Page 15 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
“I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for cutting all ties to this ranch, this family, or her for so long.” Austin downed his coffee in three gulps. It burned his belly. “She says she’s done and I believe her. I hope Pete gets what he deserves.”
The front door flew open.
“Daddy!” Cheye came running into the kitchen and flung herself at JW. “Mommy says it’s time for school.”
“Then I guess we better finish getting ready.” He leaned over and kissed his little girl on the cheek. “Go upstairs and I’ll be there in a second to help you brush your teeth.”
“Uncle Austin.” Manny tugged at Austin’s pant leg. “Look.” He held out a frog.
“I don’t think your mama would appreciate that thing in her house.” Austin laughed.
“No, she would not.” JW leaned over and scooped up Manny. “Let’s take that out back. Next time you’ll go to bed without a snack. Got it, kiddo?”
“Yes, sir.” Manny frowned.
Austin bit his lower lip to keep from cracking up.
“What’s so funny?” Kitty appeared in the kitchen.
“Absolutely nothing.” Austin snagged his Stetson from the table. “Where’s Cinnamon?”
“Still sitting on the front porch.” Kitty curled her fingers around Austin’s biceps. “Please make sure she comes by the educational center today. I offered her a temp job. But also, the deadline to enroll in fall classes at the local college is in three weeks. Encourage her to do it. I know she’s hurting and a lot is going on, but the sooner she moves on with her life, the faster she’ll heal. It will also help her gain the strength and confidence she needs to get through what’s coming next.”
Austin kissed Kitty’s cheek. “You’re a good woman, Kitty Whiskey.”
“That has always had such an odd ring to it.”
“I used to tease Cinnamon about her name. I mean, come on, Cinnamon Cider Whiskey?” He smacked his forehead. “Have you ever had one of those drinks? They are gross, unlike the woman who bears the name. Speaking of which, I should go. Letting her sit and overthink might not be a good idea.”
“Agreed.” Kitty smiled. “Call us if you need anything.”
He adjusted his hat and headed toward the door. JW and the other cousins decided that Austin would take time off work and stay with Cinnamon. No one wanted her alone and Austin was all too willing to take on the responsibility.
It was the least he could do.
4
Austin leaned against the wall by Cinnamon’s bedroom door. The guttural sobs that filtered through the air cut his soul in half. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He’d gotten out of bed to get a glass of water. He’d been restless and unable to sleep. He thought he’d heard something and took a walk down the hallway.
Part of him wished he hadn’t.
The other part wanted to go in and comfort her, but he had no idea if she’d even welcome it.
Shit. He couldn’t stand it a second longer. He tapped at the door. “Cinnamon?” He pushed open the door a crack. “I’m coming in.”
“You don’t have to.” She sniffled. “I’m fine.”
“No. You’re not. I can hear you halfway down the hall.” He stepped in, leaving the door ajar, allowing the light to filter in.
She was curled up in the bed, hugging a pillow. She pulled the covers over her head. “I’m just having a moment.”
Flashes to his childhood filled his mind. His mom used to cry herself to sleep. He couldn’t stand that there was nothing he could do to comfort her or make things better. Same for hissister. He’d be damned if he’d let Cinnamon go through this alone.
He strolled to the other side of the bed and pulled back the sheets.
“What are you doing?” She popped her head up.
Wrapping his arms around her, he shifted her body, tucking her head into his chest. “Let it all out.”
