Daddy Wanted by Kate Hoffmann

Author:Kate Hoffmann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

RYAN STOOD OUTSIDE the elementary school and watched as the front doors flew open and children ran out. A line of buses waited at the curb, ready to drive the many miles of road between the ranches outside San Antonio. Though chaos seemed to reign, it took only ten minutes to get every child into the buses and on their way. Only teachers were left standing on the sidewalks, various degrees of exhaustion evident in their postures and expressions.

Ben stood near the front entrance of the school, chatting with another teacher. Ryan walked across the drive slowly. He’d stopped by the house before driving out to the school, only to find that Ben had returned to work that week. Unlike his last trip to San Antonio, this time he’d come with a purpose, a purpose that he wanted to discuss with Ben.

He stepped up next to Ben and gave him a slap on the shoulder. “Hey, brother.”

Ben turned, then a grin broke across his tanned face. “Hey, Ryan. What are you doing here?”

“I stopped by the house and Carolyn said you’d gone back to work.” He drew a deep breath. “Lucy looks good. She was outside riding her bike.” The unease that had plagued the first moments of their last meeting had abated some. Ryan wondered if they’d ever get to a point where they could instantly feel comfortable in each other’s presence, like real brothers.

Ben nodded. “Doesn’t she? The past few days she’s just perked up. She seems to be getting her old energy back. She’s also running Carolyn ragged. She should be able to go back to school soon, and then Carolyn can return to work full-time.” He paused. “So…”

“So…” Ryan repeated.

“So what brings you to San Antonio? Two visits a week apart. Must be important business.”

“Actually, it’s not business at all. It’s personal. Can I take you out for a beer? After getting a look at all those screaming kids, you could probably use one.”

Ryan’s joke seemed to break the ice and Ben chuckled. “I could use a beer. Why don’t we head over to Boots? It’s a Western bar near where Carolyn works. They’ve got all kinds of beer and great burgers if you’re hungry.”

“We can take my car,” Ryan suggested. “I’ll drop you back here on my way to the airport.”

“All right,” Ben replied with a nod. “Let me run inside and get my things and I’ll meet you back out here.”

Ryan jogged back to the car, then pulled it around in front of the school just as Ben was coming out. He leaned over and unlocked the door, then waited for his brother to slide inside. When he’d buckled his seat belt, Ryan pulled away from the curb. As he drove out of the school parking lot, he tried once again to put his thoughts in order, as he’d been doing for the entire flight to San Antonio. Back home, the notion of discussing his concerns with Ben had seemed a

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