Page 73 of Losing his Daddy

I navigated down the long drive, then pulled up towards the fire. I parked close enough for him to walk, yet not so close for the men to feel crowded. The beams of light from my car gave me a better view of everyone. I could see confusion in their gazes. Understandable, of course. I just hoped their feelings didn’t turn dark once they saw who we were.

“Go see them. I’ll come when you signal for me to.” Gerald did as I said without question. He moved in front of theheadlights, his steps cautious. I rolled my window down a hair to see if I could pick up their conversation.

I also tugged my phone free to shoot Robin a text. He might not even be able to come out while we’re here, but I wanted to let him know, nonetheless.

Weston:Hey, little brother. I just so happen to be in your area. If you get a chance to visit the Coleman Ranch tonight or tomorrow, I’d love to see you.

He didn’t respond right away. Not that I thought he would. As a vet, he tended to be on call a lot for emergencies. I knew that much from the catching up we’d done.

I refocused on the men outside of the car after tucking my phone away. Gerald needed me to have his back. I couldn’t allow any distractions.

“The market is closed. Sorry you missed it,” one of the men called.

Gerald didn’t miss a beat as he replied, “Sorry I did too.”

That’s all it took for them to realize. The one I knew was Atticus, Clancy’s son, stepped closer. “Gerald? You’re here.”

Shock. Hope. More confusion.

It was all moving across his expression at a rapid pace. They didn’t rush him. Whether it was from sensing his discomfort or because of some other reason, we’d have to wait to see.

“I am. I hadn’t planned on it, but it was hard to ignore you guys when I saw you popping up everywhere around me. I figured it was time to clear the air.”

“Are you coming home?” A soft voice called out from the group.

“This place isn’t really home for me anymore, Trav.” Ah, Travis. I remembered him now. Gerald said he’d been fond ofthe young man. “It hadn’t been for a really long time. I’d like to stick around for a few days if that’s ok. I miss this place. Plus, I owe it to you to tell my side of the story.”

“You’re always welcome here. You’re family, Gerald. I hope you know that.”

I watched his shoulders rise. “I didn’t for a long time. I’ve gotten better though. I had some help along the way.”

He glanced back at me. That felt like signal enough, but I still waited and listened.

Another voice called out in a voice laced with laughter. “You should tell him to come over too. He can’t sleep in the car all night.”

Gerald shook his head, then waved at me. I unbuckled with rapid speed, my body longing to go support him. I knew this was hard for him. It had to be. But I knew sending him out alone was necessary. He needed to know he could face them alone. That he was strong enough to.

He also had to find out that when he called, I’d come.

“Should we do this tonight or…” Gerald said as I made my way over.

“Whenever you’re ready. We’re just happy to see you.” That came from Sean, who stood next to Atticus.

While I’d never seen Clancy, I had to guess Atticus looked like a younger version of him. It was obvious in the way Gerald kept glancing over at him. It also told me more about his need to leave the ranch in the first place. He was haunted by the man he’d lost every day. No wonder he’d sunk as low as he had.

“It’s a long story. I don’t even really know where to start. You’ve all only gotten bits and pieces over the years. Even my confession before I left wasn’t the full truth.” Gerald’s voice held regret. I hated hearing it, but I knew we had to get everything out in order for him to find peace.

“Is everything ok, Precious?” I placed my hand on his waist as I pulled him closer. It was an intentional move meant to show he was mine, as well as let them know he had backup if they decided to be assholes.

Gerald looked over his shoulder with a wry expression. “Everything is fine, Sir. Atticus agreed we could stay. I was told I could invite you from the car. I’m going to tell them everything.”

I gave a reassuring nod. “I’m proud of you. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

One of the men mumbled something about more chairs and left. He returned quickly with two more to add to the circle around the fire. I tugged Gerald to the two new spots.

My gaze snagged on an inflatable house that I’d somehow missed in the midst of our arrival. Several men poured from the puffed-up makeshift building to join us as well.

After everyone settled down, Gerald took to his normal nervous gestures, namely tugging at his hands. The group kept their eyes on him, waiting for what would come next.

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