Holden’s chin wobbled. “Then why isn’t she with Reed?”
Chance ground his teeth. “Because he’s dead. Don’t you remember?” Chance tossed his hands up. “You quit drinking, but you still can’t remember a damn thing.”
Fuck.Chance’s mouth was out of his control—it spit this stuff out without him even trying. The words spilled like they had been waiting for this moment.
“I’m not getting a grandbaby?” Holden looked genuinely sad.
Chance ignored the tightness in his chest. This was the old man’s own fault. Lane was just straight gone,his own soncompletely out of his life, and Holden was worried about a grandbaby? Where did he get off?
Chance struggled to find something to say that would finally get through to the old man, although it was probably hopeless.
Cordy gently cleared her throat. “He’s telling the truth.” She wouldn’t meet Chance’s gaze. “Reed is my baby’s father. And yes, he passed several months ago. I needed a place to stay—Glenn kicked me out of my apartment—and Chance offered his place. We’re roommates, like I said.”
Chance hated she was seeing and hearing this, but it was too late to stop. She would have questions, and he owed her some answers.
“Cordelia.” Chance forced his voice down, though couldn’t quite make it gentle.I’m sorry.He wasn’t saying that in front of Holden, though—he’d sworn never to. He’d tell her later. “We should probably go.”
Her chest jerked as she pulled in a breath. “I’m fine. I’ve been fine.” She reached for her chair but didn’t sit down. “We were having coffee. I wanted to see the goats.”
And Chance had come barging in and fouled everything up. Although he did wonder if Holden was capable of entertaining a guest. He said odd things these days, moving back and forth in time in his mind. Who knew what crazy shit he’d said to Cordy?
Rye shoved past Chance, coming in as silently as usual. “Everything all right?” He addressed Cordy and Holden, ignoring his brother. “Dad, you should lie down.”
Holden shook his head, then closed his eyes. He suddenly looked a decade older, and he’d already looked close to death.
“Are you okay?” Cordy asked in a panic.
“He’s fine,” Chance growled. She didn’t need to waste her sympathy on Holden or the rest of them. Ought to save it for someone more deserving.
Rye sighed. “Chance, do you want to take Cordy home?” He glanced at her. “If it’s okay with you.”
She nodded jerkily, trying to smile reassuringly at Rye. “Yeah. Let me just say goodbye to this sweet boy.”
Cordy reached over and gave Pard’s ears a gentle rub. He closed his eyes and groaned with pleasure.
“Pard likes you,” Holden said, still looking terrible.
“He’s a very good boy.” Cordy straightened up. “It was nice meeting you. I hope I can come visit again.”
Chance snorted. The part about how nice it was to meet Holden was a lie. Chance would make damn sure it never happened again.
“Same here.” Holden’s expression softened. “He is a good boy. I’m glad you appreciate him.”
His father really did love that dog. Too bad he never spoke like that about his own sons.
“I’m ready when you are,” Cordy said quietly. She didn’t meet Chance’s eyes. “I’ll meet you outside.”
Once she was out of the kitchen, Chance felt himself take a full breath. His stomach was still knotted and his heart didn’t feel right, but at least she was clear of all this.
“Rye.” He pointed to his brother, then to his father. “He needs to go to the doctor. Also, if you catch Cordy coming up here again, don’t let her in. She doesn’t need to be talking to him.”
Rye’s mouth compressed. “I made him an appointment last week. Quint’s taking him to Fordsville on Thursday. I didn’t ask you because I knew you were busy with Cordy.”
Chance narrowed his eyes. If anyone but Rye had said that in that tone, he’d have thought they were getting pissy with him. “I can take him. Just tell me when.”
“I told you, it’s handled. As for Cordy, I’m not her keeper. She can do what she wants.”
Okay, Rye was definitely getting pissy with him. Which was the last thing Chance needed right now.
