When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Read Free Book Online

left. Walking as fast as his limp allowed, he went to the stables.  Mr. Callahan hadn’t yet begun to saddle a horse. “The girl at the desk said I could find you in here.”
    Everett’s head jerked back in obvious surprise. A vein in the man’s neck twitched, but he plastered on a smile, one which Jeremy could see straight through. “This is a surprise. When I hadn’t heard from you, I assumed you weren’t interested.”
    “No, sir. I just needed time to ensure this was a wise decision.” He stood fully erect, not favoring any leg regardless of the pain. 
    “I’m still not sure it is, but, the fact is, we need help and you’re qualified; more than anyone else we’d be able to find.” Mr. Callahan’s appraising stare found him lacking as a man, it didn’t take a genius to know that; yet, there was a begrudging level of respect for the skill Jeremy could bring.
    “I understand.” All too well, he understood.  Either he the world’s biggest fool and wishful thinker, or Lanie was right. Her words had stuck with him long after she’d left that day, several weeks ago. She believed in him, as a dad, even after all the crap he’d pulled. He may have lost faith in himself, but if Lanie hadn’t lost hers, then maybe all hope hadn’t been lost. Maybe there was hope for Cody and him to form a relationship. All he knew was he wanted to try, and coming to Whispering Winds would be a start.
    “Let’s get the elephant out of the way, here and now.” Everett Callahan stared at him through dark and steely eyes. “I’ve never been one to beat around the bush, so here it is. You treated my daughter like yesterday’s leftovers. You chose to ignore the greatest responsibility and privilege a man can be given.  As it stands, my opinion of you as a man isn’t high.”
    Jeremy tried not to wince under the man’s harsh speech. “It’s not too high for me either,” he told Lanie’s dad honestly, maintaining his rigid posture. “I’ve made mistakes and a lot of them. Maybe I don’t deserve a second chance to be in Cody’s life, but it appears life is giving me one. I intend to do better this time.”
    A very small, an inkling really, measure of respect appeared in Everett’s eyes. “Good to hear. A son needs his father. I don’t know how in detail Lanie went, but the ranch needs someone with your background to bring us solidly in the black again. For the time being, I can put aside personal feelings and appreciate your coming here. But know this; my family comes first. Anything, anyone, who hurts them gets automatic walking papers.”
    “Understood.”The not-so-veiled threat couldn’t be more obvious.
    “Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk.” Mr. Callahan’s entire countenance changed from aggrieved father to driven businessman. “We both know you didn’t take this job for the money, which means you have a higher motivation. I hope we can use that to build things up around here. Let’s go to my office and have you fill out the necessary paperwork, and I’ll tell you what I have planned.”
    “Lead the way,” Jeremy said with strained amiableness. To an extent, he was relieved the air was cleared. Like ripping off a bandage, it was best to get it done and over with it.
    Several people were scattered between the stables and the main lodge, and Jeremy wasn’t oblivious to the stares.  It could have been because he was, or had been, a rodeo star or because they knew he was Lanie’s worthless ex; he didn’t know which was true.  Hiding his limp as much as possible, he followed Everett into the house and down a hall to his office.
    “Have a seat,” Everett said, waving his hand to a chair by the desk.
    Sinking into the soft cowhide, Jeremy stretched out his bad leg.
    “Rough deal, huh?”
    Jeremy looked up to see an unexpected hint of empathy reflecting off the older man’s expression. “Could have been much worse.”
    Everett pulled some papers from a filing cabinet, attached them