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Much like Bryn felt about her son. She would do anything for Allen. Including risking Trent’s wrath to prove that Allen deserved to be recognized as a Sinclair.
But what she could not do was let this thing with Trent go any further. No matter how much she wanted to…no matter how wonderful it was to be in his arms, his life, his bed. Already, her heart was breaking. They had no future…none at all.
She dressed quietly and slipped from the room. Mac was just rousing as Bryn arrived. “You look good,” she said. “Let me help you with that dinner tray.”
“Hospital food tastes like crap.”
Despite his grumbling about the bland food, Mac polished off a piece of baked fish, green beans and carrots. His protest was halfhearted and she knew the collapse had scared him.
Mac sipped tepid iced tea through a straw. “Where’s Trent?”
“He was on the phone when I left. He’ll be here soon.”
“What’s going on between you two?”
She winced inwardly, but managed not to react. “Nothing but the usual. He still isn’t sure he can trust me.”
“The boy’s a fool.”
“You were on the same page not so long ago,” she reminded him gently. “Until Jesse died and you had to face the truth. Give Trent some slack. He’s doing his best. Losing Jesse has shaken him. Especially since it came out of the blue.”
Guilt washed over Mac’s face. He poked at a carrot with his fork. “I didn’t want the three boys to know how bad it was. I thought I could whip Jesse into shape, keep a close eye on him. I’m responsible for his death as much as anyone.”
Seeing the proud Mac Sinclair with tears streaking down his leatherlike cheeks was almost more than Bryn could bear. She moved the dinner tray and scooted onto the bed beside him, putting her arm around his shoulder. “Don’t be a horse’s hiney,” she said softly. “You were a wonderful father to all four of your boys…and a dear grandfather to me.”
“I sent you away.” He rested his head against her chest, his eyes closed.
“You did what you thought was right.”
“Can you ever forgive me?”
“Of course,” she said simply. “Aunt Beverly was so good to me. And Allen adores her. I’m fine, Mac. No harm, no foul.”
They sat there in silence, both of them lost in thought.
Finally, Mac gave a wheezing sigh and moved fretfully in the bed. Bryn stood up and smoothed the covers.
He folded his arms across his chest, wrestling with the IV. “Trent thinks we should get a test…as soon as possible. So there won’t be any questions. But I don’t want to.”
The packet of letters in her room mocked her. Would a paternity test destroy her hope of securing her son’s future? “Why not, Mac? We all need to know the truth.”
“I trust you, Brynnie, my girl.”
At that very moment, Trent walked in. If he had heard the end of their conversation, he gave no sign.
“You’re looking better, Dad. Nothing like a visit from a beautiful woman to perk up a man.”
Mac chuckled, but the bland glance Trent sent Bryn’s way made her knees weak. It was hard enough to deal with a suspicious, angry Trent. How on earth was she supposed to find the strength to resist the charming, seductive version? One glance from those dark eyes and she was ready to drag him into the nearest broom closet.
She cleared her throat, forcing herself to look at Trent. “I’m going to stay with Mac tonight. The nurse said they can bring in a cot for me. Why don’t you go back to the ranch to check on things and then come back in the morning to pick us up.”
“I thought we were both going to stay at the hotel.” A frown creased Trent’s forehead.
“It was great to have a place to nap, but I’ll be fine here. And Mac says he promised several of the men the weekend off. Isn’t that right, Mac?”
“Yep. Brynnie will be here if I need anything, and they’re predicting storms tonight. I’d feel better if you were at the ranch. Do you mind, son?”
“Sounds like I’ve been outvoted.” Trent’s lips quirked. “But, sure. If that’s what you want, Dad.”
