The Cowboy's Belated Discovery by Valerie Comer

Author:Valerie Comer [Comer, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988068503
Publisher: GreenWords Media
Published: 2019-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“I had a phone call I think you should know about.” Mom met her on the steps of the small cabin Tori called home.

Must be serious, by the solemn expression on Mom’s face. “Sure. Want to come in?”

“For a few minutes. I know you’ve been busy with that girls’ school all day. All week, really. I bet you’re tired.”

Tori slid open the patio door to the deck overlooking the lake. “They’ve settled in well. By the end of next week, the place will seem empty without them here. Want a glass of iced tea? I stole a jug from Ollie.”

“I’d love one. And I’m pretty sure Ollie would give you whatever you asked for.”

Tori chuckled as she poured two glasses. “Okay, so I didn’t steal. He keeps me supplied.” The resort chef was like a favorite uncle who lived to spoil those whom he loved.

Mom settled at the tiny table beside the fridge. “It was Bonnie Briscoe. The pastor’s wife.”

“What’s up?” At least it wasn’t her in trouble.

“She called about Nancy Morrison.” Mom picked up a couple of petals that had fallen from the wildflower bouquet Tori had set there a week ago when Denae’s flowers had drooped. “It seems Nancy has aggressive pancreatic cancer. Stage four.”

Tori’s head buzzed as her knees weakened. She sagged into the chair opposite her mother and stared at her. This might explain so many things. “No way.”

“Bonnie and Roland have known for a couple of weeks, but the Morrisons asked them to keep it quiet for a time.”

And Tori had thought Garret’s withdrawal had been all about her. Since when was she that important? Definitely not in the face of a parent with cancer. “Why tell us now?” And why had the pastor’s wife called Mom instead of Garret? Because Tori wasn’t really his friend. She’d hazard a guess even James didn’t know. Had Garret kept this to himself completely?

“But it’s progressing quickly.” Mom inhaled sharply then let it out in a whoosh. “They can’t manage on their own.”

Tori remembered brushing aside Garret’s mom’s request to join her for coffee a few weeks back. Regret jabbed her. “Do they need someone to drive her to chemo? Or what? We can make meals.” Garret couldn’t cook. She’d seen his pathetic contributions to group potlucks and camping trips.

“She’s refused treatment.”

“But...”

“I know.” Mom met Tori’s gaze. “I understand it wasn’t a good option for her situation. That must be hard for everyone — her and her men — to accept and support. I can’t imagine.”

How could this be? Sure, Garret’s mom was pretty old, but not ancient. Cancer could be beat. Maybe not every time, but often. And that required treatment or a literal miracle. Garret’s heart must be breaking.

Tori took a deep breath. “Wow. That’s a blow. So, how can we help?” Not in the way she most wanted to, by wrapping her arms around Garret and holding him up.

“Gloria Delgado is going over with her housekeeper and a couple of women tomorrow to do a deep clean.

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