Free Texas Hope: Sweetgrass Springs Stories (Texas Heroes Book 16) by Jean Brashear Page B

that, not really. She meant nothing to him.
    But his dad meant everything, and he honest to God could not figure out how to break the news.
    Damn you, Michael Cavanaugh. Why did you have to show up?
    “You gonna grow roots if you stand there much longer,” called his dad from the porch. “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing,” he said automatically.
    Gordon tilted his head, doubts clear as day. “Son, I’ve been looking at that face since you drew your first breath. I know when you’re lying. Is Scarlett okay?” Gordon loved Scarlett like she was his own.
    “She’s fine,” Ian hastened to reassure.
    “Something with the cattle?”
    “No.” Ian exhaled.
    His dad crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, I guess we could stand out here until I figure out how to read minds, but I’m not real optimistic. Spit it out, son.” As always, Gordon was calm and even-tempered. “I’m not getting any younger, and Ruby’s chicken-fried is calling my name.”
    Ian wished he’d been able to talk to Dev first, but he didn’t dare wait. He huffed out a breath, planted his hands on his hips as he cast his gaze to the ground. “I can’t figure out how to say this.”
    “Only way I know is just to get started. Guess you’ll get there when you do.”
    Ian glanced off to the side. “You ever think about her, Dad?” When he glanced back, his father’s shoulders had tightened slightly.
    “Her who?” But Gordon’s expression said he knew. “Is this because of the baby? You know Scarlett will stick. She will never leave that child, and she’s as crazy over you as I’ve ever seen a woman be. She’s happy here, son. She won’t do like your ma.”
    Ian met his dad’s gaze. “Have I ever told you what it meant that you stuck with me, Dad?”
    Gordon’s features softened. “You tell me every day that you work your tail off to keep this place going instead of living the life you wanted. You worried about being a good dad?”
    “No. I’m really not. I learned from the best.”
    Gordon shrugged off the compliment, but his eyes sharpened. “What’s this about, son?”
    Son . Ian met his father’s gaze squarely. “A guy showed up in town today.” Ian took a deep breath and went on. “He says he’s my brother.”
    Gordon’s mouth fell open. “Brother?” he echoed. Then understanding dawned. “Half-brother. She had another son.” Gordon shook his head. “Well, now. Sure didn’t see that one coming. What’s he like?”
    Ian took off his hat and scratched his head. “He seems like a good guy, damn it.” He huffed a short laugh. “He’s a veterinarian.”
    Gordon’s brows flew high. Then he chuckled. “Wonder what his socialite mama thinks about that. She still living?”
    “I guess. I don’t know. Don’t really care.”
    “Of course you do. She’s your mother.”
    “She’s nothing to me—nothing,” Ian growled, fists clenching. “I don’t want to know him. Don’t want to hear about her. Don’t care if he says he’s angry with her—” He barked a choked laugh. Looked up. “He says he never knew I existed until recently. She never told his dad or him that she’d been married or had a child. You believe that?” Ian shook his head. “So screw her. Just screw her. Dad, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to tell you, I just wanted him to go. But he came to the cafe, so I knew word would get out, and I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else.”
    “What are you sorry about?”
    “Because she—” Hurt you . She had, Ian knew that. Gordon had never talked about it much, but he’d also never gotten seriously involved with another woman. Ian had been scared to death of trying that himself.
    Until Scarlett. Scarlett had been worth any risk. “She wrecked your life, Dad. Left you with a child to take care of when you were already busting your butt to keep this ranch solvent. You can’t tell me I didn’t complicate your life, and you could have pawned me off on someone else, hired help or