aftershave. The subtle fragrance got her motor running. He raised his head and his gaze locked on hers. âThank you again.â
âDaddy, donât forget to kiss Laurel, too.â
He winked. âI wouldnât forget that.â
Her heart began to pound as his head descended toward hers and he brushed a soft kiss against her cheek. He picked up the check from the table. âGoodbye, Laurel.â
âGoodbye,â she answered, but her voice didnât sound like hers.
Unable to help herself, she watched as the good-looking man dressed in a pair of dark jeans and boots walked to the cashier and paid the bill. Then he started out and held the door for a woman, then nodded a greeting and walked out.
She had to stop this, realizing her heart was still racing. Kase was not the man for her. Not ten years ago, and definitely not now.
She felt a tug on her arm and looked down at Addy. âDo I have to eat my fruit?â she asked.
This child could steal her heart if she let her. âMaybe two bites and eat some of your hamburger. Then weâll go see my horses.â
She was rewarded with a big smile, and the girl picked up her fork and began to eat. Laurel wished she could stimulate her appetite, but Kase had her stomach in knots. She didnât even want to think about what he could do to her heart again.
* * *
âD AD , YOU NEED to listen to the doctor. Heâs telling you that you need this surgery. Itâs the only thing that will get rid of the pain and help you walk easier again.â
Gus Rawlins sat in the chair in the medical office and glanced between his son and the young doctor who didnât look much older. âWill I be able to ride again?â
The fortysomething orthopedist adjusted his wire-rim glasses. âAfter a successful surgery, many patients go back to normal activities. Iâm not sure if itâs wise for you to spend all day in a saddle, but Iâve seen people do it.â He smiled. âThe important key is getting a good rehab program.â
Gus didnât look convinced. âAnd what if it makes my hip worse?â
Dr. Copeland folded his arms. âI perform this type of surgery every week, Mr. Rawlins, and I havenât had many complications. That is, unless the patient doesnât work at rehab.â
Gus looked at his son. âThatâs another thing. I donât need to go into any nursing home. What if I donât ever get out?â
Kaseâs heart sank. Did his father really think that? Guilt washed over him. He wasnât going to abandon him again. âThey canât keep you, Dad. If they try, you can have your lawyer sue them.â Kase smiled, trying to make light of the situation.
Gus looked at the doctor. âHeâs got a smart mouth because heâs a lawyer.â He sighed. âOkay, Iâll do the surgery, but I want to do the rehab at the house.â
âDad...â
Gus raised his hand. âI need to make sure my horses are looked after. And what about Addy? Who will watch after her? I donât want to worry her because Iâm not there. Sheâs already lost people...â
Kase wasnât sure how to handle this. He looked at the doctor for help.
âI have a list of excellent physical therapists who could come out to the house,â the doctor said. âIt could be expensive, though. Your insurance may not cover all the expense.â
âIf this helps my father, Iâll pay extra for a therapist to come to the ranch.â He frowned at his father. âSo when can you schedule the surgery?â
The doctor looked over his computer screen. âI have next Friday at seven in the morning.â
They both looked at Gus. Finally his father relented. âOkay, Iâll do it, but not for youâitâs for my granddaughter. I made a lot of promises to her, and I plan to be around to make good on all of them.â
Kase wanted to know what his father
Rebecca Hamilton, Conner Kressley