“Isn’t that where the case you’re working on is out of?” Hud interjected, brow furrowing in thought.
“Yes, that’s how I found out about Ellie,” Deke confirmed.
“So, she kept it from you?” his father asked,incredulity in his voice.
“Yes. She said we had agreed to one night and she didn’t want to burden me,” Deke explained, a mix of frustration and understanding in his tone.
“Burdenyou? You had a right to know,” Hud snapped, his indignation flaring.
“Yeah, I had the same reaction,” Deke admitted, running a hand through his hair. “But I can’t change it. I am going to know my daughter though. I’ve convinced Ava to move in with me, and I want you all to meet them.”
The late afternoon sun slanted through the kitchen window, setting motes of dust dancing in the warm, golden haze. His voice was steady, edged with determination, a new chapter unfurling in the family’s history.
“It’s not going to be easy, Deke. You’ve been a bachelor a long time and always lived alone.” Case said.
“I know, but we’ll make it work,” Deke answered.
Case exchanged a look with Hud, who sat hunched in the wooden chair. The grain creaked as he shifted.
“We’ll all have dinner together once she gets settled in,” their father said, eyes sweeping over his sons.
“All right. I’ll be here,” Case replied, straightening.
“Me too,” Hud said, pushing his chair back and rising. He slipped on his hat. “All kidding aside, Deke, I’ll support you any way I can. I need to head home.”
“Thanks, Hud.” Deke nodded as Hud stepped outside, the door thudding softly behind him.
Case stood and removed his own hat from its peg. “Same here, Deke.” He paused at the threshold, letting the golden light fall across his face. “I need to get home and get some work done, too.” Then he was gone, leaving the kitchen silent but for the faint hum of the refrigerator.
Deke exhaled, shoulders sagging as he faced his father. “I’m sorry for disappointing you, Dad.”
“Deke, you’re not disappointing me,” his father said. “You’re doing exactly what you should. I just wish she’d have let you know sooner. You missed two years of your daughter’s life.”
Deke’s chest tightened. “I know. I was angry, Dad, but I already love that little girl. She has our eyes.” He managed a small smile.
“How does her family feel now that you’re back in the picture?”
“Her dad was angry she kept it from me. Her brother… I don’t know. Ava said she’d talk to him today—”
His phone buzzed sharply in his pocket. Deke glanced at the screen. “Sorry, Dad. It’s Dave.” He stood and answered, voice low. “Dave? What’s up?”
“Deke, I know you just got back from Maple Ridge, but I need you there tomorrow. Smith is willing to talk.”
“Tomorrow?” Deke ran a hand through his hair. “Damn, I just got home.”
“I know, and I hate to bother you on a Sunday, but Autumn Falls says Smith will only speak with you.”
“Damn. All right. I’ll head out in the morning. Hey, can I get Tuesday and Wednesday off? If at all possible.”
“If it’s possible, it won’t be a problem. Call meafter you talk with Smith.”
“Yes, sir.” Deke hung up, sank back onto the chair, and stared at the dappled light on the floor.
“Did I hear right? You have to go back to Maple Ridge?” his father asked gently.
“One of the men involved in the rustling wants to talk, but only to me.”
“This is going to wear you down, Deke. All this travel.”
