Read Online The Cowboy's Return by Linda Warren - Free Book Online Page B

word. Jilly got off the bike and scooped Button into her arms. He lifted the bike into the bed of the truck and they climbed inside.
    As they drove into Bramble, Jilly asked, “Do you really mean what you said?”
    “Yes, Jilly. I believe you’re Patrick’s daughter.”
    “My mama’s a good woman and she’s kind and helps everybody and—”
    “Just give my parents time,” he interrupted, seeing how hurt she was. “Patrick’s death shattered both of them and they haven’t been the same since.”
    Her head was bent and she didn’t say anything.
    “Remember you said you knew about old people.” He was trying to get her to talk.
    “Yeah. But I didn’t think it would hurt this much.”
    “I’m so sorry, Jilly.”
    She looked at him, her eyes clouded with tears, and he just wanted to make her pain go away. He was searching for the magic words when she spoke up.
    “I like you. I think I’ll call you Tripp.”
    “That would make me happy.”
    “But I’m not going back to see my grandparents.”
    “That’s your decision.”
    He was hoping to change her mind, though. A few days ago, he’d been acting and thinking like his parents and, in time, he was hoping his father would change his mind, too. He felt his mother was already willing to accept Jilly.
    But accepting Camila was another story.
    ♦ ♦ ♦

    C AMILA GLANCED at the clock and saw it was almost five. It would be dark soon and Jilly should have been back by now. She went into the coffee shop.
    “Millie, Jilly’s not answering my cell. I’m going home and if Jilly’s not there in a few minutes, I’m going after her.”
    “Okay, sweetie. If you need any help, just call me.”
    Camila rushed home to an empty house and she felt empty inside. She ran her hands up her arms, her skin feeling sensitive and raw. She shouldn’t have let Jilly go. It was too painful. She kept rubbing her arms, trying to dispel the feelings of the past. It was like a rash all over her body and the more she scratched it, the worse it became. And it was contagious. It had spread to Jilly.
    All these years she’d protected Jilly, but now she felt so helpless. She couldn’t just sit here. She had to do something. She grabbed her purse, then heard a noise. Glancing out the window, she saw Tripp’s truck.
    Oh my God. What had happened?
    She dashed outside.
    Jilly tore around the truck and into her arms. Camila held her tight and Button squealed between them. She eased her hold and kissed Jilly’s forehead, her hair. “It’s okay, baby. You’re home.”
    Jilly darted into the house and Camila’s protective instinct was to follow her, but first she had to deal with Tripp.
    “What happened?” she asked in a cold voice.
    Tripp set Jilly’s bike against the garage and let out a long breath. “My father told her he didn’t believe Patrick was her father.”
    She fought the rage ballooning inside her and turned away, but Tripp caught her arm.
    She stared down at the fingers wrapped around her. “Let go of me.”
    His hand immediately fell to his side. “I’m sorry. I just want to talk to you.”
    “I have nothing to say to you or your family. Stay away from me and stay away from my daughter.”
    She ran after Jilly.
    ♦ ♦ ♦

    C AMILA FOUND J ILLY in her bedroom, lying on the bed crying. Camila’s heart broke and she sat down and took her in her arms. “Tell me what happened.”
    “He said Patrick wasn’t my father,” Jilly blubbered into her chest.
    “Griffin?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    Camila stroked her hair, which had come out of its ponytail. “I tried to prepare you for this.”
    Jilly raised her tearstained face. “I know, Mama, but it’s okay. Now I won’t worry about them.”
    She held Jilly’s face with both hands. “Do you think that’s possible?”
    Jilly frowned. “Why do I worry so much about people?”
    “Because you’re you.” Camila smiled. “Why don’t we make spaghetti for supper and I’ll call Betty Sue and see if Kerri can