The Rancher's Homecoming by Arlene James Page B

another fine meal together, and afterward Callie played quietly with Bodie on the floor while he and Wes watched television. Then she put the baby to sleep, and he listened to her moving about the house until she, too, turned in for the night. Wes went to bed as soon as his program ended. Rex sat up alone, listening to the TV and worrying about his father, only to dream of Callie when he finally did sleep and woke the next morning thinking of his mother and church.
    It had been some time since Rex had attended church with any regularity, but Countryside had been good to his parents, and he’d happily fellowship there. He put on a suit and tie even before he headed downstairs for breakfast. Adjusting the knot in his tie, Rex looked at his image in the spotty mirror over the dresser in his bedroom.
    His mom had finally removed the school logos and sports posters from the walls, but the rodeo-themed curtains and bedcovers remained. Once upon a time, his chief ambition in life had been to make a name for himself in rodeo. His father had wisely insisted that he do so after college. The urge hadn’t survived his first semester at Oklahoma University. Eventually he’d given up his jeans for a suit, but the boots...well, those had just gotten more expensive. He wouldn’t know how to walk in shoes. He did know how to turn down the collar on a shirt made especially for him and shrug into a jacket tailored to his exact measurements.
    The suit jacket hung a little loose around his middle now. No surprise there. He’d had to take up his belt a notch when he’d pulled on his pants this morning.
    He picked up a brush and swept back his thick brown hair. It wasn’t as dark as it had been even a week ago. He needed to remember to wear a hat. He still had a pair of them in the closet.
    Strapping on his wristwatch, he checked the time. Better get a move on. Wes would need help dressing, and loading Wes and his wheelchair into the truck would take a few extra minutes. He went out along the hallway to the stairs. Before his foot took the first step down, Callie came out of her room with Bodie in her arms.
    He could do nothing but stare at the wholesome beauty of her. She wore a spring-green dress, simple and sleeveless with a gently flared skirt and modestly scooped neckline. Bodie wore the same white sandals as her mom and a delicate pink-and-white striped dress over ruffled bloomers.
    â€œI don’t know which one of you looks more adorable,” he said. Callie dropped her gaze, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks.
    â€œThat would be Bodie,” she said in a playful voice, jostling her daughter. “Thank you.”
    He stepped back, waving a hand for her and the baby to go first. “You’re welcome.”
    She reached inside her room and snagged a large handbag before hurrying onto the stairs. “You, um, clean up well.”
    Surprised—and ridiculously pleased—he slid a hand over his diminished middle, confiding, “Lost a little weight.”
    â€œWorking in the heat will do that.”
    â€œNo kidding. It will also fry your brain.”
    She laughed, but whatever she might have said got lost in the sound of knocking at the front door. Tossing a glance over her shoulder at Rex, Callie hurried downstairs. He joined her in the entryway, just as she pulled open the carved oak door.
    â€œDolent,” Rex said, hoping he didn’t sound as disgusted as he felt.
    At the same time she exclaimed, “Ben!”
    The squat silo manager stood there in a too-large, too-pale Western suit and a tan beaver cowboy hat. What looked like a brand-new Bible was folded against his chest in one chubby fist.
    â€œI come to take you to church,” he announced happily. “I know you’ll want to go to your own church in town.”
    â€œNo,” Callie said flatly, her hand still on the door.
    Dolent’s smile faltered. “But you don’t ever miss church. Your husband