“I’ve wanted to call you that for so long. You were the only father I had.”
“Then why haven’t you called me that before?” Joe withdrew slightly, looking into her eyes.
“Mother told me not to.”
He nodded and frowned. “I should have guessed.”
“I’m sorry for the wasted years.”
“As long as you start doing it now, you’ll make me very happy.”
“Thanks... Dad.”
* * * *
HOW WAS IT POSSIBLEthat Zack’s legs were more sore today than yesterday? The trip down the stairs early that morning nearly had him screaming in pain. But he was no sissy. Men donotscream. However, men do cuss under their breath to keep from showing their emotions.
It surprised him when Whitney wasn’t at the breakfast table, but he waited patiently as he slowly ate his pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and eggs. By the time he was finished, she had yet to make an appearance.
He left the table and wandered into the kitchen. Gladys and Karen were chatting, but quieted when he walked inside.
“Are you ready for more pancakes,” Gladys asked cheerfully.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks, ma’am. But I’m wondering if you’ve seen Whitney. I thought she’d be down for breakfast by now.”
“No, I haven’t. Did you check in the attic?”
“Why would she be up there?”
Gladys turned to the electric grill and flipped over two pancakes. “Joe mentioned that she was painting again.” She threw him a wide smile over her shoulder. “I’m assuming we have you to thank for that.”
His heart tripped in excitement. “Me?”
“Yes. You’re the first man who has made her want to paint again.” She wobbled over to him and lightly patted his cheek. “You are so wonderful.”
“Thanks, ma’am. I’d love to take the credit for that, but I think it’s because she’s back in this house. She has such great memories of being here.”
“Yes. Those were the good ole days.” Gladys nodded.
“Well, I suppose I’ll go see if she’s up there.” Inwardly, he groaned. He wasn’t looking forward to walking up all those many stairs – walkingdownthem.
“When you see her,” Gladys added, “tell her I’ve made her favorite breakfast.”
“I will.” He gave the ladies a small wave before leaving the kitchen.
As he limped toward the stairs, he passed the large picture window. The blinds were open and he glanced outside at the beautiful red, gold, and brown colors of autumn. But then he saw something else that had his heart skipping faster. It looked as though he didn’t have to climb all those stairs after all. Whitney was outside on a tire-swing hooked to the large oak tree in the front yard.
His heart melted. She looked similar to how she had yesterday. Her hair was long and flowing over her shoulders, she wore a pink flannel with black jeans. She fit in with the ranch scene perfectly. Maybe she’d change her mind about being an FBI agent and work on Joe’s ranch, instead.
Perhaps he needed to help her out by nudging her in the right direction.
