Page 33 of Heart of the West

“We have plenty of room here. She doesn’t need to be away from her kids during the holidays.”

“We should run it by your dad.”

“We could, but he’s likely knocked out on pain meds, right?” She shrugs. “Do things now. Ask permission later. I’ll take the heat. Hell, I’ll throw myself under the bus if she can help me figure out how to make stroopwafels?”

“Why the sudden interest in stroopwafels?”

“A could make something up, but we both know that’s not my style. Plus, you won’t rat me out unless you see me or someone else in danger. Same as any other teenager in this town. Unless, It’s different because I’m your niece.”

I shake my head. You don’t need to be blood to be family. Buck and Ben Bennett are like brothers to me. We grew up together. Although Buck is a handful of years younger than Ben and I. We’re both fifty-five.

“Does this young man have a name?”

“I’ll let you know," she says with a smirk.

I laugh.

“I’m having Settlers deliver a couple days’ worth of food. That’ll give you and Debbie time to decide on the menu. I’ll call Settlers and have them set up an account. The department will take care of it until your dad is back on his feet.”

“That’s nice of you, Uncle Eff.”

I smile and shake my head. “We have a fund for this kind of thing. It’s one of the reasons we have the fundraisers.”

“I always wondered.”

“Your dad and Debbie will be here in a few minutes. Is there anything you need from me before I go?”

“Guess you’re not going to see Jessi.”

“No, but she’s coming here. So is Clyde.”

“Clyde’s coming home?” Her whole face lights up.

“He’ll be here tomorrow morning.”

“Can I tag along?”

“You can. Debbie will be here to take care of your dad. And that will give you a break from him.”

She laughs. “I do need those now and again. I’ll make the downstairs guest room ready, right after I get to dad’s room.”

“I’ll let Debbie know about the kids, the food, and you coming with me tomorrow.”

She throws her arms around my neck in another hug before turning and heading back into the house.

I wait by my truck for the van from the hospital to arrive. I help get Buck out and into the house.

“His room is downstairs. Tillie is getting it ready. Debbie, she'd like you to bring the kids to the ranch for the holidays. Your mom can come too. I know it’s just the two of you.”

“Are you sure?” She asks, her voice thick with emotion.

I don’t need to see the tears to know that they are there or the gratitude shining in her eyes to know she’s thankful. I’d seen it earlier when I offered her the job. Tillie takes after her mother. She has a heart of gold. Instead of being worried about a woman taking over her domain, she asks her to bring her family.

It takes about twenty more minutes to get Buck squared away before I can head home. Once I’m in the truck, I decide it’s as good a time as any to call my parents.

Chapter 19

Ruby

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