Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch (The Ryan Family #1)(13)

“I’m glad Jesse is home,” Sonny said. “I’d like for all three of my boys to come back to Honey Grove, but to have Jesse is special. He’ll always be our first.”

“Seems like just yesterday that we adopted him,” Pearl sighed.

“Hopefully, he’ll take some of the worry about this place off you,” Addy said as she put her stethoscope back into her little tote bag, “and I agree about time slipping by. Seems like only yesterday that Jesse and I graduated from high school, and he left to go to the Air Force. It’s like time stood still, and he’s only been gone a few hours.”

“That’s the way of it when really good friends get together again,” Sonny said. “Doesn’t matter if it’s two years or two months. True friendship don’t know time or distance.”

“I guess that’s right about me and Jesse. The heart doesn’t know about time and years, does it?” Addy agreed.

“No, it doesn’t,” Pearl said.

Mia came into the kitchen in a whirlwind. Her long, brown hair was twisted up on top of her head in a messy bun that was still a little damp from her shower. “What can I do to help?”

“Set the table and then get the butter and strawberry jam out of the fridge,” Pearl said. “Jesse is going to be starving. He took a biscuit with him this morning, and that’s all he’s had all day. He’s always loved hot rolls with my jam on them.”

“I suppose he’s going to want to go over the books, too?” Mia asked.

Addy could tell from her daughter’s tone that the idea wasn’t setting too well with her. “And why wouldn’t he? He needs to see what’s going on here on Sunflower.”

“Forget I said anything.” Mia took down five plates. “But don’t expect me to show him the ropes.”

“Six plates,” Sonny said. “Henry will be eating with us, too.”

“What’s got you all in a tizzy today?” Pearl asked.

“I’m fine,” Mia said.

“Missin’ your friends at school?” Sonny asked.

“Not one bit,” Mia answered. “We only need five plates. I’m going to go into town and grab a burger with some of the kids I haven’t seen yet this summer.”

Addy got her by the arm and marched her out of the kitchen, across the formal dining room and into the living room. “I don’t know what you’re angry about, but I won’t tolerate your attitude. Pearl and Sonny have been too damn good to you for you to blow off supper tonight.”

“I don’t like Jesse,” Mia said.

“That’s too bad, because as of this morning, he’s your boss. Sonny is turning over the whole operation to him in a few months. Henry is retiring, and Jesse will be the new overseer and foreman of this place. So suck it up, get your butt back in there, and put a smile on your face,” Addy said.

“You’re treating me like a child.”

“Act like an adult, and I will treat you like one.” Addy pointed toward the door.

Mia pasted a fake smile on her face. Addy followed her into the kitchen and took down another plate. “You can get the silverware and Jesse’s strawberry jam out of the fridge.”

“Did I hear my name?” Jesse’s silhouette blocked the light coming through the door into the kitchen. His dark hair had been combed back. He filled out a fresh pair of creased jeans just right, and he had polished his boots. His plaid, pearl snap shirt stretched across his broad chest like the thing had been tailored to fit him. Addy’s pulse jacked up a few notches, and her breath caught in her chest.

“Yes, son. Come on in here and get washed up. “I made that freezer strawberry jam just for you.” Pearl took a step to the side and hugged him. “I know how you like it on your hot rolls.”

“You’re going to spoil me, Mama, and I’ll love it.” Jesse kissed her on the top of her gray hair and then sniffed the air. “Is that one of your famous pot roasts I smell?”

Pearl grabbed two pot holders and took the roast from the oven. “Got to feed you good so you won’t get a wandering notion again.”

“Never happen, Mama.” Jesse grinned. “I’m right back where I should’ve been all along.”





Chapter Five



Jesse turned away from his mother to find three sets of eyes staring at him. His father looked downright happy. Addy had questions in hers, and Mia was shooting daggers at him.

Henry rapped on the back door and came into the kitchen without waiting for someone to invite him inside. “Smells good in here, and can you believe what the cats have drug in?” He crossed the room and wrapped Jesse up in his arms in a fierce bear hug. “Boy, I’m glad you finally came home. These old bones of mine are getting tired of long days of fencing and hay and pulling baby calves. They’re ready to go to the cool mountains of Colorado and fish all day.”

Jesse patted him on the back and took a step to the side. “It’s sure good to see you again, Henry! Dad told me that you’re retiring at the end of the year, but you sure you don’t want to stick around ’til spring? In the wintertime up in that part of the country, you’ll be more likely to catch forty winks than a fish anyway.”

Henry hung his cowboy hat on the rack beside the door. “It’s right good to see you, too, son. We’re all gettin’ older by the day on this place. I’ll miss all y’all, too, but my sister left me a cabin in the mountains, and it seems like an omen. Sonny tells me that you’ll be taking over before long. Soon as you’re ready, I’ll be willin’ to step down. Don’t want to rush you. You need to get comfortable with everything.” He headed for the table, where Sonny was sitting. “You just tell me when the time seems right to you, and I don’t care if I catch a fish or them forty winks, it’ll be good to rest my weary bones and not have to deal with teenage boys anymore.”