Cowboy Come Home (15 page)

WITH PETE AND JAKE HOME, everything seemed easier and in no time things returned to normal.

Which brought something else to Camille’s mind.

“Jake, did Doc say anything to you about Griff’s father?”

Jake, holding Caroline and Elizabeth on his knees, jerked his head up. “What about Griff’s father?”

“He seemed to think he knew who Griff’s father is,” Camille said, frowning. “I told him to wait until you got back. I’m not sure Griff wants to know.”

“I’m not sure he does, either. But I think he’ll have to face it sooner or later if he stays around.”

Camille’s heart lurched. “Do you think he’s going to stay around?”

“I don’t know. But he’s stayed so far,” Jake said, smoothing back Caroline’s bangs and teasing first one and then the other little girl. “These two sure are sweethearts.”

Camille wasn’t distracted. “Has he said anything about staying? He told me he’s returning to Chicago.”

“I hope not. But life here is a big change for him. I’m glad he managed so well while we were gone. Did he work with Butch at all?”

“The first few days he rode with the cowboys every day. When he returned to the house, it was always after dinner and he seemed tired. Afterward, when Red and Mildred left, he stayed here with me but talked to Butch on the phone. And Butch came to the house and offered to help because they were caught up.”

“Hmm, I wouldn’t give Butch much credit for offering. He was probably hoping to flirt with you.”

Camille rolled her eyes. “That’s what Griff said, too. You’d think I was a siren or something.”

Jake grinned. “Griff and I understand men, and believe me, you’re plenty of temptation.”

Camille blushed and tried to change the subject. “Did you speak to Brett and Anna? Are they going to stay in San Francisco a few days?”

“Yeah, once I convinced them Torie was okay. They’ll be calling again this evening.”

“And the rest of them will be home tomorrow?”

“Yeah. B.J. and Janie were going to get on a plane at once, but I convinced them to have their day of shopping. The girls don’t get to do much shopping in the general run of things.”

“But they seem content.”

“Yeah, but—”

Knocking on the back door interrupted them.

“I’ll get it,” Camille said, since Jake had his arms full of girls.

A man about Red’s age or a little older stood on the back porch.

“hell?”

“Is Jake Randall here?”

“Yes, he is. Come in.”

The man followed her into the kitchen.

“I’ll take the girls, Jake. This man is here to see you.”

“Morning, Haney,” Jake said as he stood. “Is there any more coffee, Camille?”

“Yes, the pot’s on the stove. Girls, let’s go see what Uncle Pete and the twins are doing.” She left with a last glance over her shoulder. Bill Haney owned the ranch nearby that Jake was talking about buying:

“HAVE A SEAT. I’ll pour us some coffee,” Jake suggested, smiling at the older man.

“Appreciate it,” he said and settled in at the table.

Jake set a mug of coffee in front of him and joined him at the table. When Haney said nothing, he asked, “What brings you by?”

“Heard Margaret’s boy is here.”

“Yeah. Margaret died recently and asked to be buried on the ranch. Griff brought her body home.”

“Griff? That’s his name?”

“Griffin. Griffin Randall.”

Haney stared at his coffee, and Jake waited.

“Where is he? Is he still here?”

“Yeah. He’s upstairs in bed. Got the chicken pox.”

Haney grunted.

“Have you thought about the offer we made for your place?” Jake finally asked. “I think it was a fair offer.”

“I’ve thought about it.”

More silence.

“Well?” Jake prodded.

“Still thinking. It depends on things.”

Jake took a sip of his coffee. He couldn’t do much to rush the old man. And he had a suspicion of the problem.

Pete strolled into the kitchen.

“Hello. Didn’t know we had company. How are you, Mr. Haney?” He stuck out his hand and shook their guest’s. Then he said, “You here about the offer we made?”

“Sort of.”

“Sit down and join us, Pete,” Jake said.

Something in Jake’s voice must’ve shown his tension to his brother. Pete, after a quick look at his brother, sat down at the table.

“You know,” he said, smiling, “we’re interested in the land, but arrangements could be made for you to stay in the house as long as you want.”

Haney grunted again. Then he asked, “Why do you need more land?”

“We want our cousin to stay here, and he deserves his own place, though he hasn’t asked for anything,” Jake explained.

