Rocky Mountain Brides: Raising the Rancher's Family

“No, because Sheriff Larkin was threatening to take Corey to a group home.” Leah paced. The one thing she did know about Holt was he was leery of people, especially of his father’s friends. “Give me a few days to see how things go with Corey. Then I’ll introduce you to Holt and you can ask him.” She checked her watch. “I need to go shopping for a young man.”

Leah spotted the apple pies cooling on the counter. “Hey, Mom, you wouldn’t have any extra, would you?”

“Oh, I think your father can get by with one pie.”

Pie in hand, Leah kissed her mother and sister goodbye and took off to do her errands. The first stop was the trading post to pick out clothes for Corey. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it had been since the boy had anything but hand-me-downs. Well, a new pair of jeans and a shirt was a must. She walked by the shoe section and spotted a pair of buckskin boots.

She smiled. Every cowboy needs his own pair of boots.

Leah arrived back at the Silver R Ranch about two o’clock in the afternoon. When she found the house deserted, she went down to the barn. No one was there, either. It wasn’t until she heard voices that she wandered outside to the corral where Corey sat on top of Daisy and was being led by Zach around the arena.

Holt sat on the fence as Corey took instructions on riding. Leah took the time to watch the man on the railing. As much as he tried to act indifferent, she could see he was intensely interested in the boy’s progress.

Why did Holt hold himself so apart? What had happened between John and Holt to keep a father away from his son? She had a dozen questions that she knew she wouldn’t get answered anytime soon. So she focused on the happy looking boy on the horse. Maybe Corey would be the one who broke through the man’s tough shell.

One could always hope.

Suddenly Holt’s face went through a transformation. His mouth twitched and curved into a hint of a smile.

The sound of Corey’s laughter made her turn to the small rider on the horse. Zach had let go of the bridle so the boy handled the reins on his own. The youngster beamed as he sat high in the saddle and directed the horse around the corral.

“You’re doing great, son,” Zach called.

Leah watched as Corey glanced toward Holt. Even she could see that the boy wanted his approval.

She strolled to the fence, climbed onto the railing and sat down next to Holt. “Corey’s doing great.”

“Zach’s been working with him.” Holt turned to her. “Did you bring your things?”

“Yes,” she told him. “Enough for a few days. I also picked up some clothes for Corey.”

“The sheriff stopped by about an hour ago. He dropped off what the boy had at the foster home. Just some old clothes and another pair of worn tennis shoes, barely enough to fit into a grocery sack. I almost tossed it in the trash. But Corey grabbed the bag and took it into his bedroom as if it were some sort of treasure.” He sighed and tipped his hat back.

“Oh, Holt. That’s so sad.”

“Yeah, and it doesn’t get any better. Seems Corey’s dad is in prison, and he isn’t eligible for parole for a long time.”

Her heart ached. “So he’s been in foster homes for a while.”

He nodded. “Speaking of which, Reed also said we’d be getting a visit from Social Services. Probably tomorrow.” His gaze met hers. “I want you there with me.”

Leah felt the heat from his look, trying to tell herself this was only for the boy’s sake. “Of course. And I want to thank you for doing this for Corey.”

“It’s temporary, Leah. I can’t offer the boy any more.”

She wanted to argue the point, but saw the pain in Holt’s eyes. There were so many things she wanted to know about this man. But she knew he wasn’t willing to share. Maybe he never would.

It was after seven o’clock. Leah had just finished cleaning the kitchen after supper. Zach retired to his small house out beyond the barn to watch television. Holt had disappeared into the den to do some paperwork. What did she expect from the man, to keep her company?

Corey came barreling into the kitchen dressed in his new blue Western shirt, dark denim jeans and a pair of buckskin boots. “Leah, how do they look?”

She smiled at his excitement. “You look great. How do the boots fit?” She knelt down on one knee for a closer look.

“I put on two pair of socks like you said.” He nodded. “So they’re okay.”

She stood. Corey had eagerly accepted everything her mother had collected from the church. “Well, you’ll probably outgrow them in a few months.”

“I can wear the other pair of boots you brought when I help Zach tomorrow.”

“Good idea. They’re already broken in.” The ladies at the church had been generous in sending clothes along with a pair of kid’s boots.

Just then Holt walked in. He glanced at Corey then continued to the coffeemaker. After pouring himself a cup he turned around and leaned against the counter. He eyed the boy more closely. “You need to break those in.”

“I will,” Corey said and glanced at Leah. “Maybe I should wear old jeans to work in and save these for good.”

“If that’s what you want,” she said.

Holt gestured toward the clock. “It’s not too late if you want to watch some television before turning in.”

Corey nodded, then paused before leaving to look back at the two. “Good night, Leah. Thank you for the clothes.”

“You’re welcome. And good night, Corey.”

The two males exchanged a nod and Corey disappeared from the kitchen.

Leah turned back to Holt. He was watching her. “Coffee?”

“No, thank you.” She had enough things to keep her awake without the help of caffeine. “I think I’ll say good-night, too.”

Holt didn’t want Leah to go yet. He’d spent too many nights alone in this house. He was beginning to doubt his decision to stay. “Wait,” he called to her. “We need to talk about tomorrow.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What’s up tomorrow?”

“The social worker. She’s coming out to see if I’m providing a suitable temporary home for Corey.”

“Well, are you?” she challenged.

“You seemed to think so about twenty-four hours ago. Are you having second thoughts?”

“No. It’s just that I’m worried about Corey. He seems a little jumpy around you.”

“I’ve hardly said anything to the kid.” He put down his cup and came to her. “And he avoids me about as much as you do.”

Her eyes widened. “I told you I had errands to run and clothes to pick up.”

“So you’re going to be around tomorrow?”

“Of course. I want Corey to stay here—at least until they find a good permanent home for him.”