Once A Cowboy by Linda Warren

Author:Linda Warren [Warren, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0373751559
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2007-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“I’m so sorry.” The doctor patted Brodie on the shoulder, but he seemed to be in a trance.

“Would you like to see her?” Dr. Finley asked.“No,” Brodie answered. “I already said goodbye.”

“Fine.” The doctor patted his shoulder again and walked out.

Alex went to Brodie and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m sorry.”

He held her in a fierce grip. His body trembled and her arms tightened around his waist. Time stood still for that brief moment. The smell of leather and antiseptic mingled around them. His stubble brushed her forehead and she breathed in the scent of his skin, which had a distinctive masculine appeal. It was a potent combination, but that wasn’t what kept her holding on. He needed her—no one had ever needed her this much.

He suddenly drew back, his face solemn, pain etched in every feature. Claudia Hayes may not have been his biological mother, but that didn’t make a difference now.

“I need to call Cleo, Colter and Tripp,” he said, his voice hoarse. “And I have to make arrangements.”

She caught his hand. “It’s late. Sit for a while and talk to me.”

He didn’t offer any objection as he half fell into the chair. Leaning forward, he clasped his hands tightly. “This shouldn’t be so hard. Why is it?”

“Because she was your mother and you loved her.”

“She lied to me for so many years.”

“You said she didn’t remember stealing you from the nursery and I believe that. Don’t you?”

He raised a clasped fist to his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut. “Yes.” The word was barely audible.

Unable to stand that anguished look, Alex covered the fist with her hands. “It’s okay to be sad. And it’s okay to love the woman who raised you, even though you had a turbulent relationship. Biological kids have those, too.”

The fist fell into his lap and he stared straight ahead. “All my life I felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole. Finally I couldn’t take the pressure anymore.” He took a deep breath. “I’m confused and numb right now.”

She rubbed his arm, needing to touch him. “That’s understandable.”

He turned to look at her, his eyes wet. “Thank you for being here.”

“You’re welcome.” His pain was almost more than she could take, but she had to keep him talking. He needed that more than anything.

“You said you told your mother you forgave her. Is that what you meant by saying goodbye?”

“Yes. I think we both knew it. Maybe that’s why I was able to say the words.”

“I’m glad you had the chance to talk to her without the anger.”

“Me, too.” He suddenly stood. “I better go. I have things to do.”

“You don’t have a vehicle,” she reminded him.

“What? Oh yeah. My truck’s still at the bar. Man, I’ve got to go.” He whirled toward the door.

“Your truck’s at home,” she called to his retreating back.

He stopped in his tracks and glared at her. “Did you drive my truck?”

“Are you kidding?” She got to her feet. “Since you said I was responsible for it, I was worried how to get it back to your ranch.

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