Page 11 of Ranch's Resolve

“I don’t know if I should bring you into this mess. I don’t want to get you in trouble,” I hedge.

“If it has to do with the club, we’re already involved,” Caitlin points out. “I know Scar and the others hightailed it to the ranch earlier today. So, something happened there.”

I look at Evie, who nods in agreement. “Chaos and the others try to keep their club secrets, but we often know more than they think.”

“Okay,” I relent before telling them everything about the morning’s events.

“That poor woman!” Caitlin exclaims.

“I know. Angelica was terrified and in excruciating pain. Do you think you could ask your dad about her? I’d like to know if she and the baby are okay.”

“Of course. Call Dad.”

After a few rings, a man answers the phone. “Caitlin, is everything okay?”

“Hi, Daddy. I’m with Athena, and just heard about the incident on the ranch this morning. I’m calling to see if Angelica and her baby are well.”

“Athena? Oh, of course, the woman who was helping Angelica deliver the afterbirth. Yes, yes. Angelica and her son, Americo, are both healthy and have survived the excitement from this morning.”

“Americo, what a fitting name,” I say.

“Yes, I thought it was charming.”

“What happens now? Do they need any help? Do they have a place to stay? I have an open apartment at Crossroads.” Caitlin asks.

“I’ll speak to Angela. She may have already made accommodations.”

“We should warn you that Athena got a visit from ICE today. They questioned her about immigrants crossing the border,” Evie says.

“I wonder how they knew you were there,” Dr. Chambers says.

“I passed them on their way to the ranch. I called and warned Ranch.”

“I heard ICE showed up and questioned Ranch. Dante called Angela, who then pulled strings to call them off. I’ll let her know they questioned you. What did you tell them?”

“I told them I didn’t see anyone crossing the border because I didn’t. I didn’t see them until they were already on Ranch’s land,” I tell him.

He chuckles. “Nice job. I’ll let Angela know.”

He ends the call as Caitlin pulls up in front of the restaurant. After the hostess seats us, we peruse the menu and place our orders before our discussion returns to the events of themorning. However, this time, we discuss the ranch and my opinion of having Crossroad residents spend time there.

“So, what did you think of the ranch?” Caitlin asks.

“It’s a gorgeous piece of land. Ranch and I rode around the property. He only has horses, chickens, and cows. He offered to create a petting farm, but we didn’t get a chance to discuss the details. He suggested we go out to dinner and discuss it further.” I lower my head to hide my blush. My ebony skin usually hides my embarrassment, but under the bright lights and at such close quarters, I’m certain Evie and Caitlin will have no problem seeing my cheeks pink.

“Dinner?” Caitlin asks. I can’t tell by her tone if she’s happy or upset at the prospect. I risk a glance and see both of them grinning at me. “I knew you two would hit it off. Isn’t he yummy?”

I chuckle. “Yes, he’s very yummy. Don’t let Scar hear you say that.”

She waves me off. “Scar knows I don’t want anyone but him. He has nothing to worry about.”

“I’m glad you two are seeing each other again,” Evie chimes in. “Ranch deserves an extraordinary woman like you.”

“Slow down,” I chide them. “Ranch suggested dinner, and he has my phone number. He may or may not follow through. Today was pretty stressful for both of us. He may be too busy to call.”

“If he suggested dinner and asked you for your number, he’ll call. These men don’t fuck around. If he wanted distance between you, he’d have suggested working out the details through Caitlin.”

Back at the office, I make myself a cup of tea and sit at my desk to review the file on my next patient. Absentmindedly, I unlock the drawer to retrieve the top folder, but when I open it, I realize it is the wrong file. Opening my drawer, I find the fileI need. Shaking my head at my mistake, I close the drawer and review my notes.

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