The Cowboy's Secret Son. Judy Christenberry
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said, pleading in her voice, “we need to talk.”
“Later. Let me introduce you to my son. Robbie, this is my fiancée, Patricia Atwell.”
Without even an acknowledgment, she asked Nick, “What’s his last name?”
Nick turned to Abby.
“His name is Stafford,” Abby replied.
“You didn’t list me as the father?” Nick demanded.
“Yes, I did, but it seemed easier for him to have my name.”
“In that case I’ll start adoption proceedings at once,” Nick returned, no doubt in his voice.
“But, Nick, we haven’t even talked about this,” Patricia whined. “You already have to pay child support. Are you sure you want to adopt him?”
“He’s my child, Patricia. I’m responsible for him.” Nick sent a smile to Robbie, ignoring his fiancée.
“I still think we should talk about this, Nick,” Patricia said, her voice gentle, but to Abby her eyes looked hard.
“No,” was Nick’s only response.
Once again Kate tried to defuse the volatile situation. “Uh, Patricia, have you had breakfast? I’m sorry, I should’ve asked when you first came in. I can—”
“Oh, no, thank you, Mrs. Logan. I had my usual breakfast earlier.”
“Do you want to see my puppy?” Robbie suddenly asked. “Mommy is going to come see it. Uncle Brad said I could bring it into the house in a week.”
Patricia looked aghast, her manicured hand going to her chest. “In the house? Oh, I would never allow animals in my house. They make too much of a mess.”
“But Grandma said—”
“It’s okay, buddy,” Nick said softly. “You can bring your puppy to the house when it’s big enough.”
Patricia was clearly not satisfied. “Nick, you don’t want to set a precedent. You should explain to him now that I won’t—”
“This is my mother’s house, Patricia, and that won’t change.”
“Oh. I see,” she said and smiled, as if she’d won a contest.
Next to her at the table, Brad jumped up from his chair. “Uh, I have to get to the barn and see about a sick horse.”
Abby could understand his desire to run. She shared it. “May Robbie and I walk with you, Brad? I promised him I’d go see the puppies.”
Jason and Matt decided to go with them, too. Soon the kitchen was empty of everyone but Nick, Patricia and Kate.
“Why don’t we go to your office while your mother does the dishes, Nick?” Patricia suggested.
Nick squared his jaw, a sure sign to Kate that her son was digging in his heels. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we help Mom clean the kitchen?”
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