by Avery Gale
“Minx.” Brandt’s growl from behind her was followed by a slap to her jean clad ass. “Behave. Cal needs to eat. She’s lost weight since she left town—a lot of weight.” Joelle released Caila and studied her with concern while Brandt glowered at them both.
Coral broke the tension by pulling Caila farther into the kitchen. After a quick hug, the ever efficient mother of three cut right to the chase. “What are you hungry for? We’ve got several things made up already, so help yourself. Heaven knows you know your way around.” God, he loved her easy way with people. She’d rescued Joelle and Caila in one easy move, and she’d reminded Cal she was a member of the family by not treating her like a guest.
An hour later, they adjourned to Sage’s office. They’d left their wives in the family room to supervise three toddlers. Sage had shaken his head when all three girls clung to their uncles, pleading with them to “go wimming.” He still wanted to kick Colt’s ass for installing the waterpark feature slide. Hell, they were never going to be able to keep their three hellions out of the pool area. Maybe I need to talk to Phoenix about biometric locks? Surely they’ll know how to swim by the time they figured out a way around the high-tech security.
Chapter Twelve
Kip watched Caila glance nervously around the sitting area in Sage’s office. His brothers were already seated in chairs and on the sofa. He knew exactly what—rather who—she was looking for. “Where are the other women? Why aren’t they here, too?” He didn’t like the note of panic in her voice. She obviously felt as though they were ganging up on her.
“This is something we wanted to talk to you about alone, baby. Some of things we’re going to share are personal, and how much of it you share with others will be your decision, not ours.” She nodded in understanding, and her shoulders dropped as the tension seeped away. Sitting next to her on the sofa, he didn’t try to pull her against him. She’d need the comfort soon enough, but he suspected right now her desire to stand on her own outweighed his need to touch her.
Before he could lose himself in memories of all the mistakes he’d made with her, Brandt scooted forward in his chair and cleared his throat. Kip didn’t doubt for a minute his brothers had carefully planned how they were going to approach this conversation, and evidently, Brandt had drawn the short straw to kick things off. Leaning forward, his hands clasped in front of him, Brandt focused on her and sighed. “Damn, I wish I didn’t have to be the one to share all of this with you, sweetie. There are things about my job that I love, but this damned well isn’t one of them.”
Kip could practically feel the tension begin to radiate from her as she listened to his brother speak. “Brandt, you’re scaring me. My imagination is running wild, and I can only hope all the things running through my mind are worse than whatever you’re going to say, so please get on with it.” Glancing down, he saw her hands clasped together in her lap, the knuckles turning white she was squeezing her fingers so hard. They needed to get this over with before she shattered from the inside out.
“You know there have been a few instances where your dad has forgotten where his truck was parked. He even forgot the make, model, and color the other day. But what we haven’t mentioned is all the times he’s wandered into the homes of your mom’s friends trying to find his wife. He’s insisted she told him she would be there visiting and he was supposed to stop and pick her up after he’d finished working.”
Colt leaned forward, drawing her attention. “Cal, the last time I was home I saw him weaving all over the road, so I turned around and followed to make sure he was alright. By the time I caught up with him, he was making his way up Mildred Hawkins front walk. You know she and your mom were really close, right?” Caila nodded in answer to Colt’s question. “When I asked him if he was alright, he seemed confused. Mildred stepped out the door and then told me he’d come to pick up his wife. It took me almost half an hour to convince him she wasn’t there. I don’t think he ever realized she’s no longer with us.”
Anyone who didn’t know her well wouldn’t have noticed the subtle changes in Caila’s body language, but Kip hadn’t missed them, and he doubted his brothers had, either. Her pulse was pounding at the base of her throat, and she was statue still. Caila was usually the poster child for perpetual movement, and seeing her so motionless was unnerving—no, it was damned scary.
“After Colt told me about this, I talked to Mildred, Cal. She told me he’d been there a couple of times over the past several months. Mildred also mentioned a couple other women who had similar encounters with your dad.” Brandt’s voice had softened, but Kip wasn’t sure she noticed. It was a lot to take in, and he hated the fact they’d barely scratched the surface.
