The Cowboy's Secret Son

Abby could understand his desire to run. She shared it. “May Robbie and I walk with you, Brad? I promised him I’d go see the puppies.”

Jason and Matt decided to go with them, too. Soon the kitchen was empty of everyone but Nick, Patricia and Kate.

“Why don’t we go to your office while your mother does the dishes, Nick?” Patricia suggested.

Nick squared his jaw, a sure sign to Kate that her son was digging in his heels. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we help Mom clean the kitchen?”

CHAPTER THREE

ABBY was stunned by the performance she’d just seen. She walked beside Brad toward the barn, unable to speak, unable to focus on Robbie’s chatter as he strode ahead with Matt and Jason. The scene in the kitchen replayed twenty times in her mind.

“Excited about Nick’s future wife?” Brad finally asked.

Abby looked up in surprise. “Do I hear sarcasm in your voice?”

“Come on, Abby. You must see how poorly matched she is to Nick. If he marries her, his life is going to be a living hell!”

The thought had crossed her mind, too, but she wouldn’t voice it. Instead she said, “Obviously something attracted him to her. You have to give them a chance, Brad.”

“Not me. If she moves in, I move out.”

“I would guess she won’t move in. I can’t see her living with the family.” In fact, Abby felt sure that wouldn’t happen.

“So you think he’ll dump her?” Brad asked, a happy note in his voice.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I think Nick will build her a new house.”

“Damn! I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Brad, Nick has to make his own choices. That’s the only way he’ll be happy.”