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Knox looked from Macie to Holt, then back to Macie. “I guess you heard I was coming into town for the rodeo.”
“I did.” Macie’s words were clipped.
“Thought I’d spend time with Ruby, too, if that’s all right.”
Macie hesitated, then said, “Of course, it’s all right.”
Holt wanted to stand between the two. Prevent Macie from getting hurt all over again, and prevent Knox from wheedling his way back into Macie’s life. But of course, that would be impossible. Ruby was involved, too.
“How have you been doing, sugar?” Knox said in a low voice, moving another step toward the porch.
Holt hated the tenderness in Knox’s voice.
“I’m fine,” Macie said. “Look, Knox, maybe we can talk later, but Ruby’s been sick, and—”
“She’s sick? What’s wrong?”
“Just a fever—”
“Oh my goodness!” Heidi came out onto the porch, carrying Ruby. “Knox, you’re . . . here. Oh my goodness.” Her voice cracked, and Knox moved up to the porch steps.
“Hi, Mom.”
Tears streaked Heidi’s cheeks, and Macie moved to take Ruby from her arms. Ruby’s hair was tangled, the color high on her cheeks, and she looked like she’d just woken up.
Knox hugged his mom, and she cried onto his shoulder.
Holt leaned against the railing of the porch and looked away. His dad was taking in the entire scene, and instead of a frown, he looked like he was moved at the reunion between mother and son.
After Knox released their mother, she said, “Ruby has been asking for you.”
Holt’s breath stalled as Knox turned to Macie, who was holding Ruby.
Ruby still looked wan, but her eyes were tracking every movement of Knox.
“You’re my daddy?”
Knox’s smile dropped, but he quickly recovered. “Of course, little darlin’.”
Ruby lifted her head more. “Holt calls me little darlin’, and he calls Mama darlin’.”
The stiffness of Knox’s shoulders told Holt that this was not well-received news. “That so?” He moved closer to Ruby and acted like he was about to take her from Macie.
But Macie said, “She’s not feeling well, Knox, and she doesn’t really know you.”
At this, Heidi frowned, sensing the growing tension between the two of them. She placed her hand on Knox’s arm. “It’s such a surprise that you’re here. I didn’t know you were coming. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“It was sort of last minute,” Knox said, his attention temporarily diverted. “Decided to enter the rodeo, and, uh, see my family.”
Heidi rubbed his arm, her smile broad. “Just like the old days?”
“Sure, Mom,” Knox said. “I can’t tell you how much I missed your cooking.”
Heidi chuckled. “Oh, your wif—er, Macie does most of the cooking now. She’s been so helpful.”
Knox glanced at Macie, appreciation in his eyes, appreciation that Holt didn’t like in the least. “Thanks, sugar. I’m mighty obliged to you.”
Macie’s eyes widened as Knox addressed her. “It’s not a problem. You have a wonderful family, Knox.” Her words were pointed, and the flush on Knox’s neck told Holt that this was a discussion they’d had before.
