He’d been so angry, ranting and raving about how it had been “seasoned,” and we’d thrown out decades of hard work. Itdied down after Lennox made him a cup and forced him to take a sip. Now, it was his newest obsession. He spent most of his free time trying new recipes and flavors. At least he had something productive to do with his time.
After Dad’s health scare on his birthday, his doctor had told him he had two choices. He could either continue with the long, stressful days that came with being a rancher and dig himself an early grave, or he could retire and double his chances.
For a split second, I’d held my breath. I had no idea which one he’d pick.
Since I was a kid, Dad had told me he didn’t know who he was without the ranch. It was in his blood, a part of who he was. He said it gave him a sense of purpose, a way to give back all the knowledge and advice he’d been granted over the years and pass it on to another generation.
I understood that more than anyone, except my identity wasn’t tied to the ranch itself, but the people on it.
For the next month and a half, I listened to Dad moan and groan about retirement and how horrible it was. Sometimes I’d find him staring out the window, watching the cowboys in the field or the cattle passing by. I worried he’d never get over losing that sense of purpose, but thankfully it didn’t last long.
Everything changed the moment he found out about Josie’s pregnancy. Suddenly, his newfound free time was filled with crafts and projects and plans. Pregnancy had been rough on my sister, so he took her to nearly every doctor’s appointment Lincoln couldn’t make it to. His doting was adorable. Except for the new father, I’d never seen a man so excited about a baby coming into this world. Dad had told the whole damn town he was going to be a grandpa, and they’d rallied together to make sure Josie had everything she needed.
“Finally!” Lennox said, bouncing in her seat as the hospital sign came into view. Bishop slowed and turned into the parking lot. “We might actually get to see the baby before they go off tocollege.” She paused, putting her hand behind her ear. “Wait, is that the graduation march I hear playing in the background?”
Lennox didn’t wait for a response. She threw open the door before her fiancé had even parked, practically sprinting to the hospital entrance.
Bishop let his head drop to the steering wheel and groaned. “Ya know, I’ve been wondering why more grey hairs have been popping up since we got together,” he mumbled. “But now I fucking get it.”
I clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s your girl. You chose that one.”
He straightened in his seat and turned off his ignition, staring out the window to where Lennox had disappeared. The corner of his lips kicked up a fraction. “For all my bitching, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Even if sheisthe biggest pain in my ass.”
My heart seized at the adoration on his face, but I didn’t let it show. “I’m sure you wouldn’t.”
Dad popped up on the other side of the door and yelled, “Boo!”
I screamed as he and Bishop both laughed. “You assholes,” I cursed, reaching forward to punch Bishop’s arm. He dodged, barely sliding out before Dad opened my door and held out his hand.
“Well, come on now. We don’t have all day. Your sister is probably in there terrorizing the staff for visitation.”
I placed my palm in his, letting the warmth ground me. “You started this, old man.”
“And I’m finishing it, too.” He pressed his lips to my temple and pulled me close. “Come on. Let’s go save the nurses.”
As it turned out,Lennox’s pestering didn’t win us any favors with the hospital staff. We were all stuck in the waiting room for over forty-five minutes before Lincoln strolled over, hands in his pockets. There were deep circles beneath his eyes, and he was clearly exhausted, but there was a new sparkle there. I’d never seen a man happier to be running on fumes.
“I heard y’all were causing a fuss,” he drawled. Mom handed him a cup of coffee, which he took with a grateful nod.
Our fingers pointed in Lennox’s direction, who didn’t even try to deny the accusations. “Excuse me if I’m excited to meet my niece,” she grumbled, leaning back in the chair with a huff. “That’s not a crime.”
“It’s not,” I said, shaking my head. “But threatening a nurse is.”
“I didn’tthreatenher. You’re so dramatic. I just told her if she didn’t stop blocking my path, then I’d push her aside.”
“That’s a threat, killer,” Bishop said with a sigh.
Lennox just stuck her tongue out in response.
Lincoln laughed and held up his hands. “Listen, I have permission to bring y’all back if you don’t start bullying the staff again.”
“Fine, fine. I promise.” She hopped up. “But now it’s baby time?”
Lincoln nodded. “It’s baby time. Come meet the newest member.”
We fell in line, following Lincoln until we stood outside a big blue door. Mom and I made a pink and green wreath to hang on the outside that said ‘Baby Hayes’ in big, white cursive letters. Lennox added a little pair of sparkly cowgirl boots at the bottom because she said we hadn’t added enough pizzazz.
Lincoln knocked once, and we heard a muffled, “Come in!” from the other side of the door. He peeked inside, smiling widely before letting us follow him.
