The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(51)

“Pretty sure, but even though their lawyers and I think it’s the best way to go, doesn’t mean they’ll agree. These people lost their son and found his baby in the same breath. They may want to go the whole hog and insist he be prepared to take over their business interests which will be his right. They have the ability to offer him a life with way more benefits than Gina does. Who knows what will happen? I’m hoping to have an answer tomorrow. Soon as I do, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, Layla. Appreciate it.” Rory put down the phone and stared at it for some time mulling over her words. Tonight he had to make up his mind whether to tell Gina or to let things ride and give her the good news when and if it happened.

Before he left for the day, he decided to call his brother and see if they could get home for his wedding. He looked in his phone for the number for Evan. He pushed the dial button and waited for an answer, keen to speak to him for the first time in years. It went straight to voicemail. Rory swallowed the wave of disappointment and left a message. “Hey, Evan, it’s Rory. Give me a call. I have some news I want to share with you.”

By the time he’d driven up the road to the ranch that evening, Rory decided it was only fair to tell Gina what the lawyer said, regardless of the outcome. He could try and protect her but at the end of the day this concerned her and was her decision, not his. This was all about her and her child though so she had the right to know. The best he could do was be there for her if it all went crazy wrong and they ended up in court anyway.





Chapter Twenty-One





“Seriously? They might drop the case?” She stood with hope coursing through her body, aware that Rory was trying to tell her not to count on it, but it was all too much to dream about.

“Yes, we might find out tomorrow but, honey, don’t get your hopes up. They may still want to go for full custody. But what I’ve told you is what Layla and the other lawyers have agreed would be in everyone’s best interests. They have to convince the other side of that yet.”

She threw herself into his arms, breathless with the possibility of not having to fight for custody in court. Gina clung to Rory, unable to believe it could turn out so well, desperately praying it was how it would end up. She had no problem with meeting Aden’s parents and letting Fisher get to know them so long as she got to keep her baby.

Raised voices in the other room made Gina wince. “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you your father is here. Chance wasn’t too happy about it either.” She shuddered. “This is all my fault.”

Rory held her close. “Honey, none of it is your fault. He went off the rails when our mother died and Chance is probably having a hard time forgiving him. I understand all that.”

“What about you?”

He looked down into her eyes. “I saw him the other day actually. Thought it was time I asked him for the truth about what Chance did, you know, supporting us and all.”

Gina reached up and wiped away the frown on his forehead.

“He told me the truth and I can’t keep being bitter at him over it. I almost did the same thing when Cindy died. Only thing different was I didn’t have any kids to take it out on.”

“If Layla hadn’t said Chance had to make up with your father to help Fisher and me out, this wouldn’t be happening.”

“Yeah, it would, eventually. Had to be sorted out sooner or later because I want him to get to know you and our son. Family should stick together through thick and thin. He made a mistake and now it’s time to deal with it.”

Chance raised his voice again and Rory hurried into the other room with Gina right behind him. Jock stood gazing out the window, his back to his eldest son. Rory and Gina came to a halt, watching things unfold.

Chance tried to smile at her before he turned back to his father, but it came off rather strained. “I’m sorry you think that way, I did the best I could for everyone involved.” His father turned around and stepped forward.

“Which is why you need to stop now and think about yourself. You were these boys’ father for far too long and I take full responsibility for that as I’ve already told you. You need to think about yourself and that pretty little lady upstairs. Stop trying to help everyone including me.”

Chance snorted and got a frown from his father for his trouble.

“You can take the piss out of me all you like, son. I know I screwed up and we all know why. I’ve said I’m sorry so many damned times, to your brothers and now to you. I want back in your lives and I want you to let me be your father again. If that means I get to tell you how I see it, so be it.”

“What’s going on?” Rory looked between the two of them.

“Comes waltzing in here acting like my father after everything he did.” Chance threw his hands up in the air. “Wants to come and help me out because he’s worried about my hip all of a sudden.”

“And that’s wrong, why? Please fill me in here, brother.” Rory raised an eyebrow and watched him.

Chance glared at him. “Because I can do just fine by myself, that’s why.”

“You helped me when I needed it, Chance. Give me the courtesy of doing the same for you.” Jock glanced between his two sons.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs and Callie came down with Fisher on her hip. “You’re so full of it, Chance. I know you’re still in pain at night after a big day and you won’t employ anyone else to help out, even when you tell Rory it was me that doesn’t want more staff here. I think it’s a great idea to let your dad come and do some work on the ranch. Might give you and me a little bit more ‘us’ time, don’t you think?”