“I did say that to Irene,” Doc replied with more than a hint of frustration. “But she left off the word soon. I told her she’s doing well enough to go home soon. I submitted the paperwork to her insurance today to extend her stay at Oak Hill. My main concern is Irene’s safety. Her stroke was caused by swelling in the brain. It takes a long time for all that blood to be reabsorbed. If she hits her head, it could be game over.”
Death?
Hayden went cold. He wasn’t ready for that.
“So, it’s back to Oak Hill.” Hayden was relieved to hear that. His ranch duties often took him far afield, and she shouldn’t be left alone.
“I’m not going back there.” Gran jerked her arm, trying to get away. “I belong at home with your grandfather.” Whose ashes were scattered at the ranch.
She continued trying to break loose.
“Gran, stop that.” Hayden wrapped his arms around her thin frame, gently but firmly hugging her. “You’ll hurt yourself. I’m trying to protect you, not jail you at Oak Hill forever.” That felt as if it needed to be said.
Gran struggled for a moment more before calming. “You’re not locking me up ’til I die?”
“No, ma’am.” Hayden left an arm around her shoulders and put the phone back to his ear. “Doc? You still there?”
“Yes.” The old man cleared his throat. “Why don’t you take Irene home with you tonight? Let’s see how she does in familiar surroundings.”
They agreed to touch base the next day.
Hayden disconnected, tucking his cell phone in his back pocket. “We’ll drop off your truck keys with Cuthbert at the garage.” The mechanic was a family friend and would have someone bring the rig to the ranch after work. “I’m taking you home. Doc’s orders.”
Gran nodded curtly. “About time someone showed some sense.”
When will Evie show some sense and throw herself at the mercy of the court?
Reminding himself Evie’s predicament was none of his business, Hayden neared his black truck, releasing Gran to retrieve his key fob and unlock the doors. “The chickens will be happy to see you.”
“Ah, my babies.” Gran chuckled, accepting his help to climb into the cab. “Clyde gets jealous of all the attention I pay them. But I know chickens lay better when they’re happy.”
Hayden didn’t bat an eye at her use of the present tense when referring to his grandfather. Since her stroke, she seldom remembered Grandpa had died. And she never remembered she’d had a stroke, which made convincing her to stay at Oak Hill all the more difficult. He was surprised she’d lasted three weeks there.
Hayden got behind the wheel and buckled them both in. “Do potpies sound good for dinner? Because that’s all we’ve got in the freezer that doesn’t need thawing.”
“Store-made potpies? Your grandfather won’t be happy.” Gran tilted her head back, sinking into the passenger seat and closing her eyes. “I’m so glad you finally came home to make peace with Clyde. I’ve missed you so. You never should have got to wandering. The Bennett Ranch is your home.”
Hayden disagreed. Not that it was any use arguing. What was in the past…
“What do you mean you’ve taken a job with Purdy Patrick?” Grandpa had roared, tossing his straw cowboy hat on the front porch at Hayden’s feet. It wasn’t like him to lose his temper, but over the past few months that was all he seemed to do. “Purdy will skim your wages and sully the Bennett name!”
“I’m getting married.” Hayden’s voice rose. “I need to think about the future and owning my own place. You refuse all my suggestions on how to run this ranch. And you’ve been complaining all spring that there are too many mouths to feed around here and we need to leave.” Three of the five Bennett brothers still lived and worked at the ranch. The other two were chasing rodeo dreams. “Why are you upset, Grandpa? I’m doing what you asked.”
They’d been standing nearly toe-to-toe with only a cowboy hat between them. The day had been unseasonably warm, as if even Mother Nature was in tune with the heated mood on the Bennett Ranch.
“I forbid you to work for Purdy!” Grandpa’s face was beet red, and he was huffing and puffing like he was about to blow something down. “You’re so selfish. You never think through the implications of your actions.”
Without warning, Grandpa slapped Hayden’s cheek. The crack of his palm echoed in the humid air.
Reflexively, Hayden drew his arm back, intending to retaliate.
But he faced his grandfather, not some drunken cowboy looking for a fight. His grandfather, who’d taught Hayden to pick his battles. Grandpa, who’d never raised a hand to any of them in his life. Not until Hayden was twenty-eight.
“I… We…” Grandpa gasped, pounding his chest with his fist. Looking stricken. “We…need…you…here.” And then he crumbled into a heap on the porch.
Hayden was at his side immediately.
And so was Gran, rushing out the screen door as if she’d been listening. “What have you done?”