Once Brandt started investigating, things came together fairly fast. The one thing Kip had asked his brothers to withhold was the how far south things had gone when she left a month ago. Caila was already struggling with guilt because she hadn’t seen how bad her dad was failing. She certainly didn’t deserve the added burden of guilt. No one wanted her to think she’d pushed him over the edge.
Brandt continued to tell her about small instances where Doc Cooper had been confused and how the only time he seemed focused was when he was working with animals. It hadn’t surprised any of them and didn’t seem to surprise Caila, either. “I need to get to the clinic and see how things are there. And the house…oh, Lord, I hope he’s kept it up. Housekeeping wasn’t ever a priority for him, but he wasn’t a slob, either. And he has to have a place to live. I’ll head over there now.”
Kip wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until her racing mind veered off into a different direction. Stealing all the worry from her with sexual pleasure was tempting, but in the long run, it wasn’t going to solve her problems.
The mention of the clinic and house was Sage’s que to take the stage. “Caila, when Kip found the For Sale sign at the end of your driveway, he called and gave me the information on his way to you.” It took her a few seconds to shift her attention to Sage, and Kip could almost feel her struggle to switch gears. Sage waited until he felt she’d refocused on him before he continued explaining everything he’d learned over the past couple of days.
“So it’s still for sale? Is there any chance we could refinance it? I don’t really know anything about how that sort of thing works, but I’ll take out loans if I can. I don’t have too much for student loans, because dad helped a lot up until the past couple of years.”
Sage shook his head, letting her know it was too late. The bank in Denver hadn’t been interested in helping an old man and his daughter. They knew the market for small acreage ranches was wide open, and they hadn’t cared about anything other than cashing in quickly. It had taken some very smooth maneuvering on Sage’s part to keep the land from being turned over to an investment group looking for a spot to house corporate tycoons on holiday. Asshats who want to visit ranches, but don’t want to be bothered by sounds or smells associated with cattle. Never mind the pricks would probably eat steaks every night their pansy asses were there.
Kip’s heart clenched when the first tears streaked down her cheeks, and a quick glance around the room let him know his brothers were all suffering the same fate. Over the years, they’d all developed a huge aversion to seeing Caila cry. Thankfully, it didn’t happen often—he wasn’t sure any of them would have been able to cope otherwise.
Sage moved to sit on the low table in front of the sofa at the same time Kip eased closer. Sage wrapped her small, trembling hands in his, hoping to infuse her with warmth and calm. “Caila, I want you to promise to listen to everything I have to say before you respond.”
Well, it’s official…my oldest brother has lost his mind.
Caila knew, just knew, the next few minutes were going to change her life. The tension in the room was so thick she could have cut it with a knife. She had a sinking feeling everything else they’d said had merely been setting the stage and leading up to this moment. She looked at each brother as she considere
d Sage’s words. Taking a deep breath, she finally agreed. It’s not like I’ll be able to keep my word if they’ve done something horrendous, but Sage isn’t going to tell me anything until I answer.
Sitting in stunned silence, she listened as he outlined all the financial machinations of the past couple of days. Caila wouldn’t have been capable of speaking even if she hadn’t agreed to wait, because for the most part, she was completely lost. Need a genogram for livestock interpreted? She was your girl. But straw-man sales and backdoor mortgages? It was a whole new language. The headache that had finally faded to a dull throb came roaring back with a vengeance, and Caila wondered what was floating in the air in front of her.
“Take a breath, baby.” She heard Kip’s voice somewhere in the distance, but it seemed so far away she didn’t pay any attention. “Breathe, Caila. Right fucking now.” This time he seemed much closer, and she took a huge gulping breath before she’d even thought about it. “Christ, baby, you were turning blue.” Blinking her eyes, she realized she was sitting on Kip’s lap. When did that happened?
