Page 13 of Rafe
“But I did. It’s over,” he said with a grin. “It felt good holding that rifle to his head.”
Markie laughed, a soft, knowing chuckle that spoke volumes. “I bet it did.”
Before long, Connie called out again, “Rafe? Here’s your order, hon.”
“Thanks, Connie,” he replied gratefully. After paying for his meal and collecting the bag, he turned his attention back to Markie.
“Tell Nate to give me a call, and we’ll grab a beer,” he suggested casually.
“I’ll tell him,” Markie said, surprising him by planting a quick, affectionate kiss on his cheek. Her eyes softened as she added, “I know you don’t want to hear it, but thank you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he responded respectfully, touching his hat. With that, Rafe stepped out the door, heading toward his truck.
As he climbed into the driver’s seat, shaking his head with a small, satisfied smile, he felt a sense of contentment. Things had worked out well for Markie and Nate, his best friend, even aftertheir rocky start. Nate had asked him to be his best man, and even though Rafe detested wearing suits, he knew he’d do it for Nate in a heartbeat.
****
The following Sunday, Maggie drove to Fred’s ranch. It was something she did almost every other weekend. He was all the family she had left, and she knew he loved seeing her too. It didn’t matter that she had divorced his son, Fred loved having her visit.
She pulled up to the house, stepped from her vehicle and looked in the direction of Rafe’s place and wondered if he was swimming. In the nude.
“Of course, if he’s swimming, he’s nude,” she murmured.
She heard the back door open and turned to face her father-in-law with a smile.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, honey. Come in out of this heat.”
“Alright.” She shoved the door closed, walked up the steps, hugged Fred, then entered the house. “Oh, it feels so good in here.”
“It’s a hot one today, isn’t it?” Fred asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
“And yet, you still have to have your coffee.” Maggie grinned.
Fred laughed. “You know I do. Any plans for today?”
“Other than seeing my favorite father-in-law, you mean?”
“I’m your only father-in-law,” Fred teased.
“True, but no matter what happens, you will always be my favorite.” Maggie pulled a chair out from the table and took a seat.
“Do you want something to drink, honey?”
“No, thanks. Did you put your frame up?”
Fred grinned. “I did. It’s a beautiful frame and it suits thephoto of my wife.”
“I wish I’d known her.”
“She would have loved you, like I do.” He shook his head and sighed. “Though she would have been very disappointed in her son for not only the things he did, but how he treated you.”
“It’s in the past now. He’s where he deserves to be. I don’t like saying this to you, Fred, but I hope he rots in there.”
“I know you do, honey. I still can’t get over him stealing my horses. Where did I go wrong?”
Maggie touched his hand. “Oh, Fred, you didn’t go wrong. Frederick was old enough to know what he was doing was wrong.”
