The Prodigal's Holiday Hope by Jill Kemerer

Author:Jill Kemerer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-08-12T17:55:09+00:00

* * *

“How are you doing?” Sawyer sat in the chair next to Ken’s bed. The man looked healthy—sharp, even. Good. Sawyer needed to tell him about Bud, and the conversation would go better if Ken wasn’t feeling sick.

“I’m great.” Ken had a self-satisfied air about him.

“You look well.”

“And it’s a good thing, too.” Ken skewered him with a piercing stare. “Bud quit.”

“He quit?” Well, at least Sawyer wouldn’t have to fire him.

“Yes, and he had a lot to say about it.”

He tensed. Of course he did. And no doubt Ken believed every word Bud said.

When would he ever get the benefit of the doubt? This side of never, most likely.

He remained calm, keeping eye contact with the man. He had nothing to feel guilty about. “I’ll call around and see if anyone’s looking for part-time work. We shouldn’t have any trouble replacing him.”

“I’m not replacing him.” Ken’s legs were stretched out on top of the quilt, and he crossed one ankle over the other, as calm as could be.

“What?” His brain scrambled, thinking of how much extra work it would mean for him.

“Tess told you the truth when she said the ranch is going through a tough phase. I can’t afford to hire someone else.”

Had Tess told her father he’d taken a huge pay cut? Did it even matter at this point?

“With all due respect, this ranch is a lot for one person to handle.”

“You saying you can’t handle it?”

“No.” Yes. He’d been caught between a rock and a hard place before, but this felt extra tight.

“Good. I’m counting on you. Tess is counting on you. Tucker’s counting on you.” He inhaled deeply, not coughing for once. “I’ll be out to help as soon as I’m able.”

Sawyer wanted to drop his forehead into his hands, but he didn’t. Was Ken out of touch with reality? The man was sick. Being outdoors in this weather wasn’t good for him. Days out in the brittle cold would tax his lungs. And yet he was planning on working?

“What about retiring?” Sawyer asked. “I’d hate to see your health take a dive when you’re on the verge of enjoying some free time.”

“Bah.” He waved in an offhand manner. “I’ve got all the time in the world right now, and it’s boring. I’ll be ready to saddle up soon.”

“Does Tess know?”

“I don’t need permission to ride around this ranch, son. Don’t forget it.”

Okay, then.

“The ranch will run better with another cowboy. How about I ask around for a part-time hand until you’re feeling up to it?”

“I don’t think you got my message.” Ken shifted his jaw. “There will be no part-timer.”

The silence in the room grew oppressive. “I understand. I’ll see myself out.”

He rose and left the room, not looking back.

Double the work. Half the pay.

Ken was right about one thing. The ranch and all who lived on it were counting on Sawyer right now. Although the situation was unfair to him, he couldn’t leave a sick man, a single mom and a little boy in the lurch.

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