The Rancher's Heir

The next morning when Noah stopped at the back of the house, his parents were sitting in big rocking chairs on the veranda. He joined them and sat talking, taking his time and enjoying the morning, seeing his folks and gazing at their yard filled with flowers, a lily pond with a waterfall and fountains. He knew that around the corner on the east side of the house, there was another large veranda with an outdoor living room and kitchen. Beyond it was a sparkling swimming pool with more waterfalls and fountains.

“Let’s go to my office,” his dad said, and Noah nodded, strolling slowly beside his dad through the hall to the large home office. Cal Grant entered and crossed the room to sit in the big leather recliner he’d had for years. Noah turned to close the door and then sat in a hard, wooden rocking chair.

“I remember when your feet didn’t touch the floor when you’d sit in that chair,” his dad said, smiling at him.

“Yeah. I remember sitting here getting lectures about my behavior,” Noah replied, and his dad chuckled.

“They must have done some good. You turned out to be a good man.”

Noah looked into his dad’s eyes. “Ben told me about your heart attacks and your bypass surgery, Dad. I wish I could do something.”

“This came sooner than I thought something would, but I’m doing okay. I walk on a treadmill some, try to eat right. I feel okay.”

“That’s good news. I’m just sorry about what you’ve been through and that I wasn’t here.”

“You were doing a service for me and for all of us. Your mother is in a dither over this, so the less said around her the better. I feel better now that you’re home. That’s good.”

“It’s good to be home.”

“You’ll be going to your ranch soon.”

He nodded. “I have Mike Moretti’s wedding to Vivian Warner coming up and I’ll be around here for a while after that. We’ll get to see each other.”

“Noah, you faced that you might not return when you enlisted. With old age, it’s a given. We have trusts set up, the business is taken care of and I’m out of it. I’ve had a really good life. Financially, there shouldn’t be any problem or even responsibility for your mom. Harvey’s been our accountant for years and he’ll handle things. If something happens to me, just give her your love and attention the way you always have. Take care of Mom and try to not grieve. I’ve had a good life.”

“There’s no way in hell anyone can avoid grief. Not when you love someone,” Noah replied, not wanting to even contemplate losing his father. Surprisingly, another thought entered his mind. Camilla. He wondered if he was going to miss her for the rest of his life, too.

He leaned toward his dad. “If there is anything I can do to make life easier, you tell me. Would you mind if I go to one of your doctor’s appointments with you? I’d like to meet and talk to your doctor.”

“I knew you would,” his dad said. “Look on my desk. I wrote the names and numbers of all the docs I’ve seen. Feel free to call and talk to them. I told them you probably would when you came home. Also, you can look at my calendar on the desk and see my appointments. I’d be happy for you to go along.”

“Thanks,” Noah said, getting up to walk to his dad’s desk.

“Are you seeing Camilla now?”

“No, sir, that’s over. It was over before I enlisted.”

“Sorry, son. She seemed nice and we’ve missed seeing her, but some things just don’t work out. We were saddened over Thane and we’re both glad you’re home. You’ve served and Mother needs you. We’re both going to need you this year.”