Page 41 of Seized by the Lawman

“Yes. Your father thought this was a splendid idea too.”

Nix sighed. “My father was a part of this plan?”

“He thought by pushing you two kids together, you might like each other. Of course, I had no clue about the baby. I’m sure my daughter won’t tell me herself until she has the deed signed over. I’ve screwed up. I’ve been an overbearing father at times. I don’t blame her for not having the confidence in me to believe I could be happy about a grandbaby.”

“Sir, with all due respect, I have to say what’s on my mind. You don’t have the right to keep the ranch from her. That’s her legacy, her home. She has a lot to learn, but she’s put in effort.”

“But she’s not ready…”

“Maybe not, but she has what it takes, the heart, the drive, to take on the responsibility. Whether she succeeds or fails, you must let her do this. If you don’t, she’ll never forgive you, and you, sir, will go to your grave with regret. I know you think she lives life by the seat of her pants, but really that’s just her personality, and in my opinion, she’s a lot like you. She loves life but understands when it’s time to hold the reins tight and not let go. Give her the chance to show you, all of us, what she’s capable of.”

Carson opened his mouth to say something, but slammed it shut. He sat quiet a long moment, then nodded. “I think it’s time I gave you an assignment, a real one.” He reached into his desk drawer and pushed a folder across his desk toward Nix. “You’re a damn good rancher, but you’re also a damn good lawman. The team needs you and I’ve been selfish by keeping you from catching criminals. You’ll find all the information in there for your first case alone. It’s top secret.”

Nix took the folder but didn’t open it. “Sir, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll take the case, but I’d like to stay at the ranch until you and Melly settle this. She doesn’t want taken care of by anyone, but I want to make sure she has everything she needs.”

Carson nodded. “Sure. Tell me, Cade. Do you care for my daughter?”

“Yes, sir, I do. And just so we’re clear, I’ll be a father to my child. I’ll take of them both if she’ll let me.”

He smiled, a genuine one that reached to the grey depths of his eyes. “I know you will. I don’t doubt that for a second.” The smile then faded and he sat straight, nailing Nix with a stern eye. “Now, get your ass out of my office and find the guy on this case,” he barked. “The bastard has killed three and our informant is a sitting duck.”

Nix didn’t waste a second. Although he was ready to take on a case, he also had left a part of himself on Shy Brooke. He’d left a message for Melly, and all he could do was hope she’d call him back.

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