on his hips. “He’s my son, too. Besides, you knew I was taking Brandon riding today.”
“It would have been common courtesy to check with me.”
He blinked in surprise. “I never thought that Brandon would lie. He told me you were busy. I believed him.”
Abby nodded and watched the anger drain from Cade’s face. “Brandon can be creative when he wants his way.”
Cade looked perplexed. “That little stinker.”
“And as his mother, I couldn’t let him get away with it.”
“Listen, Abby, I don’t want you to keep my child from me just because we’re having a difference of opinion. As you can tell by Brandon’s actions, he wants to be with me.”
His words hurt her. It was more than a difference of opinion. And Abby had to stick by her decision. Still, why did she have to be the bad guy to her son, while Cade got to do the fun stuff? “You can’t want to reward him for lying.”
“No, but I want to spend time with him, and you promised you wouldn’t stop me.”
“And I expect you to ask me first,” she complained. “I was terrified when I couldn’t find him. Thank goodness Charlie knew he was with you.”
“I’m sorry. What more do you want?”
“Just some consideration in the future.”
“You got it.” His eyes flashed. “And I want something, too. I want to tell Brandon I’m his father.”
She shook her head. “No, you can’t.”
Abby’s words pierced his heart. What had he done to deserve this? All he’d wanted was to help save the damn ranch and claim his son. Now she was trying to keep Brandon from him. No more. “I can, and I will. I’ve waiting long enough for you to decide when, Abby. But you’ve kept putting it off. Brandon is my son, and it’s time he knows I’m his father.”
“Please, keep your voice down,” Abby begged.
“I’ve done everything you asked,” he said. “I’ve waited, and I don’t know what for.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t be so suspicious if I felt I could trust you.”
Anger flared in him again like a hot coal, and he wanted to shake her. “I never lied to you. All I was trying to do was help. And if you weren’t so damn stubborn, you’d understand why, too. But I’m through explaining to you.” He started across the room, then stopped at the door. “I will tell Brandon I’m his father. So you can expect me back, with a court order if I need it.”
He saw the panic in her eyes and regretted the threat. But he had to stand firm. He’d already lost her. But she wasn’t going to stand between him and his child.
“Don’t do this, Cade. Please. Just wait.”
“I’ve waited nearly eight years, Abby. You have no idea what that’s like.” His eyes bore into hers. “What I’ve lost I can never get back. I need my son now, and I believe he needs me.”
Cade turned and started out, ignoring Abby’s sobs. The sound tore at him, and he wished things could be different. But sh
e wouldn’t take the comfort he’d offered. She didn’t want any part of him. She never did. And she never would. It had taken him a long time, but he’d finally gotten that through his head.
Cade went back to the Circle B and had dinner with his family, including Chance and Joy. But he couldn’t sit around and make pleasant conversation when his mind was on Brandon. Thank goodness Katie held everyone’s attention. But for Cade, the baby represented what he had missed with his own child.
He knew realistically he couldn’t change things, couldn’t turn back the clock, but in his heart, he wished for those years, years he wanted back, not only with Brandon, but with Abby, too. But she didn’t want him. She didn’t even want Brandon to know he was his father.
Restless, Cade stepped out to the porch just in time to watch the sun disappear in the west. He perched on the railing and stared out toward the large white barn and the corral, deserted now. All the horses had been put away for the night. The entire ranch was quiet. A dog barked off in the distance and the sound of crickets filled the night.
“This sure isn’t Chicago,” he murmured.
“You gettin’ homesick?”
It was Hank. Cade heard the squeak of the porch chair as the older man sat down.
“I thought I was home,” Cade answered. “Unless you’re tired of having me around.”
Hank grinned. “Son, I have been happier these past weeks than I’ve been in years. But I’m not concerned about me. It’s you who looks like he’s lost his best friend.”
Cade closed his eyes and leaned his head against the post. He’d lost more than that. Something much more important. “Abby thinks I’m trying to take the ranch away.”
There was a long silence. “Why would she think that?”
“Because I didn’t tell her that the bank I acquired to take over her loan was my personal bank, and I’m the cosigner on the new loan.” He rushed on. “But if I hadn’t done something, Garson was going to foreclose. Now my name is on the second trust deed. But it’s only temporary—until I sell the lakefront property.”
“And I assume Abby doesn’t take kindly to your omission of that detail.”
Cade nodded.
“Well, you have to understand,” Hank began, “Abby hasn’t had much cause to trust men. Her daddy dominated her, just like he did his wife. Never let her think for herself or do anything. He thought he knew what was best for her. Pushed Abby to marry a man he handpicked for her. Then Garson ended up hurting her in ways I’ll never understand.” Hank sighed. “But you have to give the girl credit—she packed up Brandon and walked away. If she’s a little defensive, I expect she has that right.”
Cade didn’t want to think about what Abby went through during her marriage. “But I wouldn’t hurt her.”
“I think she knows that deep inside, but every time she’s trusted a man, he’s let her down.”
Suddenly Abby’s phone call to him in Chicago flashed through his head. He’d never given her the chance to talk. He’d just told her he didn’t love her anymore, then hung up.
He had let her down, too. “What can I do to make her trust me?” he asked.
Hank stood and stretched his arms over his head, then hiked his jeans up high on his narrow waist. “I think you have to figure that one out for yourself.” He patted Cade’s shoulder. “And when you do, maybe you’ll be ready to listen to Abby’s reasons for keeping Brandon a secret.” The older man turned and went back into the house, leaving Cade alone.
Cade had always thought he was a loner, but being home with his family, especially spending time with Brandon and Abby, he’d learned he didn’t want the solitary life. He wanted his son…and Abby.
Suddenly an idea struck him. He might just have a way of convincing her he only wanted her—not the damn ranch. He turned and went inside, more excited than he’d been in days.
