Texas Wild: The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs Book 2

by Jean Brashear

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Is Rissa gonna die?” asked Samantha the next morning. “Is that why you didn’t go to California?” Standing beside her, Eric looked even more worried.

  “She’s not going to die,” Mackey assured them. “She just needs some sleep while she heals.” But you can wake up anytime now, Ris. He turned to the little girl. “I need to talk to Eric for a minute, okay?”

  “Why?”

  “Samantha!” her mother scolded. “Do as Mr. Mackey asked.”

  She frowned. “Why can’t I hear?”

  “You will,” he assured her, sad that it was the case. “But I need to talk to Eric first.” He held out a hand for the boy and led him away.

  “Is it my mom? Did she do something bad?” Worried blue eyes gazed up at him.

  Mackey led him out of sight behind a tree to give the boy some privacy, then he crouched to be at eye level. “She didn’t do anything bad, but it’s hard news I have to give you, Eric.”

  Tears filled the boy’s eyes. “Is she hurt like Rissa?”

  Mackey had dealt with death many times, but never like this. Man, he didn’t want to do this wrong. “I’m just going to tell you straight out, man to man. Your mom got hurt worse than Rissa, so much that she couldn’t stay here for you. I know she wanted to, but she just…couldn’t. The man who hurt them is locked up in jail, I want you to know that. You’re safe. He’s not getting out.”

  “My mom is…dead?” The boy’s lower lip quivered, but he fought his tears back from falling. “I should have been there. I would have protected her. It was Jimbo, wasn’t it? I shouldn’t have gone last night to your party.” Devastation rode hard over his features.

  Mackey gathered him in. “No,” he said fiercely. “If you’d been there, we’d have lost you too. I’m real sorry that your mom is gone, but I’m glad as hell you’re here with us.”

  Just then Rissa’s dog Captain trotted closer, whining as he picked up on Eric’s distress. He leaned into the boy’s side.

  Eric bent to pet the dog, and Mackey saw a tear plop on Captain’s head. “But you’re leaving.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe here, son, and soon Rissa will be back here at the ranch. We’ll take care of you.” If he had to spend every dime he possessed to hire lawyers or whatever it took, he would see to it that this boy was safe and living where he could be happy.

  Even if Rissa might not quite see Mackey’s own vision of the future yet.

  Too bad, Ris. You are stuck with me.

  Eric straightened. “I can live here?” Hope flared in those blue eyes. Then his face crumpled. “But my mom is gone. She’s all I had.”

  “She’s not all you have.” Mackey held onto the boy tightly. “You have me and Rissa and Samantha and Celia and Rissa’s dad.”

  “Rissa’s dad doesn’t like me.”

  “I don’t think that’s true. I think he’s just not very good at showing people he cares.” Only one of the night’s revelations.

  But if he was wrong, Mackey would exert his considerable will on Rissa’s dad, too, if need be.

  He’d never had roots anywhere before, really. Never thought he wanted them. His time in Sweetgrass had been borrowed.

  But he was ready to sink roots now, nearly losing Rissa had taught him, and he would sink them here.

  Even if he had to fight Ris and her dad to do it.

  They’d come around. They had to.

  “Rissa’s really not going to die?” Eric brushed at his eyes. When Captain wriggled closer, the boy crouched and wrapped his arms around the dog’s neck.

  Captain licked his cheek.

  Mackey petted the old guy, too. “She’s not going to die. She’s going to get better.” He had to believe it. Refused to accept any other outcome. “When she wakes up, maybe you can come see her.”

  “Will my mom get buried?”

  Such a little man, a protector. “She will. You can help us. What’s her favorite flower?”

  “She likes those purple things.” The boy’s forehead wrinkled. “I forgot what they’re called.”

  “We’ll figure it out. We’ll give her a beautiful send-off.”

  “Will she go to heaven?”

  “She loved her son, and I believe ole Saint Peter sees that. She loves you even now, you know.”

  “So she’s an angel? She wasn’t always so nice.” The words were torn from him, and his blue eyes filled with doubt. “But she fixed me food when she could, and she always told me good night and even read to me sometimes.”

