Chapter 4
“Declan? Declan’s coming home? I told you, Kade. I told you he’d show up.”
“That you did. There’s more. He’s broke down outside of Denver and needs five hundred dollars.”
“Oh, my.”
“Yeah,” Kade said dryly, “oh, my.”
“Did you tell him how tight things are right now?”
“Nope. That’s my problem.”
“Kade,” Gran admonished, “your folks left land on the Double K to both your brothers.”
“Land. Not the ranch.”
“Land that’s free and clear without liens. Although why that was so all-fire important to you, I don’t understand. More than just one parcel could be mortgaged for the ten thousand.” It was a theme Gran had sung for the past six months.
“Not gonna happen, Gran. That’s not my land. It’s Morgan’s and Declan’s.”
“Free and clear because of you.”
Kade chose not to answer her. He couldn’t explain the guilt he’d carried since he was eighteen and learned that his parents had left him the Double K. Why? Why hadn’t they split it three ways? It assuaged that guilt somewhat to make sure the titles to his brother’s fertile acres were free and clear. He’d had them surveyed, boundary marked, and planted with high mountain grass. He ran his cattle on them, but he also saw to it they were irrigated and kept ready for his brothers to claim.
“Kade, you’re not listening.”
“Sorry, Gran” There were few people Kade respected more, or feared more, than this petite, well-rounded lady. He may be thirty-two years old, but that wouldn’t stop her from giving him a tongue lashing whenever she felt one was called for.
Gran crossed her arms in front of her ample chest and looked at him with eyes that saw more than the man standing in front of her.
“There’s something else, isn’t there?” She’d always been able to see through her ‘boys’ as she called them. They used to tease her, calling it her spidey sense.
Kade nodded.
“Well, spit it out. Might as well hear it now than later.”
“Let me call the bank and get the money wired. Declan’s in a fix and anxious to get his hands on it.”
“Hmmpf, he always was in a fix. Hardest one of you three to raise.” Her eyes clouded over with love for the youngest McKune. Go wire the money, and I’ll make us a pot of coffee. Did he say when he’d get here?”
“I think it depends on how quick the car gets repaired. He thought sometime tomorrow.”
“Fine. We have time for a good talk.”
Kade winced. He knew Gran’s good talks. He started out of the room, stopped, turned around, and grabbed the elderly lady in a bear hug.
Gran patted his shoulder. “You know, Kade, your parents left you the Double K because they knew you loved it like they did. From the time you could sit a horse, you rode with your father, absorbing the Double K like it was manna from heaven. Even early on, it was obvious Declan and Morgan didn’t have that love.”
“I know, Gran. My mind tells me that, but that damned voice inside my head argues.”
“Kade,” she gave his arm a shake, “you watch that mouth of yours. I won’t tolerate profanity. You know that.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He gave her another squeeze and went down the hall to his office. Really, five hundred dollars wasn’t much if it brought his brother home.
~ ~ ~
Gran pulled out a chair at the kitchen table, facing Kade. She fell into it with a sigh. Today she felt every one of her seventy-eight years.
Kade gave her a worried look. He’d noticed the once immaculate house wasn’t being kept to Gran’s standards. It wasn’t dirty by any means, but there was dust where dust never dared to be. He didn’t want to acknowledge Gran was getting on in years, but she was. He couldn’t imagine life without her. She’d been his mainstay since he was eighteen.
“You okay, Gran?”
“Of course, I’m okay,” she snapped. “Can’t a body sigh without you getting that worried look on your face?”
Kade’s blue eyes twinkled as he took a sip of the hot coffee. He reached for one of the peanut butter cookies Gran had put on a plate in front of him.
“Kade, don’t you go dunking and eating those cookies until you tell me the rest of the story.”
“Now you’re sounding like that guy on the radio years ago. ‘And now, the rest of the story.’ What was his name, Paul . . .?”
“You stop that. I won’t have you putting me off by changing the subject. In about five minutes you might find yourself wearing that coffee.”
“Damn, uh, darn, you’re mean.” The hard lines of his face softened as he took a healthy bite of the cookie in his hand.
“Mmmm, mmmm. Lady, you sure can bake.”
“You always have been a fool for cookies.” Gran couldn’t help preening at Kade’s praise, momentarily forgetting their talk. Baking was her joy, and when she brought out that big cream-colored mixing bowl, delicious things magically appeared.
Kade brushed the crumbs from the blue-checked oilcloth covering the table and took a deep breath.
“He’s got a woman with him.”
Gran squared her shoulders. “Well, that don’t surprise me none. All through high school he had some girl hanging on him.” She shook her head. “He’s a looker. All that blonde hair and green eyes. ‘Course, he don’t hold a candle to you.”
“Could be you’re a wee bit prejudice?”
“Nope. Love you all the same. But you walk down main street, and it’s a wonder there aren’t accidents galore. Women can’t take their eyes off’n you. Young and old alike.”
A warm flush crept up Kade’s neck.
“Gran . . .” he cautioned.
Gran went on ignoring his discomfort. “Declan took after your ma, blonde and green-eyed. You, you’re the spitting image of my son—your father. He was a handsome brute, too. You’re tall like him with that lean wolf look about you. You got his black hair and those piercing blue eyes. Gran’s voice softened as she shifted her gaze, looking beyond the room and her grandson.
She got up and refilled his cup. “Now take Morgan,” Gran was on a roll, “Mr. Sobersides. He’s a duke’s mixture. Sit’s well on him though. His hair’s not quite as dark as yours, but he’s got the blue eyes. His are warmer though. Guess that’s a good thing since he’s going to be a doctor. Helps with his bedside manner.”
Kade smiled, thinking of his middle brother. Mr. Sobersides. He’d named him that from the time they brought him home from the hospital. You had to work your butt off to get that kid to crack a smile. But when he did, it was worth all the effort. His eyes would dance, dimples magically appeared, and his face filled with joy. To Kade’s way of thinking, Morgan had gotten all the looks and personality.
“Tell me about her,” Gran demanded, sitting back down. “Bet she’s some floozy that thinks Declan has a big ranch and money.” Realizing what she’d just said, Gran flushed and said, “Sorry, Kade. Open mouth, insert foot.”
Kade gave a weak smile and nodded. “Don’t know much. Her name’s Maddy.”
“Maddy?” Gran snorted. “Well, he ain’t taking up with her in my house.”
“Told him that.”
“Did you tell him what you and I went through with Caroli . . .?”
Kade interrupted. “No. Timing wasn’t right. We’ll save that for later. A lot later.” He took a deep breath. “He’s set on having her here. In his room,” Kade muttered. “Gran, that’s between you and him. It’s none of my business.”
“Well, I beg to differ.” Gran puffed out her cheeks. “It’s your house. I’m just here living off you.”
A loud laugh came from the big man. “Oh, poor, pitiful you.”
“Don’t smart mouth me, Kade McKune.” Like a dog worrying a bone, she asked, “Did you tell him she’d be occupying the guest bedroom?”
“Yep.”
“And?”
“Gran, let it go. Like I said, that’s between you and Declan.”
Kade wasn’t about to tell her Declan had said, in no uncertain terms, Maddy would be sharing his room. When Gran got riled, she tended to slam things around.
Kade bounded to his feet. “I’ve got chores to do, and since the rain’s stopped, I’ll be doing some catch up. I’ll see you at suppertime.” He placed a kiss on Gran’s head and quickly left the room before she could ask any more questions. Once outside, he licked his lips and grinned. He wouldn’t be in Declan’s boots tomorrow when he faced down Gran with his ultimatum on sleeping arrangements. No siree. But, it would be fun to watch.