The Bull Rider's Son

by Cathy McDavid

  Liberty beamed at their mother. “I totally saw this coming.”

  Cassidy refrained from commenting. Her younger sister was head over heels in love and soon to be married. As a result, she imagined all sorts of romantic pairings, some with the most unlikely of couples.

  “I’m happy for you, darling.” Her mother patted Cassidy’s hand.

  The reassuring gesture didn’t fool Cassidy. She knew her mother well enough to detect “the tone.”

  “What’s wrong, Mom?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Come on. Tell me.”

  “I simply think you should be careful.”

  “Are you kidding?” Liberty gaped at their mother, clearly appalled. “Shane’s a great guy. He’s settled, a family man, ready to make his home in Reckless and the best bull manager in six states. Not to mention gorgeous. She could do a whole lot worse.”

  “His brother is also Benjie’s father.”

  “Don’t think we haven’t considered that.” Cassidy and Shane had done more than while away the hours snuggled under the covers. They’d talked at great length about all sorts of things, including Shane’s relationship with Benjie and the trials they faced. “We understand it’s complicated, and we’re treading carefully.”

  “Spending every night with him isn’t treading carefully.”

  “Two nights.” Cassidy’s hackles rose. She wanted her mother to be glad for her. Not deliver her a lecture.

  “Besides,” Liberty added, “it’s not like you and Dad have an uncomplicated relationship.”

  “And you’re suddenly an expert?” Their mother glowered at her.

  Liberty frowned. “It’s true. You divorced him years ago, lied to him, refused to allow him in our lives. Then, he returns, practically forces you to accept him as your business partner—”

  “No practically about it,” Cassidy interjected.

  “Right. And now he’s courting you, telling everyone you’re getting married again.” Liberty snorted. “Cassidy and Shane don’t even compare.”

  “We’re not getting married.” Their mother turned away to reknot her bathrobe belt.

  The sisters exchanged glances. Something was amiss.

  “What happened?” Liberty asked.

  “Nothing.” Their mother’s answer rang false.

  “Did you and dad have another fight?” Liberty persisted.

  “No.”

  “Is he drinking again?” Cassidy asked.

  “Jeez, Cassidy, why do you always assume the worst?” Her mother made a visible effort to control her emotions.

  Okay, maybe she wasn’t being fair. She tended to jump to conclusions where her father was concerned. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have said that. Old habits are hard to break.”

  “He loves you so much, honey. Both of his girls.” Their mother’s gaze traveled from Cassidy to her sister. “And he wants what’s best for you.”

  “We have the best,” Liberty said. “Deacon and Shane.”

  Cassidy agreed wholeheartedly.

  Was this what it was like to be in love? Believe one had the best? Truthfully, Cassidy didn’t know the answer. She hadn’t been in love before. Not really. Not the way her sister was in love. Cassidy had had a small taste with Hoyt. She’d cared greatly for him, but not enough to try harder when, after six months, their relationship deteriorated.

  In hindsight, she probably should have broken up with him sooner. But then she wouldn’t have Benjie.

  “So what’s wrong?” Liberty demanded.

  Their mother tiredly swirled her coffee. “We were up late talking is all.”

  “About getting married?”

  “I’m just not ready.”

  The kitchen door swinging open made the three of them simultaneously turn their heads. Ryder strode in, looking recently showered and shaved. He was wearing a freshly pressed Western shirt.

  Their mother instantly brightened. “Good morning. You must have a meeting today.”

  Like the rest of them, he went straight for the coffeemaker on the counter and poured himself a cup. “Actually, Tatum and I have an appointment with Pastor Douglas at the Guiding Light Community Church.”

  Their mother jumped up from her chair. “You’re changing the wedding date?”

  “Well, it depends on whether or not the church is booked. We’re looking at April.”

  “That’s two months away!” Her hand flew to her heart. “How can we possibly plan a second wedding in such a short amount of a time? Liberty’s getting married in August.”

  “Don’t worry, Mom. It’s going to be a small, intimate service. Family and a few close friends.” He gave Liberty’s shoulders a squeeze. “As long as you and Deacon are okay with it. We don’t want to steal your thunder.”

  Cassidy resisted rolling her eyes. Liberty was planning a wedding the likes of which Reckless had never seen.

  “Are you kidding?” Liberty returned the hug. “I’m thrilled. Tatum’s a wonderful woman, and she has three of the cutest kids.”

  All at once, everything fell into place, and Cassidy blurted, “Tatum’s pregnant.”

  Their mother grabbed Ryder and shook him, her feet dancing in place. “Is that true?”

  He grinned sheepishly. “She took the home pregnancy test yesterday.”

  “Oh, my God! I’m so excited for you both.” She pulled him into a fierce bear hug. “Another grandchild.” Tears filled her eyes.

  Cassidy wanted to cry a little herself. Only a short time ago, the rift in her family had seemed too wide to ever bridge. Now, they were growing by yet another member.

  “Tatum wanted to tell you herself,” Ryder said to Cassidy after their mother finally released him. “I owe you an apology for letting the cat out of the bag.”

  “It’s all right. You deserve to be excited.”