  “That qualifies her to be an angel in my book. Plus she produced a fine boy like you, and that’s worth a lot. You don’t worry about her, son. She’s in a better place. Her life was hard, but she did the best she could. And I know she was proud of you.”

  “She was?”

  “Of course she was. Anyone would be. I’m proud of you, too. You took some real hard news like a man.”

  His voice sank. “I guess I should tell Samantha.”

  “How about we do it together?”

  “Okay.” The boy squared his little shoulders.

  “It’s all right to cry, you know. Losing your mom is a hard thing. Even a grown man has a tough time with that. You can talk to me about it anytime you want to, you know that, right?”

  “You’re really staying?”

  Mackey nodded. A thousand decisions remained to be ironed out—but not that one. Everything that had seemed so complicated or impossible had been refined down to the simplest of decisions once Rissa’s life hung in the balance. “I’m really staying.” He rose and held out his hand.

  Eric clasped it. Leaned into his leg.

  Mackey bent and lifted the child into his embrace, rocking him side to side. “You’re going to be sad and that’s just something everyone has to go through when they lose someone who matters to them.” He leaned Eric back enough to look into his face. “But you are never going to be alone. We’ve got your back. I’ve got your back. Never forget that.”

  Tears fell then, and the boy’s arms tightened around Mackey’s neck as he sobbed.

  Mackey just held on and kept rocking, while at his feet, the old dog whimpered for the little boy’s grief.

  As Mackey’s own heart ached for a woman who lay silent and still, too many miles away.

  “Mackey, you have to get some sleep.”

  He stirred.

  Scarlett laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  He lifted his forehead from the edge of Rissa’s mattress. “I slept.” He yawned hugely.

  “Sitting in a chair in a hospital is not sleep.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Six-fifteen.”

  He studied the monitors hooked up to Rissa. Watched the IV fluid drip into her veins. “She didn’t wake up.” He’d fallen asleep touching her so he’d know if she stirred.

  “The nurses said no. They also said you weren’t supposed to stay all night.”

  He smiled. “They like me.”

  “Apparently the morning shift charge nurse won’t.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  “Does charm get you everything you want?”

  His nose twitched. “Does that amazing scent mean it got me breakfast delivered from you?”

  She brought an insulated bag from behind her back. “Nope. It’s called friendship.”

  He opened the bag. Inhaled. “You are a goddess. Forget Ian. I can make you a happy woman.”

  She glanced at Rissa. “Somehow I think I’m running a distant second.” She smiled. “I’m glad for her. She’s so lonely.”

  “I’m glad someone else sees that.” He studied the too-still face. “I know she’s stable. I know they’re doing all they can.” He looked back at Scarlett. “I’m still scared. No one ever mattered like this.” He huffed a short laugh. “And I don’t even know if she feels anything for me.”

  “She does. Even if she’s terrified to.” Scarlett touched his arm again. “Let me take a turn staying with
her. I know you’re worried about Eric.”

  “Yeah. Poor kid. Do you know if Tank found any family?”

  “Apparently Gina was a runaway. Nobody really knows how she wound up in Sweetgrass, but the initial searches aren’t turning up anyone looking for her.”

  “What happens if they can’t be sure he’s an orphan?” He frowned. “I can’t let him be sent away, and not just for Eric’s sake. It would kill Rissa. I have to take care of her strays until she can.”

  “You’re a good man, Mackey. People are lining up to help with the animals, so don’t worry about that. Eat what I’ve fixed you first, then go take a shower. James said he’d keep Eric busy until you can get there.”

  “Rissa’s dad volunteered for that?”

  “Amazing, right? Maybe there’s hope for him. He actually told Ian you’re better than he expected.”

  “Wow. Hope he didn’t strain something.”

  They shared a grin. Then Mackey reached for the insulated bag. “I’ll eat here. I just…I’m not ready to leave her yet.”

