Page 25 of Billionaire Lumberjack's Bargain

“That unsteadiness…” He presses his lips together firmly, his worry making lines crinkle around his soft eyes. “The man was always sure-footed and did just as much on this property as I did until a few months ago, but lately…”

The way he draws in a long breath makes my heart ache for him again. He’s spent months watching his grandfather decline, feeling like he can’t do anything about it, and now, he’s terrified of what I might actually find.

I wait for his gaze to meet mine so he can see how determined I am. “I know how worried you are, and I promise, I’ll do everything I can to figure this out.”

He nods, then glances into the kitchen, where Pops is showing something to Davey near the counter. “Try to do it delicately. He isn’t going to want to answer any medical questions and doesn’t like people prying.”

That isn’t anything new.

Most of my elderly patients didn’t want to be in the hospital, and many were reluctant to share what was going on with them openly. They take a special touch—delicate but alsofirm.

“I can handle your grandfather. Don’t worry.”

The corner of his lips curls, lifting some of the darkness clouding his face. “I know you can. Are you okay with me going out on the property? I won’t go too far. You’ll be able to call for me, and I’ll hear you if you need something.”

I peek into the kitchen again and find Pops helping Davey onto a chair at the table. “He seems okay with him now.”

Dalton grins, but it falls away quickly, as if he just realized something that took any of the initial joy from the moment. “That’s the age I was when my parents died. He probably thinks it’s me.”

Any humor or positivity I was feeling toward unraveling this mystery fades, too. “You think he’s that far gone?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

The pain in his voice matches the same I felt for months.

I lost Dave, but he’s been slowly losing the sole parent figure he really ever had. Apparently, the only family he has left.

“I’ll take care of him. I’ll call for you if I need something.”

He nods and releases my arm, my skin instantly pebbling with goosebumps at the loss of contact. “Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I think some of my old toys are still in the spare bedroom upstairs, last door on the left, if Davey wants to go exploring to see if there’s anything fun.”

“I appreciate that.”

Dalton stalks to the door, opens it, and turns back to me. “Camille…”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for doing this.” Another tight smile pulls at his lips. “I realize it’s asking a lot.”

It’s almost like he’sapologizingfor needing my help, which is absurd, considering what he’s done for us over the last two days.

I shake my head. “It isn’t, not with what you’re doing for me.”

Another true smile appears, despite the heaviness that’s settled over him. “I’m glad we could help each other.”

“Me, too.”

I just hope I’m able to figure out what’s wrong with Pops and can do whatever he needs to get better.

Dalton slips out the door, closing it behind him, and I set down my bag and head into the kitchen.

Two mugs of coffee sit waiting on the table, and Pops slides another one in front of Davey.

“Whoa, what’s that?”

He looks up at me, brows raised. “Hot chocolate, is that okay?”

I release a relieved breath. “Of course. That’s very sweet of you.”

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