Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Knox
Ryan
Becks called. Pops has taken a turn. They aren’t sure he’ll make it through the night. My flight home leaves in a few hours. Becks will pick me up at the airport. I emailed my flight info to you.
Ryan
Enjoy every second you have with the guys. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Ryan
I miss you already!
D amnit!
I hate that I’m not on that plane with her holding her hand through the tumultuous journey of emotions headed her way. I know how hard it is to lose someone so important to your life. For Ryan, her pops is one of the only people who showed her love after her father took that away from her.
So help me if her father makes things worse for her than they need to be I will take the asshole out. If only my fierce need to protect her didn’t clash with my packed week; she’s right, I need to spend all the time I can with the guys. But, if she asks, I’ll bail on it all and fly home.
Knox
i’m so sorry baby
Knox
whatever you need, just ask
Knox
hate that i’m not there with you - gonna have Cal get the cabin ready for you. No need to sleep on your sister’s couch.
Knox
you want me there, say the word and I’m on the next plane
Knox
let me know when you land
Knox
I miss your face .
Opening her email with her flight info, I take a screenshot of the details, then call my brother.
“Hey,” Cal answers. “Hang on, Knox. Let me put you on speaker.” There’s a rustling noise in the background. “Damnit Bernie, get out of the trailer. Jesus, how is this damn cow everywhere all at once?”
I chuckle, imagining Cal dealing with everyone’s favorite cow, Bernadette. At this point, she’s the unofficial McKinnon family mascot. And he’s right. No matter where you go on the ranch, there she is.
“Sorry, but your timing is actually perfect. Your horses arrived. I was getting the ramp down to unload them when Bernie went up the ramp and made herself at home. She isn’t budging.”
“Play her something off our fourth album and she’ll go running,” I say, laughing at his situation, and the reality that not all of our albums have been hits. We’ve had some stinkers here and there.
“Shit, I’d try anything right about now.”
“So, they made it there okay?”
“Yep, all three of them. We’ve got a full house now. Every stall will be occupied once this heifer gets her ass out of the trailer.”
“Thanks again for getting them settled. I appreciate you, brother.”
“Not a problem. They’re pretty, man. I think you’ll be real happy.
I still think we should take some time to get to know them and wait to put Sawyer on his horse.
He can use Mabel at first. She’s a good girl.
Not sure three weeks is enough time to know these new babies well enough to trust your boy with them. ”
My boy.
That hits me in the heart. Hard.
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“So, what’s up? You calling to make sure the horses made it here safe and sound?”
“Well, no. I actually need another favor.”
“Sure thing. What’s up?”
“Ryan Jameson is coming to town. It seems her grandfather isn’t doing well, and they aren’t sure he’ll make it through the night. She’s left the tour to head home and needs a place to stay. Can you get the cabin ready for her?”
“Of course. When does she get in?”
“Not until late. Her flight gets in a little before eight, but I’m sure she’ll go straight to the care facility to be with her family.”
“I’m on it.”
“Thanks for everything. I feel like I’ve hijacked your day with the horses and now this.”
“Nah, happy to help. Besides, the closer we get to Charlotte’s due date, the busier I need to make myself. I’m losing my mind.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Great. Handling everything in stride. She’s done all of her nesting, and we couldn’t be more ready. She’s completely chill and I’m a frantic idiot.”
“I can only imagine, brother. Charlie always has been chill when the world around her is chaos. She’s got this. You’ve got this. It’s all gonna be fine. ”
“I’m scared shitless.”
“Of course you are. It’s natural. But you’re gonna be a great dad.”
A heavy sigh comes through the line. “You’re gonna be a fucking stupendous dad too, you know that, right? I’m sorry you missed all this.”
I’m shaking from the inside out. His words, bringing up emotions I wasn’t expecting.
“It is what it is, but thanks.”
“Well, let me deal with this cow and your horses and then I’ll head to the cabin. I’ll text you the updated alarm code after I change it.”
“Thanks, man. I’m gonna let Daisy know about Mr. Jameson and ask her to pick up some groceries for Ry. Send her the code too, yeah?”
“Sounds good.”
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver. I owe you big time.”
“Talk soon.”
I’m a lucky bastard to have a support system like I do. It’s time for me to get home and do the same for them.
Pulling up the airline info for Ryan’s flight, I spend the next five hours watching the plane icon every chance I get as it crosses the country, putting her 2400 miles away from me.