My True Cowboy Read Online Free PDF Page B

I’m not sure about.” Leading Ginny into the kitchen, he pulled out her white step stool. “Hop up,” he ordered. Then returning to the conversation about their dad, he said, “Here’s the thing. Dad’s going to need a lot of special help.”
    â€œHow much?”
    â€œA lot. He’s not going to be able to do a lot of things by himself, and he’s going to need round-the-clock care, too.” Looking Gwen’s way, he said, “That’s going to mean lots of driving and sitting around. And sitting and watching. Any chance you could help out with that?”
    Gwen frowned. “Junior, I like you enough to even sit by your father’s side and get chewed on regularly. But I just don’t think I can.”
    â€œYou don’t?” His heart sank.
    Tilting her head in Ginny’s direction, she said, “I could help out some, of course, but really I don’t think I’ll have that kind of time. Someone’s got to get this little thing where she needs to go….” Her voice drifted off. Obviously Gwen was uncomfortable telling him no.
    But she had a valid point. Ginny needed her regular routine. Disruptions meant outbursts and fights in school and tears at home…and that wasn’t going to be good for anyone.
    â€œYou’re right. I know. We’ve got a lot going on….” He turned on the faucet, picked up the hand soap and held it up. “Hands.”
    Dutifully, Ginny stuck them out. He squirted. “Rub. Now rinse.”
    As she did as he requested, he pulled over a couple of paper towels and dampened them, then did a cursory scrub over her cheeks. That was what life was all about with a six-year-old girl, he supposed.
    Drama and dirt.
    As soon as she was clean and dry, he sat with her and Gwen at the kitchen table. “I just don’t know how we’re going to give him the care he needs.”
    â€œWhat are you thinking?”
    â€œI was thinking we’d just care for him here…but now with Trent in the hospital, too, I don’t think that’s going to fly.”
    â€œMaybe a rehabilitation place?” She snapped her fingers. “There’s the Electra Lodge.”
    Reluctantly he nodded. “The hospital recommended that, as a matter of fact. I guess Dad could stay there for a month and get the round-the-clock attention he deserves.”
    Gwen perked up. “What’s it like? Have you heard?”
    â€œIt’s probably pretty nice. We could check it out….” But all Cal could think about was the fact that Susan Young worked there. It would sure be his just deserts if his dad ended up being cared for by Susan. Every visit there was sure to be filled with irritation and arguments.
    If they were even that lucky.
    â€œDaddy’s gonna want to be home with me,” Ginny interjected.
    â€œI know he’s going to want to be home with you, sugar. But we don’t have too much of a choice. Dad has health issues,” he said vaguely. “And other issues, too.”
    â€œWhen he gets better, he’ll be able to ride all the time.”
    â€œI hope so.”
    Looking at him directly, Gwen asked, “So do we have a plan?”
    â€œI’m afraid so. I’ll try to contact Jarred and Trent, but unless they want to play nursemaid, it’s the best solution. He’s going to need more care than we can give him. Plus, he’s gonna be as cranky as all get-out, too. You know he’s going to take exception to anything I say. He always does. We don’t have time for that.”
    â€œGood luck with that conversation.”
    â€œThanks. I’m going to need it.”
    Ginny tugged on his shirt. “Cal? Are you mad now?”
    â€œNot at all, sugar.” Forcing a grin, he bent down to her. “What do you say we go check on the horses? Maybe they’d like a little snack.”
    As he’d expected, she hopped from her stool and grinned.