Tending Tyler

by Jodi Payne

  “No. They’re awful. Come in and sit, and I’ll shoo everyone off.” The way Tyler held him was more than help, it was care. “I’ve got the door.”

  “Thanks. I have pills to take here in a bit. I think Momma has them.” If she didn’t, Sister did, but someone would let him know.

  “I’ll get them. Couch? Straight to bed?” No one so much as said hello that he noticed as they walked in, someone must have been running serious interference.

  “Couch. That way we can all four nap together. I know y’all didn’t sleep either.” The girls would settle with a show, and he could snuggle with Tyler. “We need a couple days of quiet, please God.”

  “Jonas and Krissy promised.” The girls were sitting quietly on the couch on their best behavior but watched him with worried eyes as Tyler got him settled. “I’m going to get your dad his medication and something to drink. You may sit with him, one at a time, if you promise to be gentle. Emma first. Like you told me you are with Daniel, okay? Super careful.”

  Emma nodded, and Tyler waved her over.

  “I’ll be right back, babe.”

  Tyler went back toward the kitchen, and Emma slowly slid over next to him. She rested a little hand on his leg. “Hi, Daddy. I’m glad you’re…h…home.” He heard her hold back a sob with all her might, but her eyes were watery when she looked at him and one tiny little tear rolled down her cheek.

  “Oh baby, come here. Soph, you too. My girls. I missed you last night. I didn’t sleep a wink because we all weren’t together.”

  Sophia settled next to Emma, and he drew them both in, his heart slamming around in his chest.

  “You’re okay, Daddy. We’ll take care of you with Uncle Tyler. We’re going to watch movies and eat snacks and relax. Together.” Sophia was trying to be so brave, so grown.

  “Yeah? Perfect. I’m ready for a couple of days in our big blanket fort.”

  Emma nodded and leaned against him, quiet and close. “Was the hospital scary?”

  “They were super nice. I had two nurses—Van and Denise. They were the sweetest folks, and they talked to me and brought me ice, but you know what?” He made it as dramatic as he could. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.”

  “What?” Emma eyes went wide.

  Sophia gasped. “Yesterday? Aren’t you hungry?”

  “I am. I was thinking about a little half a sandwich. Mamaw is heading to Sonic to get me a limeade and some tater tots.”

  “I’ll make you a peanut butter sandwich, Daddy. Emma, you stay here in case he needs help.”

  “Okay.” Emma nodded. “I’ll keep you company, Daddy. Uncle Tyler will be back soon too, don’t worry. He’s like you. He keeps his promises.”

  Oh, he loved hearing that. “Does he? Did he help you girls last night?”

  “Uh-huh.” Emma nodded. “Sophia said he needed help too, so we all helped each other. And then I had a bad dream, and Sophia was already awake, and we had ice cream in your bed. Uncle Tyler even put on the big TV in your room!” She perked up a little and made a face. “Daddy. He puts chocolate on his strawberry ice cream. Ew! Did you know that ost-er-ich-es-es can run faster than a horse?”

  “Really? Because Violet’s pretty fast…” God, he loved her so much that it made him a little queasy. “Where did you learn that?”

  “Last night on the Animal Planet show. They’re weird. We were laughing watching them run.”

  “Hey, you two. I have your meds, babe.” Tyler put two pills in his palm, sat on his other side and held out a glass of water. “Your mom put the straw in, she said it would be easier.”

  “Thanks, honey. I’m a little clumsy with all of this mess.” Stupid sling. Stupid surgery. Stupid stitches. “I’ll be right as rain in a day or so.”

  Tyler snorted. “Yeah, okay. Those must be good drugs. You’re delusional.”

  “Am I delusional, girls?” he asked, cracking up when Sophia appeared with half a peanut butter sandwich.

  “No, Daddy. You’re hungry.”

  Sophia balanced the plate on his knee and climbed up next to Emma.

  “Take it slow, babe. See how it hits your stomach.” Tyler’s voice was soft, his touch lights and gentle.

  “If y’all want anything from Sonic, tell Mamaw.” He leaned back, telling himself he wasn’t queasy, that it was just relief from being home.

  “Ooh!” Emma sat up, jostling him slightly. “Come on, Sister. Let’s get slushes!” Emma tugged on Sophia, who rolled her eyes but grinned at him as Emma dragged her off.

