Raising Kane (Rough Riders #9)(77)

She inhaled and released a long sigh.


“That’s my girl. I’ll go talk to Dash. See if I can’t get to the bottom of it, okay?”


“You’d do that for me?”


“Don’t you know by now that I’d do anything for you?” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “But this isn’t just about you. It affects all of us. You don’t have to do any of this alone any more, Ginger.”


Tears shimmered in her eyes again. “I love you.”


“I love you too. Stop cryin’, sugar. I’ll send Rissa in with some tea before you upset yourself to the point you start barfin’ again.”


“Too late. Oh God. Hand me the garbage can.”


Lightning fast, he had the small garbage can by the edge of the couch. “You want me to stay and hold your hair?” He’d gotten in a lot of practice holding her hair and rubbing her back as she suffered through morning sickness. Although he felt guilty as hell their child was making her the vomit queen, he was so damn excited about this baby he could hardly stand it. But he’d hold off on telling her his mother’s suspicions on why Ginger was so sick…at least until after the honeymoon and Doc Monroe confirmed it at their first prenatal appointment.


“No. Go. I’ll be fine.”


With one last, lingering look, he left and spoke to Rissa before heading outside.


In a town the size of Sundance, it took him about four minutes to walk to the retirement home. He brushed off the snow from his clothes and hat, thinking in three days he and Ginger would be in sunny California enjoying a week at Ava’s beach house, just the two of them.


He walked up to the kiosk and recognized the woman manning the desk as a former classmate. “Lucy.


How are you?”


“Good. I hear congratulations are in order.”


“Thanks.”


Lucy leaned closer. “Tell me the truth, wild man McKay. Are you nervous about settling down with just one woman?”


“Nope. Been waiting for her all my life.” Kane smiled because the question didn’t bother him.


“Where have you stashed Dash Paulson?”


“Room twelve.”


He skirted wheelchairs and carts until he stood in front of the right door. It was fully open, but he knocked anyway. “Dash? You in here?”


“Where else would I be?”


Kane fought his Testy much? response.


“You might as well come in and sit down.”


Not exactly a hearty welcome. Kane crossed the tile floor. It was the first time he’d been in this side of the nursing home/assisted living facility. The space had a living area with a big picture window, and a loveseat and a chair. The TV was on an end table, shoved against the wall. A kitchenette consisted of a countertop with stools beneath and a small refrigerator and a microwave on the opposite wall. No stove. A doorway off to the left led to a bedroom and a bathroom. Everything in the place was brand new and handicapped-accessible.


“Did my daughter send you here?”


“Nope. I volunteered.” Kane took off his coat and plopped on the couch. He waited for Dash to wheel to the open spot beside the recliner. “So what’s this bullshit about you movin’ in here permanently?”


Dash straightened in his wheelchair, notching up his stubborn chin. “Not bullshit. It’s time I permanently settle in a place like this.”


“Why? Is the bed comfier here?”


That gave Dash pause. “No.”


“Tastier food?”


“No.”


Kane glanced around the room. “It can’t be lure of the luxury atmosphere that’s makin’ you uproot your life. This place is more bland than my trailer.” Kane’s eyes narrowed. “Is this about sex? Are you knockin’ boots with a horny widow and you want privacy to get it on?”


Dash’s mouth dropped open. Then snapped shut. “What in the hell is wrong with you, McKay? Even if I was, what business is it of yours?”


“Two days from now, what happens in this family definitely will be my business. So if you ain’t upgraded to a place that’s better, why would you wanna leave the comforts of the home you’ve already got?”


When Dash cocked his head and studied him, Kane was glad he’d never stood before this man when he’d been Judge Dash Paulson.


“Since you’re a straight shooter, I’ll give it to you plain. I never intended to live with Ginger and Hayden forever.”


“That so?”


Dash nodded. “My daughter seemed eager to create that happy family vibe she’d been denied growing up and I went along with it to make her happy. I’d always hoped she’d find a good man and settle down.


Now that she’s about to get married, it’s time for me to let her have her own family life.”


Kane looked at Dash coolly. “As long as we’re bein’ honest and all… Have I ever given you the sense that I don’t want you around?”


Another confused look. “Well, no. But you’ve got to admit taking on the responsibility of a wife, a young boy, and soon enough, a baby, is plenty to have on your plate. You’ll still be ranching fulltime too.”