Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) by Mitzi Pool Bridges Page B

really know his kids, and wished it were otherwise. It saddened him to know Dani probably wouldn’t tell him a thing about tonight. He’d have to find out from Lela.
    Though they’d been home a couple of days, he didn’t know how his son was doing, either. Yes, he was up and ready on time. Evidently, he did as he was told and didn’t complain.
    Beau had watched him from a distance. He worked hard, which in itself was a novelty. He’d never worked a day in his life unless you counted the job he’d been fired from in San Antonio.
    If he were a betting man, Beau would bet the boy was sore from head to toe from the unaccustomed work. “Do him good.”
    There was a bunkhouse rule that the men took turns cooking the night meal. What would Rey do then? Beau doubted the kid could boil water.
    The back door slammed open, then shut.
    Beau got up and walked to the kitchen to see who it could be, but stopped when he heard Rey’s voice and Lela’s excited one when she saw him.
    It wasn’t right to eavesdrop, but Beau justified his actions by telling himself he wanted to learn all he could about his son. Pitiful, but true.
    “How are you doing?” Lela asked.
    “I’m tired, Lela. Ranching is hard work.”
    “I know, honey. You’re not used to it.”
    “I hurt all over. How long does it take to get used to this? Hell, Lela, I don’t even know how I ended up working for Dad. I’ve been on a horse all day. A horse? Can you believe it? Even my butt hurts.”
    Lela laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Your dad did.”
    “There’s a difference. He wanted to do this. I don’t. As soon as I earn enough money I’m leaving.”
    Beau stood there as if rooted. He’d heard nothing he didn’t already know, but the knowing didn’t sit easy.
    “I have a real problem, Lela, and no one can help me but you. You know the guys take turns cooking the evening meal. You also know I can’t cook. I don’t have a clue what to do. Tomorrow’s my turn.”
    Lela clapped her hands. “Now that I can fix.”
    Beau went back to his lounger, wishing Lela luck. Rey cooking a meal would be something to see.
    Beau waited thirty minutes before he got up and went to the kitchen. This time he walked in. “Hey Rey! How’s it going? Are the guys treating you okay?”
    Beau really wanted to know. If they gave him trouble because Rey was the boss’s son, he’d set them straight.
    “Joe’s okay.”
    “What about Gordon?”
    Rey shrugged.
    Beau figured that was all he’d get out of the kid.
    Rey leaped to his feet, stuffed papers into his pocket. “It’s late. I’d better get back.”
    “You don’t have to run off,” Beau said, wanting his son to stay—wanting to have a conversation without all the recriminations.
    But it wasn’t to be.
    Rey looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. As you told me that first day, I can’t be late for work.”
    Rey kissed Lela on the cheek, waved goodbye, and was out the door before Beau could think of anything to say.
    Served him right.

Chapter Seven
    Dani had a job!
    Beau would be more excited if the job entailed something other than playing companion to Emma Wells. Dani didn’t like taking orders. From what he’d gleaned from the town gossips, Emma had changed from a gatherer of news who laughed and talked with everyone in town, to a recluse who snapped at everyone in sight.
    Every day he expected to see Dani back at the house, suitcase in hand. But it had been two weeks.
    It was Saturday. Payday. He left the envelopes for the men’s pay in the mailbox on the door of the bunkhouse. He couldn’t help but wonder what Rey did with his. Was he saving every penny until he had enough to leave? Or did he blow it as he had his allowance?
    Though his children were adults in age if not in demeanor, he had to admit he was encouraged by their actions the last couple of weeks, and wondered how long they would last in their newfound jobs.
    Beau slid behind the wheel of his pickup and headed for