The Cowboy's Secret Son

“No, I can do it, ‘cept tying my shoes.”

“I’ll do that for you when you’re dressed,” Nick promised him.

After Robbie left the room, Abby whispered, “Thank you.”

“For what?” Nick asked.

“For not overruling me. He knows to get dressed, but I guess he wanted to test me.”

“I’m in favor of rules. I won’t interfere unless I think you’re telling him the wrong thing.”

She nodded and continued working on the breakfast.

Five minutes later, Robbie returned to the kitchen, dressed in the clothes Abby had chosen for him.

“My, don’t you look nice,” Kate praised him.

“Thank you…Grandma.” He eyed her as if wondering if she would accept her new role.

“You’re welcome, grandson.”

He looked at his mother. “Is that me?”

She smiled. “Yes, it is, sweetie.”

Robbie went to Nick. “Daddy, will you tie my shoes now?”

“Sure. Come here.” Nick lifted Robbie to his lap and tied his shoes. “Now, how about a man’s breakfast?”

“Mommy, can I have a man’s breakfast?”

“How about a little man’s breakfast?” Abby offered.

With a grin, Robbie nodded.

They all sat around the table a little longer than usual. With Robbie there, Nick seemed to relax more and even smile now and then. She enjoyed the time and even began to feel welcome.

Until the back door opened and a tall, thin, tawny-eyed blonde came in.

Abby didn’t need Nick’s exclamation to know this was the infamous Patricia.

“Patricia! I didn’t expect you,” Nick said, rising to greet her.

In spite of the audience, or perhaps because of it, she said, “Hi, lover,” and put a liplock on him that Abby found embarrassing. A look at the others showed the same reaction.

Nick took her arms from around his neck and broke off the passionate kiss. “Patricia, the family is here.”

“Hi,” she said, with a smile that didn’t include any of them.

Kate stood up, scraping her chair. “Sit down, Patricia, and I’ll pour you a cup of coffee.”

She tossed her long mane of silky hair. “Here? Oh, no, Nick and I like to be private.”

“Pour her some coffee, Mom. She’ll join us.” Nick’s voice was firm and he pulled out a chair for his fiancée.

“Nick,” Patricia said, pleading in her voice, “we need to talk.”

“Later. Let me introduce you to my son. Robbie, this is my fiancée, Patricia Atwell.”

Without even an acknowledgment, she asked Nick, “What’s his last name?”

Nick turned to Abby.

“His name is Stafford,” Abby replied.

“You didn’t list me as the father?” Nick demanded.

“Yes, I did, but it seemed easier for him to have my name.”

“In that case I’ll start adoption proceedings at once,” Nick returned, no doubt in his voice.

“But, Nick, we haven’t even talked about this,” Patricia whined. “You already have to pay child support. Are you sure you want to adopt him?”

“He’s my child, Patricia. I’m responsible for him.” Nick sent a smile to Robbie, ignoring his fiancée.

“I still think we should talk about this, Nick,” Patricia said, her voice gentle, but to Abby her eyes looked hard.

“No,” was Nick’s only response.

Once again Kate tried to defuse the volatile situation. “Uh, Patricia, have you had breakfast? I’m sorry, I should’ve asked when you first came in. I can—”

“Oh, no, thank you, Mrs. Logan. I had my usual breakfast earlier.”

“Do you want to see my puppy?” Robbie suddenly asked. “Mommy is going to come see it. Uncle Brad said I could bring it into the house in a week.”

Patricia looked aghast, her manicured hand going to her chest. “In the house? Oh, I would never allow animals in my house. They make too much of a mess.”

“But Grandma said—”

“It’s okay, buddy,” Nick said softly. “You can bring your puppy to the house when it’s big enough.”

Patricia was clearly not satisfied. “Nick, you don’t want to set a precedent. You should explain to him now that I won’t—”

“This is my mother’s house, Patricia, and that won’t change.”

“Oh. I see,” she said and smiled, as if she’d won a contest.

Next to her at the table, Brad jumped up from his chair. “Uh, I have to get to the barn and see about a sick horse.”