  “I am.”

  She could tell. Her brother wore the look of a man completely over the moon. Her own heart was ready to burst.

  More hugs were exchanged and tears of joy wiped away. Cassidy, unfortunately, was jarred out of the sentimental moment by her cell phone ringing down the hall.

  “Excuse me.” Thinking it might be Tatum about the pregnancy news, or Shane checking on her, she dashed to her bedroom. It was neither of them. Instead, Hoyt’s number appeared on the display. Had he and Cheryl changed their minds about visiting this morning to say goodbye to Benjie? Had Shane told Hoyt about their last two nights together?

  No, impossible. She and Shane had decided to wait until after Hoyt and Cheryl left. Why potentially rock the boat?

  She answered the call with a breathless and slightly anxious, “Hello.”

  “Morning. Did I wake you?”

  “No, I’m always up early.” Very early this morning. “Are you still coming by?”

  “We’re on our way now.”

  “Um, Benjie’s still asleep. I’ll wake him and get him fed and dressed.”

  “No hurry.”

  That was odd. Hoyt and Cheryl didn’t have long before they needed to leave for the airport.

  “I’d like to talk to you,” Hoyt said.

  “What about?”

  There was a long pause during which Cassidy imagined the worst. Finally, when she could stand no more, Hoyt said, “I want more time with Benjie.”

  Her pulse instantly raced. “This coming summer?”

  “No. Starting right now. Today.”

  “Wait. You’re leaving in a few hours.”

  “We postponed our flight and are taking the redeye tonight.”

  “Why?” Something more was going on, and her panic escalated.

  “I’ve been talking to Cheryl and Shane. They’re both in agreement.”

  “Shane? What does h
e have to do with this?”

  “It was his idea, actually. He suggested we stay another day in Reckless and that I talk to Benjie about additional visitation. Possibly taking him for the entire summer.”

  Cassidy swayed, feeling as if she’d been shoved from behind. This couldn’t be happening to her. Benjie was slipping through her fingers, and Shane was the one responsible.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I can’t let you do you that.” Cassidy shook her head.

  “You’re not in sole charge of Benjie. Not anymore.” Hoyt spoke tersely through clenched teeth.

  They’d been bickering nonstop for the past fifteen minutes, and he was clearly losing patience with her.

  “I don’t mind you wanting to take Benjie fishing before you leave.” The truth was, she did mind, but she was trying her best to be accommodating. “What I do mind is you and him scheduling additional visitation without me present.”

  “He’ll respond better if you’re not there.”

  “You mean you can manipulate him more easily.”

  “Don’t make me out to be the bad guy, Cassidy. I’m the one who went six years with no idea I had a son.”

  Okay, she had hit a little below the belt. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled-for.”

  Hoyt didn’t acknowledge her apology. “I’m his father. I have rights.”

  “You do, but those rights don’t include you getting to come here and make outrageous demands.”

  “Seeing Benjie isn’t outrageous.”

  “He’s too young to understand and far too young to make his own decisions. Of course he’ll agree to additional visitation. He’s excited to have a father.”

  “No more excited than I am to have a son.”

  “Enough with laying on the guilt.”

  She and Hoyt sat at the picnic table in the backyard, not far from where she and Shane had argued at Benjie’s birthday party. Funny how things came full circle.

  Cheryl waited inside the house with Benjie and Sunny, who’d volunteered to keep Cheryl company and oversee Benjie’s breakfast so Cassidy and Hoyt could talk in private.

  Cassidy rubbed her temples. “We agreed to let the attorneys hammer out the schedule.”

  “Actually, you told me how it was going to be, and I didn’t object.” Hoyt sat opposite her, his crossed arms propped on the table. Everything about his demeanor and posture was confrontational. “Now, I’ve had time to think and process.”

  And talk to Shane. Cassidy was still in a state of shock from hearing the news. Whatever he’d said had caused his brother to change overnight.

  She’d yet to confront Shane. There’d been no time, plus she was too angry and hurt. Mostly hurt. They’d spent the weekend together, for crying out loud. Made love. Discussed the future. Held each other for endless hours. Laughed, teased and simply sat in contented silence.

  That he would influence Hoyt against her was like a betrayal of the worst kind. She simply didn’t know what to make of it.

  “Please, Hoyt. You can’t spring this on me with no warning and expect me to go along.”

  “I’m taking Benjie fishing at the lake. Along with sports and school and whatever other subject comes up, we’re going to discuss him coming to live with me for part of the year. I want to get a gauge for how he feels before meeting with my attorney.”

  Her heart stopped beating. “One minute ago it was the entire summer. Now, you want him for part of the year. What’s next?”

  “The more you fight me,” Hoyt said, “the more time with Benjie I’m going to demand. And when our attorneys get together, it’ll be to discuss a custody suit.”

  “You promised not to threaten me.”

  “New terms, Cassidy.”

  Her head pounded, and her stomach roiled. Please, Lord, let this all be some sort of awful, horrible mistake.

  “What do you want, Hoyt?” The scratchy voice was barely recognizable to her ears.

  “What I’ve been telling you since I called. To take Benjie fishing.”

