Page 80 of Dark Side of the River

She shrugged. “I suppose Holden. You’re really not my dad?”

“No, but I wish I were. I’m glad you’re staying with us.”

Holly Jo looked away. “I’m not sure I belong here.”

“I think you do and so does Honey.”

She laughed at that as she stroked the mare’s neck. “You shouldn’t believe everything Honey says.”

He laughed and they turned back toward the house, him promising that they would ride more.

“Can I learn to do tricks on Honey?” she asked.

“We’ll see.” He told himself to enjoy this moment because it wouldn’t last. He was smart enough to know that there would be tantrums, crying, yelling and threats to leave. After all, Holly Jo was just at the beginning of her teenage years.

He remembered what he’d gone through with Bailey. Just the thought of his daughter reminded him that he hadn’t seen much of her lately. He hated to think what she might be up to. He tried not to worry as he looked over at Holly Jo. Right now, he had a good feeling about the future and he was determined to hang on to it.

AFTERLEAVINGTILLY’SROOM, the sheriff went down the hall to visit Oakley. He figured she’d already heard that it had been her brother who shot her. But Stuart needed to make it official. She was sitting up in bed when he stepped in.

“I figure you’ve already heard,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

She nodded. “I knew how CJ felt about a lot of things. I should have known I was pushing him too far. He just seems to think that he’s now the man of the house and that we all have to do whatever he says. That’s not going to happen. I hope he learned something from this.”

Her attitude surprised him. He’d known Oakley a long time. This young woman was strong and determined. But he also knew her brother CJ. “You’re taking this awfully well.” He wasn’t completely sure that he believed it.

She laughed. “I’m not taking it that well. When I see him, I’m sure I’ll have a few things to say to him. With him injured, it will limit how angry I get.”

“How’s your mother doing?”

“You haven’t seen her?”

“Actually, I did just see her.”

Oakley groaned. “Then I’m sure you have a pretty good idea how she’s taking this. CJ is her hope for the future. She keeps thinking he’s going to change because she is planning on him running the ranch one day. For such a liberal, strong, independent woman, it kind of amazes me that she thinks CJ should run the ranch. How can she not realize that Tilly’s the one who loves the ranch and will take care of it? I can’t say the same for my brother. He’s all about money and power. But then again, so is my mother.”

“I’m sorry about the problems with the family.”

“Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Her gaze softened. “You know about Tilly and Cooper.” He nodded. “I have no idea what Mother will do.”

“You’re not interested in running the ranch?” he had to ask.

She shook her head. “I’m not sure why I’ve stayed here this long.”

Stuart thought he might know. “Do you mind if I ask if you’re involved with Pickett Hanson?”

She smiled. “I like Pickett. But he’s not the only man I’m interested in, if I’m being honest. And in case you’re wondering, my brother CJ wouldn’t approve of either of my choices.”

He realized she wasn’t going to share any more of her personal life with him. Wasn’t his business. But keeping peace in this valley was. “I heard you’re getting out of the hospital pretty soon.”

“Thank goodness. I’m going stir-crazy in here.”

“I’m going to need a formal statement from you.” She started to say that she wasn’t pressing charges. “I’ve heard you’re not pressing charges. But in the case of a shooting, the county will. CJ will face charges.”

She shook her head. “We both know that my mother will get him out of it.”

“I’ll send a deputy by with some paperwork.” He tipped his Stetson, wished her well and left.

He could foresee a long legal battle ahead, but CJ would get off easy. Not that it would end the trouble in that family. His best friend was in love with a Stafford, there was a PI in town asking questions about Charlotte’s last husband who’d disappeared, and if he’d read Oakley right, she wasn’t just interested in a McKenna ranch hand. He figured there wouldn’t be any peace in that family for a very long time.

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