“Well, those ledgers are fine as is. You keep them. I don’t want no one, especially a no-good vet, looking into our private business. You hear me?”
Nodding, Shay pulled the strap of her purse more onto her left shoulder. “How are you doing?”
“What does it look like?”
She was so tired of being his whipping post. The people at the nursing home wouldn’t take his tirades and verbal abuse. And then Shay would walk in for her thrice-weekly visit, and he deluged her with his rage. It pulverized her. Rallying, she said, “You have good color. Have they been taking you outside lately? The weather’s beautiful, even though it’s still chilly out.”
“Yeah, they do,” he muttered.
Shay saw the regret and grief in her father’s eyes. He’d been a vital, hardworking rancher, strong and capable. All except for his drinking habits and his gambling. He was an ugly drunk. Over time, he’d run off every wrangler who’d worked on the Bar C. Which was why it was in a shambles when she’d returned from the Marine Corps. “That’s good.” She looked around the bright, cheery room. It was a pale blue color; rich blue, gold, and purple drapes were pulled aside from the window, with the sun pouring in. The window had been opened a crack to allow some fresh outside air into his room. “Can I get you anything on my next visit?”
“I’m outta my pretzels. Those bastards won’t buy me any more.”
She smiled a little. “How about next time I buy two bags? That way you won’t run out between visits.” She walked over to the bed stand where the flowers sat. “You could put the second bag in here.” She pulled open the drawer.
“Good idea,” he muttered with a sharp nod. “I’d like that.”
Shutting the drawer, Shay straightened. “I have to get going. Call me if you need anything.” He never did call her. But this was a litany Shay said to him on every visit.
“Hand me the remote?” He thrust out his left hand.
Shay picked it up off the bed stand and gave it to him. She felt guilty because she had no love for her father, just a feeling of responsibility toward him because she was his daughter. She waved to him and said, “I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Don’t be late next time, dammit!”
*
Shay got home minutes before dinner. She hurried into the house, inhaling the wonderful smell coming from the kitchen. Poking her head around the corner, she saw all but Reese at the table, and Garret was starting to serve. She knew he hated people to be late for his hot food, and she didn’t blame him.
“I’ll be right there!” she called with a smile to him, hurrying down the hall.
She practically ran into Reese, who was coming out of his bedroom. He smelled of soap, freshly showered, his hair dark and damp. Instinctively, he reached out, gripping her arms before they collided with one another.
“Oh, sorry,” she whispered, stepping back. Her stomach was still tied in knots from visiting her father. Reese’s large, warm hands on her bare arms made her melt and relax.
He smiled and released her. “Ramp down, huh?” he teased, stepping back a pace to give her room. “Is there anything I can carry in for you?”
Grateful, she said breathlessly, “No, thank you. I’ve got to wash up. Tell Garret I’ll be there in a flash.”
“You bet,” Reese murmured, standing aside as she flew into her bedroom.
He frowned and continued walking down the hall to the kitchen. He heard the men talking in low voices, but his heart was centered on Shay. She looked pale. And her glorious blue eyes looked shadowed. He sensed she was scared. Or tense. Reese knew she’d gone into town to pick up food from the local grocery store. What could have happened there?
Rounding the corner, he saw the other men at their respective places at the long table. Garret was bringing a large pan of steamed green beans, with tiny onions and slivers of almonds on top, to the table.
“She’s late,” Garret said more to himself than them as he put the pot on a trivet on the table.
Reese sat down. “She said she’d be here in a second. She looks upset.”
Noah snorted. “That’s because she had to go see that bastard father of hers.” And then he looked toward the entrance to make sure Shay wasn’t within earshot.
Harper nodded, keeping his voice low. “Yeah, Lockhart, her father’s a real piece of work. Hope you never have to talk to her old man.”
Shay came hurrying around the corner, wiping her hands on her dark green slacks. She leaned up and hugged Garret, who was twice her size. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, and then walked toward the table, giving a warm smile to all of the vets.