“What’s he like?”

Pete looked confused, but Jake watched his neighbor as he said, “Everyone says he looks a lot like me.”

Haney grunted again.

Pete leaned forward, frowning. “You haven’t met him?” Then he nodded to himself. “That’s right. You didn’t come to Margaret’s burial.”

“No.”

“Well, Griff’s a great guy. He was a successful stockbroker in Chicago. But we’re hoping he’ll stay here.”

Haney nodded in Pete’s direction but turned his gaze to Jake. “Does he know?”

Jake shook his head no.

Pete looked even more confused. “Are you talking about me?”

“No. The boy.”

“The boy?”

Haney said slowly, “I mean Griffin.”

“Does he know what?” Pete demanded, apparently becoming fed up with the secrecy.

Haney looked first at Pete and then Jake. Finally, he answered, “That I’m his father.”

Chapter Twelve

P
ete stared at the old man. Then he looked at his brother. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t, for sure. I just suspected. Things Dad said, his feelings about Haney. I remember Dad visiting him once.”

“He came to ask me if I’d heard from Margaret. I knew then that he knew. I was ashamed. I figured you all knew.” Haney kept his gaze fixed on the table.

“My brothers weren’t even aware of Margaret’s existence,” Jake said softly.

“Is that why you kept to yourself all these years?” Pete asked.

Haney nodded.

Jake abruptly stood and crossed the kitchen to refill his coffee mug. “Look, Haney, we all do things we shouldn’t. I’m not standing in judgment of your actions.” He took a sip of coffee and leaned against the cabinet. “But I won’t lie to you. The man who has a beef with you is upstairs.”

Haney nodded again.

“What do you want us to do?”

“I don’t know.” The older man rubbed his face, weariness showing there and in his sagging shoulders.

“I can tell him...when he’s well,” Jake said. “But he’ll have more respect for you if you do it.”

Haney nodded again. “Call me when he’s recovered.”

Then Bill Haney got up and walked out of the house without another word.

Jake stared after him, a considering look on his face.

“What do you think he’s going to do?” Pete asked.

“About Griff?”

“No, about selling us the ranch. What do you think will happen?” Pete insisted.

“That all depends on Griff.”

MUCH TO JAKE’S SURPRISE, his wife, Janie, Megan and Chad returned that afternoon. When they discovered that even Griff was down with the chicken pox, B.J. chastised Jake for not telling them how difficult things had been on the ranch.

But everything really was back to normal the next morning. With B.J. taking the rest of the week off, Janie still considering herself on vacation and Megan not opening the store, suddenly the house seemed full again.

Leaving Camille to concentrate on her patient. First thing after showering and dressing, she scooted down the hall to the bedroom Griff was using.

She slipped into his room, and his eyes fluttered open.

“How are you this morning?”

“Still feeling pretty low,” he muttered, “but you make things better.”

“Aren’t you glad we’re not on our own anymore?” she asked with a smile.

“I don’t know. I hated letting you down, but I kind of miss our being alone.”

Her heartbeat sped up. “Alone with six kids.”

“Yeah, but they were good kids. How are they doing?”

“Torie is almost well. Doc said she had a light case. The girls are doing better. And the twins are in the middle of it. Once you break out, you’ll feel better, too.”

“Ah. Something to look forward to.” He closed his eyes, and she debated whether she should leave him alone.

“Are you going to give me baths when I break out?” he asked, reaching out to catch her hand before she could move away.

“Of. course not!” she protested, her cheeks red. “Jake or one of the other Randalls will help you.”

“Hmm. Got any milk you want me to drink this morning?”

She blinked at his change of subject. “You want milk?”

“No, honey, I just want to be bribed.”

“Griff!”

He opened his eyes. “Sorry. I got a little lonely yesterday when everyone arrived home.”

“I thought they all came in to see you,” she said softly, moving to sit on the edge of his bed.

“Yeah, but I didn’t see you.”

Camille told herself he was toying with her, but she couldn’t keep her heart from melting. “I thought maybe you were tired of me.”

Before answering, he struggled to slide a couple of pillows behind his head, raising him higher. “If I promise to drink the milk when you bring it, can I have my bribe now?”