  “They got burgers and corny dogs and all, honey. You ought to get whatever turns you on.”

  “There is so much food out there. I don’t need to eat for a week.” Tyler’s hand tucked up under his shirt and rested hot on his belly. “You don’t have to pretend like this doesn’t hurt, and like you’re going to be fine tomorrow. We both know that’s not true.”

  “I’m so tired. I needed to come home to you.” And that was the God’s honest truth. He needed his family, his heartbeats.

  “Rachel’s getting everyone to go home. Jonas offered to take the girls to your mom’s with him, but I wasn’t sure… I thought you might want everyone here tonight.”

  “I think we all need to be a family tonight. We can just watch movies and eat popcorn and rest.” He met Tyler’s gaze, seeing the deep tired there. “We need some time, just the four of us, hmm?”

  Tyler nodded, looking relieved and getting a deep breath. “Hopefully the girls will sleep now that you’re home.” The girls. As if Tyler hadn’t been up with them. “We’ll get you all drugged up and comfy in a bit so you can too.”

  “How’s Krissy? Lisa keeping an eye on her? She’s got to be tenderized.” He knew that shoulder would pop in and out for the next week or so. Shoulders were weird that way.

  “She’s badass. She’s all taped up, but she came by this morning early to grab Jonas, and she’s been out there doing her thing. Jonas went out with a bunch of guys to fix the fence.” Tyler shook his head. “They’re…fun together.”

  Shit. Tyler had no idea. “Those two are like fire and gasoline. If they weren’t both queer, they’d be married.”

  He’d seen them both tear each other up, seen them fight back-to-back in a bar fight. Jonas would kill anyone that spoke against her, and in the same breath snarl at her to cowboy up. He didn’t pretend to understand them. He didn’t have to. That was the good part about being family. You loved them, even when you felt like nothing made sense.

  Tyler grinned. “It got a little hairy for a minute. I almost tossed hot coffee on them both. I have a whole arsenal of strategies to break up bar fights.”

  “Oh, honey. I’ll pay damn good money to see that. Seriously. Those two sometimes need the hose turned on them—literally.” Oh. Oh, fuck. That was funny as all get out. He could see them both, mad as hell and dripping.

  “Jonas is a character for sure. I haven’t gotten my head around him yet, but I will.”

  “The house is empty, and we’re taking the girls to Sonic.” Rachel poked her head in the room. “We’ll feed them and bring them back, okay? I need to distract Momma for a bit. She’s driving everyone crazy.”

  “Fair enough. Limeade, tater tots. What do you want, honey?” He was starting to fade a little.

  “Nothing for me, thanks, Rachel.”

  “Oh, shut up. You’re getting tater tots too.” She winked and left the room.

  “Quiet house. Let’s get you to bed, huh?” Tyler shifted but then froze. “Or do you just want me to get you comfy right here?”

  “Mmm…come to bed. The girls can find us.” He hauled himself up, grateful for his core. He wasn’t a bull rider, but he rode a lot, and his belly was solid.

  “Wow. Those are good drugs. I don’t think I even saw you wince.” Tyler took his hand as they headed for the bedroom. “You know your brother asked me if I was bored of ranch life yet.”

  “I’m surprised he didn’t ask you if you were ready to leave.” Jonas was hi
s big brother, his protector (whether or not he needed it), and a giant turd.

  “He got me out of bed to make him breakfast.” Tyler laughed, stepping ahead of him to prop up the pillows on the bed. “And I actually did. How do you want these?”

  “Oh, I’m going to kick his ass.” He looked at the pillows, feeling a little overwhelmed. “Let me sit back against the headboard, and I’ll get you to help me pad and prop. Sound good?”

  “Sure. Whatever you need. Just leave some room on your good side for me.” Tyler winked at him. “Sit.”

  “Yeah. Yeah. God, honey…” He shook his head and sat. He wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened. Not even close.

  Tyler helped him, putting pillows where he needed them for support, and stealing light kisses every time he had to lean over. Then Ty climbed up next to him so careful the bed hardly shifted. “Good?” There was that hand again, resting right on his abs.

  “Yes. Jesus, it’s good to be home.” He kissed the top of Tyler’s head. “You’re okay?”

