Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren

Author:Linda Warren [Warren, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Romance, Erotic, Adult, Cowboy
ISBN: 9780373751556
Google: MwgVJRaf-i8C
Amazon: 0373751559
Barnesnoble: 0373751559
Goodreads: 1066038
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2006-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

He was immediately on his feet. “What is it?”

“The nurse said you were down here so…”

“Is this about my mother?”

“Yes. Brodie, I’m sorry. We did everything we could,

but she passed away a few minutes ago.”

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.

130

Once a Cowboy

“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?”

Linda Warren

131

“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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