She didn’t bother answering with words. Instead, she leaned forward, letting her lips cover his, tasting the excitement that his touch brought. She was aware of his fever, but she’d bring him medicine later.

No one interrupted their embrace. But wisdom finally prevailed over attraction, and Camille pulled back.

Griffin fell back on the pillows with a sigh. “Let’s try that again when I’m back at full strength.”

“I don’t think I’ll dare. We might forget that neither of us is interested in—in a future together,” she replied, her breathing returning to normal.

Griffin frowned, staring at her. “Yeah.”

“I’ll go downstairs and get you some medicine and something to drink.” She left the room, afraid if she stayed any longer, she’d lose whatever good sense she had.

Janie and Pete were at the breakfast table, mugs of coffee in front of them. “Morning, Camille.”

“Hi. How are the kids this morning?”

“still sleeping,” Pete said with a grin. “As soon as they wake up, we’ll get started on the oatmeal baths.”

Janie shook her head. “I don’t know how you managed all these patients, Camille. It makes me tired just thinking about it.”

“You got fat and lazy in Hawaii,” Pete teased.

The slamming of a door upstairs stopped Janie from responding. All three stared at each other, wondering if they should investigate. Before they could do so, however, Jake burst into the kitchen, his face angry.

“Something the matter, brother?” Pete asked.

“Yeah, women!”

Camille felt her mouth drop open. Jake was complaining about women? He always cautioned his brothers to consider their wives.

Pete and Janie seemed as stunned as Camille. As Jake poured himself a cup of coffee, Pete cleared his throat. “Uh, Jake, you and BJ. have an argument?”

Jake sent an angry look his brother’s way and walked out the back door.

“Wow, that was—” Janie began.

She halted because angry steps could be heard on the stairs. Then BJ. swept into the kitchen. While she hid her emotions a little more than Jake, it was clear she was upset.

“Are there any biscuits?”

Janie jumped up. “Sure. I put them back in the oven so they’d stay warm.” She took them out. “Want a plate?”

“No. I’m going on an emergency call. Just wrap one in a napkin.” She searched the cabinets until she found a foam cup that she filled with coffee.

“Don’t you want to sit down and eat a proper meal?” Janie asked.

“No. My patients are important,” BJ. snapped. Then she stopped and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she offered an apology to Janie. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“That’s okay. How’s Caroline this morning?”

“Still asleep. Megan promised to bathe her with Elizabeth this morning. Sorry I won’t be here to give you a break, Camille.”

“No problem. There’s a lot of help around.” Camille smiled, but it was a guarded smile. She wasn’t sure what was going on.

With a brief goodbye, B.J. left the house.

“What do you think that was about?” Pete asked. “Is it because she’s taking a call when she’s supposed to be on vacation?”

“I don’t know,” Janie said, “but I’ve never seen Jake mad at B.J.”

All Camille could think about was what Griffin had predicted. “I need to take Griff his medicine and something to drink.”

“What about breakfast for him? I can scramble some eggs, if you want,” Janie offered.

“That would be nice. And after breakfast, Pete, could you help him take a shower?”

“Sure. Be glad to.”

She escaped back up the stairs with another glass of lemonade and medicine.

And discovered that Griffin didn’t have to be told about the latest development.

He was lying there with his eyes open when she walked in.

“Hi. I brought you some breakfast,” she said brightly, a smile on her lips.

“What happened?”

“What are you talking about?” she asked, hoping he wasn’t talking about Jake and B.J.

“I’m talking about the fight that occurred across the hall this morning,” he said firmly.

“Fight? We didn’t hear a fight.”

“Jake and B.J. were yelling at each other.”

Camille tried to dismiss his statement. “Married couples can’t always agree, Griff. I’m sure it was nothing.”

HE FELT TRAPPED.

Griffin had to stay down. Not only Doc, but also Camille would be on his back if he didn’t follow orders. But he hated staying in bed. And he hated feeling so weak. And he hated thinking he’d brought unhappiness to his cousins.

Pete helped him into the shower. It was embarrassing how weak he felt. He could only stand for a few minutes. But getting cleaned up made him feel better. When he came out of the bathroom, in a fresh T-shirt and briefs, the two men found Camille finishing up changing the linens on his bed. She ignored his embarrassment and pulled back the covers.