  “Well. I wasn’t. I’ve googled flights back to New York twice in as many days, but I think I’m over that now.” Tyler leaned a little harder. “Your three-ring circus grows on a guy. But…this. This doesn’t. This scared me, Matt. Really fucking scared me. I am not ready to add you to the list of people I’ve lost. No way.”

  “Trust me. I’ve never—no one’s ever shot me before. No one’s ever shot at me before.” He still didn’t believe it. How many people had he had to fire over the years? How many rustlers had they dealt with? And he got shot the first week Tyler was here?

  His belly tightened, and for a second he thought for sure he was fixin’ to puke.

  Tyler rubbed his middle in slow, firm circles. “Shh. Sorry. Maybe that was too much honesty for…you’re tired, you’re hurting. I’m sorry. I’m fine now that you’re home. That’s all I wanted. I’m fine.”

  “I’m good. I got you. I’m sorry I wasn’t here last night.” He wished he could promise it wouldn’t happen again, but he couldn’t. It might. It probably wouldn’t, but it might.

  “I’m sorry you were in a shoot-out.” Tyler sighed. “We don’t owe each other apologies, babe. I mean, I’ve heard guns go off in the city a couple of times. Just never close enough that anyone I knew was involved. It’s just crazy that’s all. I’m glad I was here, though, for the girls. They kept me from losing my mind.”

  “He said—” Matthew clamped his lips shut. No. No, that would just scare Tyler and make things worse. “I’m so glad you were here. I could breathe knowing they were safe.”

  “He who, babe?” Tyler tilted his head back and caught his eyes. “Who said what?”

  “I—Jesus, Tyler. I fired the guy for stealing. Vernon Freid. He said he was gonna tear my girls up.” And he bolted from the bed, managing to make it to the commode. Pills, stress, pain—it was getting to him.

  “Shit.” Tyler chased after him. “Oh, Matt. I’m so sorry.” He heard the water running and Tyler laid a cool damp cloth over his neck and rubbed his back. “Just breathe, babe.”

  “I was fucking scared,” he whispered. “Krissy went down, and I thought the bastards would shoot Violet.”

  “They only spooked Krissy’s horse. They didn’t find even a scratch on him. And she’ll be fine.” Tyler was talking low and easy. “Your dad said all four of them are headed to jail. It’s over and everyone is okay. You’re going to be okay.”

  “I am.” Cowboy up, dammit. “But damn. Y’all are my life. This is my world right here.”

  “We know. And we’re all here.” If Tyler was worried about more men coming or more trouble it sure didn’t show. “We needed you home and you’re here now. That’s it. We’re good.”

  “Yeah. Yeah, sorry. I’m not—I’m not all here, huh? I just need to calm the fuck down.”

  “We’re both fried, baby. We need some sleep, that’s all. Nobody can cope this…tired.” The little break in Tyler’s voice was telling.

  “No. No, that’s true.” He got himself up and brushed his teeth. Lord, they needed a nap. Maybe ten. In a row.

  Tyler fussed over him when he was done, got rid of the washcloth, and hustled him back to bed. “There are a dozen or more people out there, including your brother and your father, making sure things get done, and we’re all safe. So you close your eyes and don’t worry.” Tyler sounded like he believed that, like he had faith in all those people.

  “I love you.” Three little words, and they didn’t fix everything, but he meant them.

  They fixed enough, though. Tyler’s smile proved that. “I love you. That’s enough for us, right? Close your eyes.”

  “Right. Rest.” And he thought he could now. Finally. Please.

  22

  “Uncle Tyler.” Emma whispered. Her little hand patted his cheek, and he thought about not opening his eyes because it was so cute.

  He smiled, though, and blinked them open. “Hey, you. Oh, whoa.” The room was dark, and the moon was up. “You okay?”

  She nodded. “Uncle Jonas is going back to Mamaw’s now, so he said to wake you up.”

  “He likes to do that.” Hopefully it wasn’t going to be a habit.

  “We put y’all’s drinks in the fridge and stuff. Mamaw said sleep was important. Is Daddy better?”

  “Yeah. He’s better, honey. He’s just on medicine that makes him really tired.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed. “Let’s go say goodbye to Uncle Jonas.”

  “Mamaw says we can go to her house, but Sister and me want to hang out with y’all. Daddy said we could have a movie night.” She took his hand. “That’s going to be fun.”