  Scarlett shook her head fondly. “Not the setting my food deserves, but…I get it. If that were Ian…”

  Mackey settled back in the chair. He had to let go of Rissa to handle his food, but at least she was still in his sight.

  He took the first bite. “Woman, you are some kind of miracle. How are things coming with your investors?”

  Scarlett’s cheer vanished. “Not as well as I hoped, and I don’t know how to tell Ian. Or Nana.” She looked away. “But I’m not giving up.”

  He chewed another delicious bite, then, “I said I’d invest.”

  “It’s not a small amount, Mackey, not with the plans I have. Remodeling that building alone is a daunting expense.” She named a figure that had his brows rising.

  “Exactly,” she said as she saw his expression.

  “Wow. There are people I could tap, though, if you can wait until—” His gaze drifted to the too-still woman lying in the bed.

  “Don’t you give it a second’s thought. You have plenty on your plate right now.”

  Mackey finished up his meal, then stood. “Wow. That hit the spot. Thanks, Scarlett. I feel restored.”

  “You’d do better if you’d catch a nap before you come back.”

  He shook his head. “I’ve gone for days on combat naps. I’ll be fine.”

  Scarlett rose to tiptoe and kissed his cheek, then hugged him. “She’s going to be okay, Mackey. All that stubbornness has to be good for something. Anyway, Cousin Crankypants would never forego having the last word.”

  He squeezed her back. “I hope you’re right.” Then he bent to Rissa and murmured to her. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. I’m not the only one who needs you.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, then forced himself to leave so he could take care of her domain.

  “We’ve weaned her off the sedation, so we’re hoping she’ll awaken soon,” Rissa’s nurse reported two nights later.

  “No sign of stirring yet?” Mackey asked, his eyes scanning the monitors. “Vitals look good.”

  “They do. The swelling on her face has come down, too. She looks more like herself.”

  No. Rissa is never this still. Come on, Ris. Flash those eyes at me. Yell at me. Anything.

  He jolted when the nurse patted his arm. He had eyes only for the woman in the bed.

  “The funeral was nice, Rissa,” he reported to her. “And Coyote let me put a saddle on him. Oh, I know you’re gonna be ticked that I didn’t wait for you, but—” He cleared his throat. “I just…I gotta keep those kids busy, especially Eric.” He sighed. “The county folks came by after the funeral to tell me that they’re going to let him stay with us until they find a foster family, but—” He rubbed his forehead. “I—well, you might be kinda ticked off when you hear this, but I think you’ll be more glad than mad, at least I hope so.” He took her hand. “’Cause I told them that we were getting married and we’d like to adopt the boy. I asked what it would take to be approved as his foster parents for now.”

  Still she didn’t stir.

  Come on, Rissa. If that kind of gall doesn’t get you charged up and spitting, what will?

  “Your dad and I, well…we’re not the best of friends, of course, but…I think I’m growing on him.” He shrugged. “He came to supper last night. Okay, so I was headed out, but still…we were in the same room. He also called your sister. She’s tied up in a big trial, but she’s been checking in a couple of times each day. Oh, and get this—your dad went to Gina’s funeral and stood right behind Eric. Put his hand on the boy’s shoulder, if you believe that.” He wished he could tell her Jackson would be coming, but he couldn’t. He was considering hiring a private detective to track him down.

  Surely if Jackson knew his little sister was so hurt, he’d come.

  Or if not, to hell with him.

  He heaved a sigh, then sat down. Bent his forehead to the hand he was holding. “Come on, Ris,” he murmured. “Come back to me. I don’t care if you yell at me for a month. Just…” He was so damn tired. So worried. He knew better than most that a blow to the head could have serious results, and she’d had at least two.

  Come back, my spitfire. Give me hell, Red.

  Please, God, let her be okay.

  He clutched her hand tightly, comforted that beneath all the hospital smells, he could still catch a trace of her scent.

  He rubbed his tired eyes. Gonna be okay. Gonna be all right, he repeated like a mantra.

  He glanced at her once more.

  Come back, Rissa mine.

  I love you. Wake up so I can say it to your face.

