Long Time Gone (Rough Riders #16.5)(41)
Author: Lorelei James

“It’s a happy thought, Caro, but with our brothers, if the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…”

“Wrong,” she said with a sharp edge. “Kids are innocent. And just because someone was raised by shitty parents, that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically be shitty parents themselves. I’d never treat my boys the way we were treated.”

Kimi set her hand over Carolyn’s clenched fist, shocked that her sister had cursed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t say that to piss you off. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’re a wonderful mother, and heaven knows you didn’t have a great example.”

“Thank you. Aunt Hulda said to me once that it’s more important to be a good parent when you’ve had a lousy one just so you know it’s a choice, not an inherited tendency.”

“Smart woman, Aunt Hulda.”

“Yes. So, enough about me. What’s going on with you and Cal?”

This might prove tricky since she really didn’t want to admit she’d been with Cal that week after the funeral. And if Carolyn had known about it, she would’ve brought it up. “We’ve stayed in touch over the years.”

“Really? Why?”

“I like him. A lot. He’s funny.”

Carolyn’s eyebrow rose. “Calvin McKay is funny? Like ha-ha funny?”

“Yep. And he’s sweet, and thoughtful, and real.” And he is just as fantastic out of bed as he is in it. “We’ve been pen pals and it just turned into something more.”

“Did he know you were coming here?”

She nodded. “He just didn’t know when.”

That calculating look darkened Carolyn’s eyes. “The chicken coops he built were for you?”

“Yeah.”

“The fact he’s gutted the entire second floor of his house and added a bathroom…that was for you too?”

“I don’t know about that. To be honest, we didn’t make it that far last night or this morning.” As soon as she said that she blushed.

“So when you pulled into Wyoming, you went looking for him first?”

Crap. “Yes.”

“And you two are more than friends?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then you’re not here to visit. You’re moving here. To be with Cal.”

Kimi lifted her chin defiantly. “Yes, I am.”

Carolyn shrieked and jumped up from the table. Then she pulled Kimi into her arms and danced around with her, laughing. “This is the best news I’ve ever heard! You’re gonna be living up the road from me! Our kids will grow up together, and we can do things together all the time. Oh, Kimi, I’m so happy I could just scream!”

“Uh, you already did.”

She laughed. “I’ve missed you so much. All the women around here are a lot older and they never want to talk about or do anything fun. All they do is complain.”

“Well, the West girls are gonna shake things up for sure.”

They grinned at each other goofily. Carolyn shrieked again and hugged her hard. “Love you, little sis.”

“Love you too.”

The door to the trailer opened. Two big men filled the doorway. Then two little boys came tearing down the hallway.

Carson scooped both boys up. “That’s a fine welcome home at noon.”

Kimi watched Cal watching Carson with his sons. Did Cal even realize he wore a look of longing? Then when his eyes met hers, it changed into a look of pure joy.

“Who wants ice cream?” Carson asked the boys. “Uncle Cal has said today is a day for celebrating and he’s gonna buy us lunch in town.”

“That sounds like a great idea. Why don’t you get the boys in the car? I’ll grab my purse and we’ll be right out,” Carolyn said.

Carson carried the boys out the door.

Cal started to follow but Carolyn grabbed him by the shirt sleeve. “Ah-ah-ah. Not so fast. I have something to say to you.” She leaned in and got her mean face on. “Make my sister happy or else I’ll gut you like a trout.”

Kimi choked back a laugh.

“I’ve been waitin’ for years for the chance to make her happy every day.”

“Good. Then you will call the priest, or go to the justice of the peace, but I’ll not stand for you two living together without being officially wedded. You hear me? No need for either of you to add to the McKays’ bad reputation. So you’ve got a month to get it handled.”

“Carolyn!”

Cal draped his arm around Kimi’s shoulder and pulled her close. “No need to worry; I’ve got it covered.”