Page 53 of Dark Side of the River

ASTHEYRODEinto the McKenna Ranch yard, the ranch manager looked up, his gaze going from Cooper to Tilly and back. They rode over to the stables and dismounted.

“You remember Tilly,” Cooper said as he helped her down from her horse.

“Ms. Stafford,” Deacon Yates said.

“Tilly is fine,” she said. “Nice to see you, Deacon.”

“I’m going to borrow a stock trailer to take Tilly’s horse to her ranch.”

Deacon opened his mouth, no doubt to tell him what he thought of that idea. But before the ranch manager could say anything, Cooper saw him glance toward the house.

“Cooper, did you bring someone home for supper?” his father asked behind him as he approached. “Tilly,” Holden said as he recognized her. “It’s been too long. I hope you will join us. Elaine made pot roast and she always makes too much.”

Tilly shot Cooper a look that said,Rescue me!

“Maybe some other time,” Cooper said, interceding. “I need to take Tilly and her horse home.”

His father waved that off. “That can wait. The pot roast can’t. Did you have a nice ride?”

Cooper wanted to tell his father about everything that had happened, but in private. “Fine.” The meth lab was on McKenna Ranch property, and he was pretty sure it was what had gotten Oakley shot.

“Beautiful day for a ride,” his father said.

“I can take care of your horses,” Deacon said. “Why don’t you go on inside and have some Sunday supper? When you come back, your horse will be loaded in a trailer, Ms. Stafford.”

“Thank you, Deacon,” Holden said. “It’s settled. Come on.” He led Tilly toward the house. Cooper looked at Deacon, who shrugged. There was nothing to do but follow Tilly and his father inside.

She’d never known how beautiful the McKenna house was, although she’d heard stories. It was huge, not as rambling as the Stafford house. All white wood and clear glass, the massive three-story house rose above the river, the cottonwoods flanking it, making it look even more majestic.

They crossed the wide front porch, and Holden opened the large door to usher them in. Tilly turned to Cooper and said, “If you don’t mind, I need to freshen up.”

They were both covered with dust, hot and sweaty. “Me too. I’ll show you to the bathroom,” Cooper said, and led her down the hall. It wasn’t until they reached it and he checked to make sure no one was around that he said, “Sorry about this. I need to tell my dad about what we found when I get a chance.”

She nodded. “Sunday supper?” she said, raising a brow.

“I told you. Dad wants our families to quit fighting, though I am surprised he invited you to supper. Maybe this is a start to bringing the families together.” Tilly had her doubts about that but didn’t voice them. “Go ahead and use this bathroom. I’ll go to another one. See you in the dining room.”

When Cooper walked into the dining room a few minutes later, he saw that his father had corralled the whole family. He groaned inwardly. No good could come from this, he thought as his father motioned for him to sit next to him across from Treyton. Next to Cooper was an empty chair, no doubt for Tilly.

Before he could sit, Tilly walked into the dining room. Holden stood and cleared his voice loudly. Duffy rose. Treyton started to rise, but then dropped back into his chair as he saw who it was. “No frigging way,” he said. Bailey just looked confused, until she saw Tilly. Holly Jo looked up and frowned as if she had no idea what was going on or how unheard-of this was.

“Tilly, I’m so glad you were able to join us,” Holden said as Cooper pulled out the chair next to him for her. “I think you know everyone but Holly Jo, the latest addition to our family. Holly Jo, say hello to Tilly.” Tilly said hello to the sullen girl, who mumbled something into her empty plate. “Holly Jo, Tilly lives on the ranch next door.”

Next doorwas putting it mildly, Cooper thought as he sat and so did Duffy and their father.

“The men in this family have manners,” Bailey said, looking amused. “Apparently, we just needed another woman in the house to bring them out. Except for one male in the family,” she said, giving Treyton the stink eye.

“Sorry,” Treyton said, shoving back his chair and getting to his feet. “But I can’t sit here and pretend this is all right. A Stafford sitting here at our dinner table? After they’ve tried for years to put us out of business? No, thank you.”

“You apologize right now,” their father demanded.

But Treyton ignored him. “Who else are you going to bring home? It’s bad enough that you brought home your bastard child to live with us.”

“Treyton,” Holden snapped, but his eldest son was already storming out.

Holly Jo looked up from where she’d been scowling at her plate. “Was he talking about me?” She looked down the table at Holden. “Was he saying that I’m your daughter?” she asked, her voice rising.

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Holden said. “You’re not my daughter. You’re the daughter of a friend of mine who has now passed away and wants you to be with us.”

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