But these weren’t his kids. And instead of feeling relieved about that, he felt oddly disappointed. He already cared about them.
But their grandmother wanted nothing to do with them. She’d been disapproving of everything Trish had done that mattered to her. He couldn’t imagine how tough her childhood must have been with that woman as her mother. No wonder the ranch had become so important for her; it hadn’t been just fresh air and animals and fun times with friends, like she’d said. It had been her sanctuary away from disapproval and criticism.
Trish let out another sigh, but this was one of resignation. “Okay. I will lie down for a little while. But make sure that everyone is here for dinner, so we can talk.”
He nodded. “I’ll do that for you.” He would do anything for her, he suddenly realized. But she didn’t want that, and she didn’t need that. She really could take care of herself and her babies. And once again, instead of feeling relief, he felt disappointed that she didn’t need him.
As she walked toward the house, some of the tension eased from him. She hadn’t left with her family like he’d momentarily feared. But he couldn’t help but feel like he was still losing her somehow. Maybe just to herself.
* * *
Brett kept his promise, not that she’d had any doubt he would. Just as she’d told her mother, he was an honorable man. He made sure that everybody was at dinner that night. He’d even asked Elise to pick up pizzas on her way home, which she had happily done.
They all sat around the big round table in the kitchen, eating pizza and drinking soda. Joking and laughing. As Trish looked from smiling face to smiling face, her heart swelled with love and appreciation for all of them.
While Lucy and Elise had moved in after her dad died, the others had been here with him. Had kept him company. Had made him so happy that he’d wanted them to stay here even after he was gone.
She knew that now. And she wanted to make sure that wish was honored no matter what.
“The pizza party was a great idea,” Elise told Brett.
“It wasn’t my idea,” he said. “Trish wanted everyone to be here for dinner.”
“More plans for the ranch?” Liam asked hopefully. “Maybe we can stage kiddie rodeos. I’m sure my big brother can find a liability policy to cover those.”
Brett groaned, and Liam and Blake laughed.
“I could train them to become rodeo riders,” Liam continued. “I’m sure I can get Caleb Haven to sign up.”
“I’m sure he would prefer his uncle Dusty to teach him,” Blake said, but he grinned as if he was teasing his brother.
“I would, too,” Liam agreed. Then he glanced back at Trish. “I’m sorry. What are your plans? I’m sure it’s something great.”
He was so sweet. She used to wish she had a younger brother. She’d felt like she had sisters in Frankie and Maci, but she’d really wanted a brother. And she would have been lucky to get someone like Liam.
She shook her head. “That’s not why I wanted you all here.”
“What is it?” Elise asked with concern.
“Her mom and ex-husband showed up today,” Frankie said, her voice sharp with resentment.
Maci gasped. “Are you all right?”
She nodded.
“She was fierce.” Frankie praised her like she had earlier.
Brett didn’t agree this time. He just sat in his chair, his body tense as if he was bracing himself for her to continue.
So she told them the rest. About the accusations of fraud and the threats to go after the ranch.
“Can they go after it?” Blake asked Maci.
She sighed. “They can try.”
And knowing her mother and Harold, Trish had no doubt that they would.
“I should have invited Nolan to this meeting, too,” she said.
