Page 46 of The Cowboy's Second Chance Bride

“It’s not terminal, if that’s what you’re asking. Endometriosis.”

He nodded. I narrowed my eyes. He wanted to ask another question but kept it back.

“Just ask,” I said irritably.

“You need a hug?”

That was not what I was expecting. The man had just learned I was trying to be a single mom and hadn’t asked one question about that. He had to be curious. But that was for later. He’d offered me a hug, and I desperately wanted one.

I nodded, and he scooted closer to me and wrapped a long arm around my shoulders, drawing me into his side. Then his other arm came around, and somehow, there on the fence, sitting by my side, Cal gave me exactly what I needed—comfort. He held me and maybe even kissed my head, but I was trying really hard to not cry again because I was sick of it. He let me pull away when I was ready, his hands brushing across my body as I straightened, then across my hair and my shoulder, with a gentle swipe over my cheeks to wipe away the tears.

He nodded once as he met my eyes. “If you ever want to talk, I would like to know the whole story.” He jumped down off the fence into the corral. “Let me know if you decide to stay.” And with that, he walked away.

I stayed on the fence and watched the horses. Some of the ranch hands were driving in cattle, and Cal had gone to help guide them in. He looked so natural, and his body looked looser and more relaxed. The ranch suited him. I was so captivated watching Cal, marveling at the subtle change, that I didn’t even notice Rod climbing up beside me.

“My favorite is when the calves are born.” He took a large square wrapped in a paper towel out of his jacket pocket and started unwrapping it.

“You’ve been here when calves have been born?”

“Sure. My dad has worked this ranch for years.” He displayed a piece of what looked to be banana bread.

“Which one is your dad?”

“He’s not here. He took off for a bit.” He looked at me, his eyes sweeping across my face. “You look like you’re having a bad day. Want some?” He held out his bread. “It’s really good. Mrs. Claudia makes it for me and gives me a big slice when I have a bad day.”

I confirmed his statement with a head nod. “I lost something I really wanted. What about you?”

“I failed a math test. I hate math. I don’t get it.”

“I’m actually pretty good at math. I can help if you want.” I took the piece he was offering. It was still warm. “What do you mean, your dad takes off for a bit?”

“Sometimes he gets itchy legs—that’s what he calls it—and will take off for a while. But he always comes back.”

“Do you always stay with Mrs. Claudia when he does?”

Rod nodded.

“Do you have any other family?”

“Nope, my mom’s in heaven, and there ain’t no grandparents.”

Rod was kind of like me. His lack of family was something I was familiar with.

“My mom and dad are in heaven with my grandparents. It’s just me,” I told him.

He broke off another piece. “Are you scared?” His eyes grew large with wonder.

Lonely was always the word that came to mind... but scared… I hadn’t really thought about it that way. “You know what? Sometimes I do get scared.”

“What do you do?” He paused his eating as he waited for me to answer.

“Well, I’m lucky and have really good friends. They’re almost like family. Like Mrs. Claudia is for you.”

He nodded again and looked to be tucking away that tidbit of info for later use.

How hard must it be to have his dad get itchy legs without any warning and uproot this kid’s life. Yeah, things in my life sucked at the moment, but I’d always had the security and safety of my family. I hoped that Rod’s dad would return while I was here. I had a strong urge to give him a piece of my mind.

ChapterEighteen

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