Read Online Back Where You Belong by Vonnie Davis - Free Book Online Page A

his hand. Even though he’s out of it, he’ll know it’s you. It’ll bring him comfort.” She slid a chair over for Olivia.
    The young beauty slipped off her glasses to wipe tears from her face as she sat. “He’s always so strong. Now he looks weak.”
    “He’s not though. He’s just battered. The strength is still there.”
    Olivia nodded, seemingly accepting what she said. “Where will you sit?”
    “I saw a chair in the hallway. I’ll get it for you, Miss Lacy.” Pete ambled out of the room and returned, pushing a chair. “I’m taking off for a while. Need to check on things at the ranch.” His gaze slid to Tyler. “Damn bull. Ought to go shoot it myself.” He ran a hand down his craggy face. “I’ll be back to take you two home in a couple hours.”
    “Thank you, Pete. Don’t hurry on our account. Tomorrow’s Sunday, so it’s not a school night for Olivia. We’ll be fine here, won’t we?”
    “I don’t want to leave Daddy. Can we stay all night?” She laid her head on her dad’s hand. “Please?”
    Lacy turned to Pete. “Looks like we’ll be staying here for the night. Get some rest. I have the number at the ranch if I need to contact you.”
    He nodded. “Suit yourself. Livvy, don’t you be showing any drama now.”
    “I won’t,” she breathed on a sigh.
    Lacy slid the chair on the opposite side of Tyler’s bed and settled into it. From the looks of things, it would be a long, uncomfortable night. Still, she was glad they’d decided to stay.
    “Hold his other hand, Lacy. He’ll know it’s you.”
    The girl was determined; she’d give her that. “I think it’s more important that you hold his hand.” She noted his vitals on the monitor. His temperature was slightly elevated, fighting infection, no doubt. His blood pressure seemed low. Hopefully, the worst was over. Now would begin his time of healing.
    Over the next few hours, the two talked in hushed tones. They shared memories and hopes for the future. Likes and dislikes. Good times and bad. Olivia was a lonely child in many respects. Even with the attention Tyler heaped on her when he could, she yearned for a mother and siblings. Having grown up alone in a house with grandparents, she understood Olivia’s feelings of isolation.
    When she asked the girl about school, her young features tensed. “It’s okay. Classes are good.” She lifted a narrow shoulder. “I’m on the newspaper staff.”
    “Do you go to any of the dances or sporting events?”
    Olivia shook her head and changed the topic to her dad. Lacy asked many questions. What kind of father was he? Strict? Indulgent? In return, Olivia wanted to know what he was like as a younger man. What things about her dad had Lacy found so appealing?
    “Wish you two would quit talking about me as if I’m dead. ’Cause if I were dead, I wouldn’t hurt this damn much.”
    “Daddy, you’re awake.” Olivia stood and kissed his swollen face. She burst into tears and rambled as only a teenager could. “I was so scared. No more bull riding. You hear? I forbid it.”
    “Shh, don’t cry now, Angel. I’ll be fine.”
    “I’ll ring for the nurse.” Lacy pressed the buzzer, feeling as if she were intruding on a private father-daughter moment. Not that she would know what one of those was like. Still, she did have grandpa and knew how she’d feel if he were hurt as badly as Tyler.
    ****
    The next time Tyler opened his eyes, Olivia’s head was next to his waist. He ran a hand over her hair, taking note of her gentle snoring. “Angel.”
    “A very intelligent angel.”
    He turned his head toward the voice in the dark. Lacy. “Hey.”
    She shifted in her chair. “Hey, cowboy.” She leaned toward him. “How are you feeling?” Cool fingers brushed the hair off his forehead.
    “Like I was kicked in the head by a bull.” His head throbbed so bad he could barely see.
    “Want some ice water?”
    “Oh, yeah.” He took a few welcome sips of cool water and wiped off