“You guys have ten minutes to wrap this up, and then my patient needs to sleep. What the hell, Kip? I thought you understood that.”
“Ryan?” When did Ryan Morgan get here?
“Right now, it’s Dr. Morgan to you, sweetness. No more holding your breath. Damn, girl, your brain is recovering from trauma and requires regular doses of oxygen to heal.” She was relieved to see a small smile curve the corners of his mouth. Caila didn’t want him angry with her, although she wasn’t sure why his opinion mattered. “I’m going to check in with my lovely wife. I’ll be back in ten minutes to make sure you’re following instructions.” He stepped from the room, and Caila returned her attention to the man sitting in front of her.
“Sage, you lost me pretty early in that speech. It reminded me of the one and only time I asked Phoenix for help with my laptop.” The other men chuckled when Phoenix just shrugged. “It sounded like you were speaking English, but very little of it made sense. Here’s what I took from it…the land has already been sold.” Sage smiled and nodded. “Do you know who bought it? I’d like to talk to them and see how long I have before I have to move out. It might take a few weeks to get everything arranged with my dad. I’ll have to work on packing and moving things at night so I can see to Pop’s issues during the day. I’m not even sure I can get him to go to the doctor. Holy Hannah, what happens if he won’t go? I’ll have to find a place where he’ll be watched over. That’s going to be expensive, and I’ll have to take one of the jobs I’ve been offered to make it work. But if I do that, how will I pack up everything? And where on Earth am I going to store that much stuff?”
She struggled to stand, but Kip arms banded around her. “Stay right where you are and take a damned breath. I have no idea how you and Coral do that.”
“I’ve always wondered about that particular skill myself. I swear they both have to have some sort of auxiliary oxygen supply to say so much without taking a breath.” Sage chuckled then took her hands in his. “In answer to the first of that long list of questions, yes, I know who bought the ranch—we did.” He waved his hand around him indicating his brothers.
Surging to her feet before Kip could stop her, Caila pushed the dizziness aside and began pacing. “Morgan Enterprises bought the ranch? Why? Oh, hell, it borders yours—that’s why. How could I not see this coming? No wonder you wanted me to keep quiet.” She was reeling with so much emotion she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. On one hand, they’d likely give her all the time she needed to settle her dad and clear things out. But on the other, the ranch that had belonged to her family for several generations was now lost to her forever.
Reaching the end of the room, Caila stopped to gaze out the window. She could barely see the roof of her childhood home above the snow-dusted pine trees…the same trees where she’d taken the life of a man trying to kill Aspen. She appreciated the space the Morgan brothers were giving her, because she wasn’t sure she could face them yet. What would happen to the house? It held so many of the memories she had of her mom; it was going to be hard to let it go.
How was she going to pay for her dad’s care? She doubted there had been any equity in the property or her dad wouldn’t have gotten a loan from an out of state bank. There wasn’t going to be any help there. Taking a shuddering breath, she took one last look toward the home she could no longer call her own before turning to face the men who’d bought it.
A small piece of her heart wanted desperately to be angry with them, but she knew it was futile. If they hadn’t bought it, someone else would certainly have capitalized on the opportunity. Turning, she faced the men who’d been her anchors through so many storms. “If Morgan Enterprises hadn’t bought the land, someone else would own it, so I’m not going to let this ruin our friendship. It doesn’t mean I’m thrilled with how things have gone, but it’s not your fault.” When Sage started to speak, she waved him off, hoping he’d understand her need to finish before the tidal wave of emotion she felt swelling inside finally broke the surface.
“Do you have anything my dad or I have to sign? And can you save me reading all the details and tell me what the deadline is for vacating? I’d like as much time as possible.”
“Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. Kip, if you don’t stop her, I’m going to do it myself, and it won’t be pretty.” Brandt’s harsh voice sounded from her left, and she jerked her gaze his way.