  When Hoyt had originally made the request, Cassidy deemed it completely out of the question. In light of this last demand, for shared custody, a drive to the lake was nothing.

  “I need to make a call,” she said feebly.

  “Now?”

  “Five minutes.”

  He grunted his consent, and Cassidy struggled to escape the picnic table that had become a trap. Going to stand by the modular play set, she removed her phone from her pocket and dialed her attorney. When the call went straight to voice mail, she hung up and dialed Deacon. Thankfully, he answered on the first ring.

  “Hoyt wants to take Benjie fishing,” Cassidy said, then filled him in on the specifics.

  “What’s the problem?”

  “He plans on discussing additional visitation with Benjie. Naturally, Benjie will agree.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay!” Cassidy squeaked, her anxiety rising by degrees. Sensing Hoyt’s eyes on her, she turned her back to him. “He threatened me with a custody suit.”

  “Cassidy, calm down, will you?”

  “I can’t let him take Benjie from me.”

  “All I’m hearing is a fishing trip.”

  “To discuss visitation. Without me there.”

  “As long as it’s not immoral or illegal, you can’t dictate what he and Benjie talk about.”

  Her resolve to stay strong waned, and she swallowed a sob. “I’m scared. Benjie’s young. And impressionable.”

  Deacon softened his voice. “Trust me when I say, don’t fight Hoyt on this. His request isn’t out of line.”

  “Custody! It’s crazy. Insane.”

  “Taking Benjie fishing. The rest, at this point anyway, is Hoyt’s temper getting the best of him. I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in what he says.”

  “He seems pretty serious.”

  “This could be his way of testing you. To see how far he can push you. Your best defense is to remain calm.”

  “It’s hard,” she whispered.

  “I know.” Deacon stopped talking to her like an attorney and consoled her like a friend. “Hoyt’s leaving today. He’s emotional. Once he gets home, he may change his mind.”

  She glanced at Hoyt and was confronted by his implacable stare. “Somehow I doubt that.”

  “Hang in there, Cassidy, and save your strength. This is only the beginning.”

  After a few more words of encouragement, she and Deacon disconnected, and she returned to Hoyt.

  “Well?” he demanded.

  “Fine. Take Benjie for the morning.” The painful lump in her throat made speaking difficult. “But swear to me you’ll have him home by noon.”

  Hoyt didn’t exactly smile, though the lines around his face become less rigid. “One o’clock at the latest.”

  It was, she supposed, the best she could hope for.

  The back door banged open, and Benjie charged out. Breakfast was obviously over, and he could no longer be contained.

  “Daddy.” He ran straight for Hoyt. “Cheryl says we’re going fishing.”

  Cassidy suppressed a scream of frustration. What business did Cheryl have telling Benjie before the decision was made?

  In the span of an hour, her perfect world had spun out of control. First, Shane went behind her back to Hoyt. All right, maybe not behind her back, but he should have told her about his conversation with Hoyt. Then Hoyt showed up making demands and threatening her. Now, Cheryl had overstepped her bounds. It was too much all at once.

  Hoyt lifted Benjie into his arms and held him against his chest. “You ready to give that new rod and reel of yours a trial run?”

  “Yes!” Benjie cranked his head sideways to ask Cassidy, “Can I, Mom?”

  “S
he’s already agreed,” Hoyt cut in before Cassidy could reply.

  “Yes, you can.” She wasn’t about to let him speak for her. Or let Benjie think he could pit one parent against the other. “For a few hours. Remember, you have school tomorrow.”

  Just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, Shane approached from the direction of the arena, not looking at all surprised to see his brother. Then again, as far as Cassidy knew, this entire trip to the lake was his idea. He’d mentioned taking Bria one day soon.

  “Hi.” He smiled warmly and dipped his head for a kiss.

  She deftly sidestepped him and, frowning, cut her glance to Benjie.

  Shane must have figured out this wasn’t the time or place for a discussion because he said nothing. Fortunately, both Hoyt and Benjie appeared oblivious.

  “Hi, Uncle Shane.”

  “Hey, partner.” Shane waited until Hoyt set Benjie down, then ruffled the boy’s hair, after which the two brothers clapped each other on the back. “You heading to the airport soon?”

  Airport? Hadn’t Shane heard?

  “Cheryl called and booked us a later flight,” Hoyt said. “I took your advice. She, Benjie and I are heading to the lake first for a little fishing.”

  “You are?”

  “Last-minute decision.”

  “I see.”

  Either Shane didn’t know about the trip or he was a great actor. What, then, was the advice he’d given his brother?

  “Come with us,” Hoyt invited.

  Hold on a minute. He got to tag along and not Cassidy?

  “Thanks.” Shane caught her glance. “But I have plenty to do here.”

  Whatever he was planning wouldn’t include her. Not after she told him how she felt about his interference.

  “Speaking of which,” Hoyt said, “we need to get going. It’s already eight.” He took Benjie’s hand. “Where’d you put your new fishing pole?”

  The two of them walked toward the house, Cassidy following—except she didn’t get far. Shane stopped her by blocking her path.

  “What’s wrong?”