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“Good. You both need to.” He struggled, trying to reach papers next to him, so Austin handed him the stack. “Been working on my will.”
“Pops,” Austin said as ice filled his veins.
“Hush, boy. It’s just precautionary.” Pops eyed him. “I’m splitting the ranch, fifty-fifty, to you and Adam. Are you two mature enough for that?”
“What…what about Mama?”
“Well, I’m trusting that you will see to her needs no matter what.” Pops narrowed his eyes. “Like sons should.”
“Yes, sir. Of course, we would.”
“Now, I want you two to know that once I’m gone—”
Austin made a choking sound.
“Son, that could be tomorrow or two decades from now, so don’t start on me.”
Austin nodded, motioning him to continue.
“When I’m gone, I don’t want you boys worrying about what I would want or not want. If you want to sell the ranch and split the funds, that don’t matter to me. All I want is you two to be happy and your mama cared for. You got it?”
“Yes, sir. I got it,” Austin said past the lump in his throat.
“And if Cliff is still here…make sure he’s taken care of, too.” Pops lay back in the chair, his face going slack. “This blasted chemo stuff kicks my booty, and I’m worn out. Who’d ever think I’d be one of those old men who took naps during the day?”
“You just rest, Pops.”
“I will, but…how’s that gal of yours?” Pops lifted one eyelid halfway.
“She’s…hanging in there, Pops. She’ll start her residency in another month.”
“Hmm. I give terrible advice,” he said in murmured words before his breathing slipped into the soft puffs of slumber.
Austin watched Pops sleep for several minutes as he thought about what he said. Wondering what he meant since he never knew Pops to give terrible advice. His advice had always led Austin in the right direction…when he was not too stubborn to take it, at least.
He shook his head and padded down the hall to find his mom hunched over the computer, with Adam reading over her shoulder. She looked haggard, with circles under her eyes and her cheeks hollow. It was good they came; if nothing else, they could give Mama a break.
“Hey, Mama,” he said, bending down to kiss her head.
“Oh, sweetie,” she said, rising to hug him. “I’m so glad you two came. I know he’s being a grump, but it means a lot to him, too.”
“I know it does, but, man, he looks awful,” Austin said.
“Don’t say that too loud,” Adam hissed, pulling his eyes away from the screen to look down the hall.
“He’s asleep. You know how that goes.” Austin shrugged.
“A herd of elephants could take up residence, and he wouldn’t know,” Mama said with a slight smile on her lips. “It’s so good to see you two.”
“It’s good we’re here,” Austin said. “You’re going to rest while you can and we’ll get some help for you once we’re gone. I know we haven’t been to church in a while because we’ve been on the road, but I’m sure Pastor Chuck can get together a list of people who can help.”
His mom waved him away. “Oh, hun, he already has. I get more meals than we can eat, especially since Pops’ appetite hasn’t been that good. My freezer is full of them, and the men’s group takes turns coming to sit with him. We’re good, sweetie.”
Austin peered closer at her. “You look like you need rest, Mama.”
She shrugged. “I don’t sleep that well when Pops is out on the recliner, and that’s where he’s most comfortable. Plus, I’ve been researching a lot, but I think I finally found the place that he needs.”
“What do you mean? I thought the doctors already laid out the plan?” Austin said, peering at the screen that held Adam’s attention already.