“Say what? Are you serious, Brandt Morgan? My life is in the dumpster, and you’re ragging about me trying to iron out the details? Boy, you really are a little ray of sunshine, aren’t you? You know what? I think your wife deserves a damned medal. Hell, she certainly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize she’s been nominated for…and not just for her work on cancer medications. She should get one for putting up with your pushy self.”
Once she stopped to take a deep breath, Caila realized how bitchy and ungrateful she sounded. The twinge of guilt didn’t last long when Brandt’s face lit up with a smile. “Damn, I’m glad to see the Caila we all know and love is still inside there. I’d had about all of that meek and timid imposter I could take.” He was in front of her so quickly she shoved back, but her back met a solid wall of muscled chest. Kip. She’d have known it was him even if she hadn’t been able to see the other three brothers standing behind Brandt. Seeing Kip wasn’t necessary to know he was near; the man’s presence alone sent sparks of electricity up and down her spine.
His arms came around her, enclosing her in warmth. The chemistry between them was so volatile his embrace was usually its own form of erotic bondage, setting her body on fire. But this felt entirely different—this was about comfort and support, and the difference made her melt back into him. In this moment, it didn’t matter if she believed he meant everything he’d said over the past couple of days. Right now, she just wanted someone to lean on.
“I’m sorry if I seem ungrateful, because I’m not—I swear. I know this was an opportunity you couldn’t walk away from, and I understand someone else would have taken it if Morgan Enterprises hadn’t.”
“See, that’s the thing, sweetheart. Morgan Enterprises didn’t buy it.” Kip’s words spoken over her shoulder confused her, but before she could ask questions, the door opened.
“Time’s up.” Ryan Morgan stepped into the room, looking every inch the former Navy SEAL he’d once been.
“God, you’re a pushy bastard.” Brandt’s tone held a begrudging note of admiration that made Caila smile.
“Yeah, yeah. Not a fucking news flash. Wrap it up, guys. Can’t you see she is on the verge of imploding?”
Sage shouldered his brother aside. “The bottom line is we didn’t want the corporate side involved in this, Caila. The five of us purchased the land. The deed has six names on it. We’ll cover all the details of how we see this playing out, but for now, we want you to know you are an equal partner, even though it was our money.”
Caila couldn’t believe what she’d jus
t heard. Did he say she owned a part of the ranch without having paid anything for it? Why? How? A thousand questions were flying through her head, but they were all playing in the background. She burst into tears, great racking sobs of relief despite not knowing exactly what they had planned. Knowing they’d gone so far out on a limb for her benefit was an act of pure love she’d never expected.
“Those better be tears of joy, or you all are in big trouble.” Coral’s voice sounded from behind the men encircling her. Peeking around Sage, Caila saw all four of the Morgan wives standing inside the door looking at their husbands expectantly.
Ryan waved his arms and sighed. “That’s it. Let’s go, sweetness. Off to bed with you. Right fucking now. The rest of this business can wait until you’ve had a chance to rest. Damn, I swear family members are the worst damned patients in the world.” Caila hadn’t thought her heart could swell any more, but hearing him refer to her as family made her cry all the harder.
“Thank you. I don’t know what else to say, and honestly, my head hurts so much I can barely think at all, but I want you to know I’m really grateful.” There was so much she wanted to say, but Kip cut her off by scooping her up into his arms and making his way to the door.
Gazing down at her, he smiled, “We’ll finish this later. Right now, you are going to rest. And I could use some sleep myself. I swear you’ve taken a decade off my life the past couple of days.” She felt a feather-light, cool palm caress her cheek, and Coral’s gentle promises to check on her later were the last things she remembered before letting herself slide into the quiet darkness of sleep.
Chapter Thirteen
Kip walked into Sage’s office after settling Caila in his bed and sagged into one of the soft leather chairs. His dad had purchased all leather furniture for the office years ago, and only a few of those comfortable and well-worn pieces remained. Coral hadn’t made many changes in the ranch’s main house, but she had insisted the cracked leather chairs be recovered. Kip suspected she’d sat on those jagged edges sans panties enough to want them gone.