The next morning Abby was out of bed and dressed by six after being up and down all night long. Damn Cade Randell, she thought as she entered the kitchen and found Carmen making breakfast.
“Good morning, Abby,” the housekeeper said.
Abby walked straight to the coffeepot. “Good morning, Carmen.”
She poured herself a mug and took an eager sip. The hot liquid nearly scalded her throat, but it was worth it. Carmen made the best coffee around. Strong and hot. Just what she needed to kickstart her day. Another day without Cade.
She shook away the thought and sat down at the table. Carmen set a plate of eggs and bacon in front of her.
“You eat,” the housekeeper ordered. “And no arguing.”
“I can’t possibly eat all this.”
“Then try, and if I think you’re making an effort, then I’ll excuse you. No man is worth starving yourself for.” She patted her own ample hips. “Besides, most men want some meat on a woman’s bones.” She smiled. “So eat.”
Abby stiffened. “I don’t need a man.”
“You need the right man. Then you’d wake up happy, and so would Brandon. So why did you send Mr. Randell away?”
“I had to.” Abby’s voice softened with emotion. “Believe me, it was for the best.”
Carmen shook her head. “Doesn’t make sense to me. You’re sad all the time, and Brandon, he’s been moping around. Who’s this best for?”
Abby didn’t want to discuss Cade. “I can’t handle another loveless marriage. My life with Joel was a disaster. I can’t go through that again.”
“Mr. Randell would never be like that,” the housekeeper said. “I see the way he looks at you and the child. There’s only love in his eyes. And with Brandon, he’s so gentle, so loving. Even Charlie says so, and you know how protective he is of that boy.”
“I know. Charlie has been great with Brandon and the running of the ranch. I’m so lucky that both of you stayed on.”
“We’re here because this is our home, too,” the older woman said.
Abby thought back over the years and how many times Carmen had been there for her. Like a mother to her, the woman had never judged her for the mistakes she’d made. Even when she’d come back after her failed marriage. Carmen had been there to comfort her and help her heal. They were like family.
With the new developments, Abby didn’t know how long she and Brandon could hang on to the ranch. Her pride wouldn’t allow her to take charity from Cade.
Carmen came to the table and sat down. She took Abby’s hand. “I know times have been rough on you. The men in your life haven’t been kind. First your daddy, then that awful Mr. Garson.” The woman’s dark eyes were sad. “You need to know love, Abby. The right way a man should treat a woman. Just don’t be afraid to allow that to happen. Give Mr. Randell a chance.”
Tears filled Abby’s eyes. She couldn’t. She couldn’t live with another man who wanted revenge. “I can’t. But I can’t punish Brandon for my mistakes. Cade was right—our son deserves to know his father.”
Carmen smiled. “That’s a start. Just don’t keep your heart closed. But I have a feeling that with Mr. Cade Randell that would be difficult.”
Abby knew what Carmen predicted was impossible. She would always love Cade. But she had to be satisfied that he was only in her life because of their son. “It’s the way things have to be.”
The housekeeper nodded and stood. “Speaking of Brandon, that boy is still asleep. He’s usually up by now. I guess I better go up and see what’s keeping him.”
“No, Carmen, I’ll go,” Abby said. “I need to talk to him. There are some things he needs to know. Things I should have told him a long time ago.” She walked out into the entry, then up the staircase. On her way down the long hall, she was trying to figure out a way to explain to Brandon about Cade. She knocked, then peeking inside, she called his name.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” she said. Glancing around the room, she soon discovered he wasn’t there. His bed had been neatly made, but Brandon was gone. Abby went downstairs and into the kitchen. Picking up the phone, she dialed the barn. When Charlie answere
d, she asked, “Charlie, is Brandon out there?”
“No, I haven’t seen him, but I just got back from town. Hold on, let me check something.” There was dead air for about thirty seconds, then the foreman came back on the line. “It’s what I suspected—Smoky is gone.”
“I’ll be right there,” Abby said, and hung up. She started for the back door, fear tugging at her heart. “Carmen, I’m going out to look for Brandon. It seems he went riding.”
The housekeeper gasped. “That child has never gone off by himself before.”
“And when I find him, he is oh so restricted.” Abby wanted to be angry, to deny her fear. Grabbing her hat, she jammed it on her head, knowing she only wanted her son safe. Outside, a gust of wind nearly blew off her hat, but she held it down with one hand as she hurried to the barn.
“Charlie!” she shouted when she got inside.
“I’m back here.” The older man came out of the tack room. “The boy didn’t take a saddle, but there’s a bridle missing. So he’s riding bareback.”
Abby’s panic rose. “Why? I know he was angry that I restricted him, but he’s never openly defied me before. Oh, God. Where did he go? He could be anywhere—I haven’t checked on him since last night.” She paced the aisle. “I’ve got to go find him.”
“Then we better get started,” Charlie advised. “There’s a storm coming up.” He reached for the phone on the wall. “I’ll have Carmen call some of the neighbors to help.”
“Call the Circle B and tell Cade that Brand—his son—is missing. And I need him.” She hurried into the tack room and grabbed her saddle.
Fifteen minutes later Abby was leading her horse out behind Charlie when a truck came barreling down the road. Cade.
He jumped out and ran toward her. “What’s happened to Brandon?”
Tears flooded Abby’s eyes as she went to him. “I don’t know. He wasn’t in bed this morning. And his horse is missing. Oh, Cade, do you think he heard us arguing last night?”
Cade drew her close. “I don’t know, Abby. But we’re going to find him and we’re going to explain—everything.”
She nodded and swallowed hard. “You were right, Cade. We should have told him. If he found out by hearing us arguing, he probably thinks…”
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