Page 61 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“We never have to clean up messes alone. When someone is there willing to clean up your space right along with you that’s a gift.” She looked frail, older than her years, as if she’d lived a lifetime. “I found out some news I wanted to share.”
The concern she saw in Piper’s fragile features set CaDee on edge. “What is it?”
“The biggest reason why I wanted someone to come to the farm was because I needed the help.”
“Albert explained.”
“What Albert doesn’t know is that six months ago I was diagnosed with cancer. Doc seems to think I only have months to live. It’s incurable. Going to beat me in the end.”
Tears filled CaDee’s eyes. “Piper…”
“Now, now. I’m not telling you this so that you’ll mourn me. I feel like you need to know. It’s only right. And don’t worry, child. I don’t fear death. I’m a believer that I’ll be with my family again and what more could a simple woman like me wish for?” A smile broke through her frown. “I’m having my attorney write up a new will tomorrow. I want you and Carsen to have the farm. Everything in it.”
CaDee about fell off her chair. “Piper, I can’t accept such a gift.”
“And if you don’t what? Corporates will buy it for half what it’s worth. Turn it into a casino. No. I don’t want that. I want you and Carsen here. Just promise me you’ll take care of my goats.”
“I promise.”
Piper stood. “So, you think about what I said about love.”
Sitting alone on the couch, CaDee allowed the tears to form and fall. Over the last few weeks she’d grown to care for Piper. Felt like they’d become friends, and now hearing the news that she had a terminal illness sank into CaDee like a heavy weight.
She wiped away her tears and went to check on, on Carsen who was sleeping so soundly tucked in a ball. She pulled the blanket around him and kissed his cheek.
She’d do anything to protect him. She’d made a promise she’d keep.
Going down the hall to her bedroom, she crawled into the big bed and cuddled under the blankets. She stared through the window into the night sky as thoughts swirled in her head.
Chapter Twenty-Four
CaDee sat down in the empty chair next to Sharp in the farmhouse kitchen and he could see that she’d been crying. “You okay?”
She reached into the pocket of her jeans and produced a piece of paper. “This is from Dante’s attorney.”
“What does it say?”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “He wants visiting rights with Carsen, or he’ll sue for full custody.”
Sharp didn’t know much about family law, but he doubted Dante deserved parental rights. “Weren’t you given full custody?”
“I was,” she replied, smoothing her hands over her lap. “But the letter says he’s taken parenting classes and entered a recovery program.”
“So now that makes everything right?”
“In the eyes of the court, he’s doing what the judge told him to do to have the case reevaluated.” She stood as if sitting was too much.“There’s something else. The lawyer states in the letter that after the altercation between you and Dante recentlythey’re concerned.” Her eyes bore into him.“Please tell me he’s lying.”
Sharp eased back into his chair.“I did pay him a visit.”
Her shoulders fell like a crumbling wall.“Why? When? How?”
“Have a seat and I’ll explain.”
Reluctantly, she sat down. Her eyes were like lasers ready to cut him into pieces.“So start explaining.”
“I started digging because I felt like I needed to know more about Dante, to get an idea how dangerous he is and what I needed to do to protect you and Carsen. I had my suspicions that he was here in Fin’s Creek. Neighbors have been seeing a strange out of state vehicle driving around.”
She jumped up, nearly sending the chair toppling.“You’re just now telling me this?” Anger marred her features.
