“That’s your solution?” Hayden scoffed. “I say that’s heartless.”
Laurie shook, as if she was unused to being called out on her bad decisions. “Now, Mr. Bennett—”
“Mister Bennett was my grandfather.” Hayden crossed his arms over his chest, only to uncross them because Gran was headed toward the exit. He lunged and caught hold of her arm. “We’re not done here, Gran.”
“I am.” She frowned at Hayden as if he were a kid about to steal a cookie from the jar before dinner. “What’s gotten into you? I don’t belong here. And this is just more proof.”
“Irene is right. She doesn’t belong here anymore,” Laurie smugly agreed. “Insurance approved three weeks. Doc submitted a request for extra time yesterday, and it was denied this morning. We’re expecting a new patient to fill her bed any time now.”
“We’ve got our marching orders.” Gran headed toward the door. “Let’s go.”
Laurie disappeared into her office, closing the door behind her.
Hayden was at a loss as to what to say. He wanted to hit something. He wanted to shout at something. He wanted…
Evie came toward him, carrying a white plastic bag. Her expression was apologetic. Her blue eyes looked small this morning, as if she’d had trouble sleeping. She handed him the garbage bag. “I packed Irene’s things for you. I’m so sorry. It happens like this sometimes.”
Hayden swung the bag over his shoulder like Santa Claus, not trusting himself to speak. Not so much as a single ho.
How am I supposed to square the ranch affairs and watch Gran at the same time?
It felt impossible.
“It’s all about paperwork, which can be frustrating.” Evie inched closer, bringing that flowery scent with her and lowering her voice. “You can apply to Irene’s health insurance for a home caregiver to watch her while you work.”
Hayden’s head was shaking before Evie completed that sentence. “I can’t,” he said, voice low and rough, like boots on gravel. “Money’s tight until I can sell some livestock.” Admitting the truth tasted like sweat-soaked saddle leather. He couldn’t remember a time the Bennett Ranch wasn’t profitable.
Other than Grandpa complaining about too many mouths to feed.
That thought gave him pause.
Evie laid a hand on his arm—strong, warm, and soft, like a pair of well-loved blue jeans. “How can I help?”
It took him a moment to think about it. Another to push the words past his dry mouth. “What I need…”
Is family to circle the wagons and help take care of Gran.
Hayden washed a hand over his face. Help wasn’t on the way.
His brothers were busy. Colt and Tucker were competing on the rodeo circuit. Sawyer and Rhett were working on ranches in other states. They’d each promised to come home again when the estate was unraveled. And that wouldn’t happen until Hayden had paid the taxes.
“Go on,” Evie prompted, her hand still on his arm. There was a light stain on her pink scrub top. A wisp of golden hair had escaped from her high, perky ponytail.
She’s not perfect.
No one who created a lie about a fake fiancé could be.
But she takes risks. All for a good reason.
Hayden sighed.
I’m not perfect and I don’t take risks.
He envied Evie’s resolve.
“Irene went out the door,” Evie pointed out, withdrawing her hand from his arm. “Why don’t you follow her? I think you need some fresh air.”
“What I need…” Hayden started again, having made a decision, knowing he’d regret his next words. Knowing he had to say them anyway. Hayden took Evie’s hand in his. “What I need…is a wife.”