  And quit holding all this love in my heart.

  He rested his head next to the hand he was holding. Breathing her in, letting her scent soothe him, he at last succumbed and let his exhaustion pull him under.

  Mackey brushed at the fly on his forehead. Wrinkled his nose and turned his head over to go back to sleep.

  Blasted fly landed on his cheek. He wrinkled his nose again. Took his free hand and flicked at it.

  The fly danced on his lips.

  He jolted up.

  It was a hand. Her hand.

  He caught it. His heart pounded.

  Brown eyes gazed at him without expression.

  “Ris?” he whispered. “Rissa, honey, you awake?”

  She blinked.

  “Talk to me, Ris. Yell at me, just—”

  He squeezed her fingers and rose. Bent over her. “I love you, Rissa Gallagher. Can you give me a sign that you understand? Hold on—I’ll call the doctor.” He glanced at the monitors, his heart racing because she was so still.

  All the vitals looked good.

  “Mackey?”

  His eyes whipped to hers. He saw recognition in them and closed his in thanksgiving. “Yeah, it’s me, Ris. I’m here.”

  “What—what happened?”

  “You’re okay. You’re hurt, but you’re safe. You’re in the hospital in Johnson City.” He bent his head close. “I’m right here, and I’m never leaving. I love you, Rissa.” He bent and placed a soft, careful kiss on her lips.

  Her hand slid into his hair and kept him close. “Mackey…” she breathed. “You’re really here.”

  He rested his head on her shoulder for just a second. Her hand brushed his hair.

  He’d never wanted to cry so damn bad in his life.

  “Yeah,” he said, his voice ragged. “I really am.”

  “I don’t remem—” She halted. “Jimbo. He—he hurt me.”

  Mackey ground his teeth. “He did. I should have been there. You should never have been alone like that. If I’d been there—”

  He let go. Had to pace again. “I want to kill him. I want to tear his heart out with my bare fingers—”

  “Mackey…”

  The sound of her distress had him whirling, rushing over. “God, I’m sorry. Rissa…” He stopped, helpless. “I can’t stand that you got hurt.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”
>
  “I should have been there. I should have made you leave with me.”

  “Shh…” She touched his mouth with one finger. “You didn’t know. He surprised me. But I fought back, Mackey. Because I wanted to live. I didn’t know if you’d be back, but…I wanted that chance.”

  He covered his eyes. Bowed his head.

  “I am so goddamn glad you’re such a warrior. But I should have been there to protect you.” He didn’t know how he’d live with that.

  She took his free hand. “Did I hear you say you love me?”

  He wiped his eyes. “Yeah. I’m not stopping either. Maybe you’ll need some time, but you’re mine now, Rissa. I’m never letting go.”

  “I don’t have any say?”

  He frowned. “You don’t want me to love you?”

  Her lips curved. “I’ve never wanted anything more. I’ll—if you can give me some time, I’ll follow you to California if the offer’s still open.”

  “It’s not.”

  “It’s not?”

  He shook his head slowly. “You belong here—but not killing yourself for your dad and bearing the whole burden alone. I’m—I’ve got some ideas.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you need to rest, and we can talk about it later.”

  That rebellious spark he’d missed so much snapped in her eyes. “I want to talk now.”

  Relief brought back his sense of mischief. “Well, for starters, you’re marrying me and we’re adopting Eric.”

  Her eyes popped wide. “What?”

  He explained about Gina and Eric’s plight. “But I’m not marrying you for the boy’s sake. You’re marrying me, regardless.”

  That familiar stubborn tilt of her chin returned. “What else have you decided for me?”

  Damn, but he loved when she did that. “Well, our first child will be named Albert and our second child will be Tank Jr., then—”

  Her astonishment made him laugh.

  Then his knees went weak with relief. He sank down into his chair and bowed his head over her hand. “Oh, God…I thought I’d lost you.” His throat clogged. “I don’t care about anything but having you. Being with you. I’ll live anywhere you want, have kids or no kids, name them Hermione or Billy Bob if you like—”