  It would be fun, but he wondered if Matt would really be awake long enough to enjoy a movie. “Let’s talk with Mamaw and see.”

  He smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. All the chaos around the place was nerve-racking, but this sweet eight-year-old calling him Uncle and holding his hand was pretty awesome.

  “Hey, guys.” He tried to straighten his hair with the hand that wasn’t holding Emma’s and nodded to Jonas. “Thanks for hanging out a while. We crashed.”

  “No problem. How’s Bubba doing?” Jonas smiled at Emma, and the expression transformed the man’s face. He was still scary as fuck, but he loved his nieces.

  “It’s…a lot.” He tilted his head at Emma. “Probably a conversation for later. But he’s got some kick-ass meds that knocked him out. I don’t know if he’ll wake up for long, but he wants everyone home tonight. Maybe the girls could do a sleepover another night soon.” He wasn’t going to send Matt’s girls away. They could at least have breakfast together tomorrow morning if the movie didn’t work out as planned tonight.

  “I would think he’d like to get his rest.” Peg sounded doubtful.

  “He just wants his family under one roof tonight, Peg. I’m sure you can understand that. It’s been a…tough couple of days.” A scary couple of days. Matt wanted his kids where he could see them. Tyler got it, surely Peg could too.

  “Yeah, trust me. It’s no easier when your baby is grown with kids of their own.” Peg smiled and shook her head. “Y’all call if you need us. We’re close.”

  Ouch. He sighed and nodded. “Yeah, okay. I hear you. I’ll have him call you tomorrow.”

  “Excellent.” She came and hugged him tight. “You get some rest, son. You need it too.”

  He hugged her back, maybe a bit too long but man, he really needed a hug. “I will. Thanks, Peg.”

  “I’ll be back early, if he asks. Fences will be done tomorrow, and then Krissy has a whole…plan.” Jonas took Peg’s arm. “Come on, Momma.”

  “I’ll bring brisket over tomorrow in the afternoon. Rolls. Maybe a cake.”

  Lord, in this family, food was love.

  “Thanks, Peg. That would be great.” He saw them out, then looked at Emma. “Where’s Sophia?”

  “She’s upstairs singing.” Emma rolled her eyes.

  “Why don’t you grab her, and we’ll start a mov
ie on the couch. Then if Daddy wakes up there will be room for him. Sound good?”

  “Yep!” Emma trotted off.

  He opened the fridge looking for that lemon pie he’d had a bite of earlier. He found it and set it on the counter. Dinner of champions. There was plenty of real food, but all he wanted was pie.

  “Mmm…that looks good. Can I have something to drink, honey?” Matthew was standing there, blinking at him owlishly.

  “Oh, hey, babe. Come sit. You want a Coke or water? Coffee?” Matt looked better. Still stiff, still tired, but better. “You got some color back. Did you sleep hard?”

  “I did. Milk? I think I want a glass of milk.” Matt smiled at him, and the expression in those gray eyes was more focused, more sure.

  “I think I can handle that.” He grabbed the milk and two glasses and set them on the table, then brought his pie over to sit. “The girls will be down in a minute. They’re deciding what movie to make us watch.”

  “I thought I heard Sophia singing. So, you think Moana or Frozen 2?”

  “She was singing. I haven’t seen Frozen 2 yet, let’s hope for that one. We just watched Moana yesterday.” Was it…? “Yesterday? The day before? God. What the hell day is it?” He laughed. “I feel like I’ve been here forever.”

  Matthew snorted, the sound bubbling in his milk, making Tyler crack up. “Me too, and I have been.”

  “Dork.” He reached for Matt’s hand and held on, giving it a squeeze. The fucking ranch had done its level best to scare him off over the last few days, and he’d thought about it. But he was still here, wasn’t he? The man across the table from him was the reason why. Matt was his anchor, keeping him here, keeping him focused.

  “You’re still here, though. You’re still hanging tight with me, dork or no.”

  “I’m here. I’m staying here.”

  There was a thundering on the stairs and Sophia and Emma ran into the kitchen, both of them coming to a sliding, clumsy halt in front of Matt instead of going right in for the hug.

  Good girls.

  “Morning, Daddy.” They said together and then looked at each other and giggled.

  “Uh-huh. Evenin’, girls. How goes it?” Matthew opened his arm and offered the hug.