Second Chance Rancher by Patricia Thayer Read Free Book Online

aftershave. The subtle fragrance got her motor running. He raised his head and his gaze locked on hers. “Thank you again.”
    â€œDaddy, don’t forget to kiss Laurel, too.”
    He winked. “I wouldn’t forget that.”
    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. “Goodbye, Laurel.”
    â€œGoodbye,” she answered, but her voice didn’t 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. “Do I have to eat my fruit?” she asked.
    This child could steal her heart if she let her. “Maybe two bites and eat some of your hamburger. Then we’ll go see my horses.”
    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 didn’t even want to think about what he could do to her heart again.
    * * *
    â€œD AD , YOU NEED to listen to the doctor. He’s telling you that you need this surgery. It’s the only thing that will get rid of the pain and help you walk easier again.”
    Gus Rawlins sat in the chair in the medical office and glanced between his son and the young doctor who didn’t look much older. “Will I be able to ride again?”
    The fortysomething orthopedist adjusted his wire-rim glasses. “After a successful surgery, many patients go back to normal activities. I’m not sure if it’s wise for you to spend all day in a saddle, but I’ve seen people do it.” He smiled. “The important key is getting a good rehab program.”
    Gus didn’t look convinced. “And what if it makes my hip worse?”
    Dr. Copeland folded his arms. “I perform this type of surgery every week, Mr. Rawlins, and I haven’t had many complications. That is, unless the patient doesn’t work at rehab.”
    Gus looked at his son. “That’s another thing. I don’t need to go into any nursing home. What if I don’t ever get out?”
    Kase’s heart sank. Did his father really think that? Guilt washed over him. He wasn’t going to abandon him again. “They can’t keep you, Dad. If they try, you can have your lawyer sue them.” Kase smiled, trying to make light of the situation.
    Gus looked at the doctor. “He’s got a smart mouth because he’s a lawyer.” He sighed. “Okay, I’ll do the surgery, but I want to do the rehab at the house.”
    â€œDad...”
    Gus raised his hand. “I need to make sure my horses are looked after. And what about Addy? Who will watch after her? I don’t want to worry her because I’m not there. She’s already lost people...”
    Kase wasn’t sure how to handle this. He looked at the doctor for help.
    â€œI have a list of excellent physical therapists who could come out to the house,” the doctor said. “It could be expensive, though. Your insurance may not cover all the expense.”
    â€œIf this helps my father, I’ll pay extra for a therapist to come to the ranch.” He frowned at his father. “So when can you schedule the surgery?”
    The doctor looked over his computer screen. “I have next Friday at seven in the morning.”
    They both looked at Gus. Finally his father relented. “Okay, I’ll do it, but not for you—it’s for my granddaughter. I made a lot of promises to her, and I plan to be around to make good on all of them.”
    Kase wanted to know what his father