Tina Leonard - Triplets' Rodeo Man by Tina Leonard

her boys. Said she wanted to meet the wonderful woman who talked me into getting off my high horse and calling her.” Josiah’s eyes grew misty. “Funny thing about your mother, she has a heart of gold. I wish I’d appreciated that when I was younger. It’s something you miss out on about your wife when you’re busy trying to make a living.”
    Jack blinked. “Are you going to marry Sara?”
    â€œYep,” Josiah said, “just as soon as I’m well.”
    â€œOur family tree is odd,” Jack said. “There’s a lot of twists among the branches.”
    Josiah shrugged. “Every family has its twists and unique branches, son. The fact that we keep fertilizing the roots is what makes our tree strong.”
    â€œOh, hell,” Jack said. “Next you’re going to be after me to do some fertilizing. Pop, kids is one thing you’re never going to get out of me, so don’t even start the chorus.”
    â€œExcuse me,” the doctor said as he came into the room, “I’m Dr. Goodlaw.”
    Jack stood, shook the doctor’s hand. “Jack Morgan.”
    â€œAh, Mr. Morgan’s eldest son.”
    Jack nodded.
    â€œWell, I have an unusual bit of news,” Dr. Goodlawsaid. “We just had a kidney come up that is a match for you, Mr. Morgan.”
    â€œWhat does that mean, exactly?” Josiah’s brows furrowed.
    â€œIt means that this particular kidney is from a young accident victim whose parents want his organs donated. He was healthy and active, and his family would like to know that his organs are helping other people to live healthy, active lives. I know you have a family match who has offered, but I recall you didn’t elect for surgery under those conditions.”
    â€œNo, I did not,” Josiah said with a stern glance at Jack. “I don’t elect, not one bit.”
    â€œIt’s up to you, Mr. Morgan, although a decision will need to be reached fairly quickly. There are other recipients in the registry, of course.”
    Jack and his father looked at each other. Then Josiah shrugged. “I don’t need any time to think it over. I’ll take the kidney.”
    Dr. Goodlaw nodded. “I’ll go make the arrangements.” He shook Jack’s hand, then Josiah’s. “This will move fairly quickly.”
    â€œGood,” Josiah shot back. “I’m tired of feeling like I’m at everyone’s mercy.”
    The doctor smiled and left the room. Josiah refused to meet Jack’s gaze. Jack knew exactly what his father was thinking: I owe nobody nothing. Jack couldn’t say whether he felt any particular relief that he wouldn’t be giving up a part of his body. “Are you all right, Pop?”
    â€œI’m fine,” Josiah said. “As fine as anyone can be who just had a miracle thrust upon them.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Jack went and sat by his father.
    â€œI prayed I wouldn’t have to take your kidney. I couldn’t stand the thought of you rodeoing with one kidney. I just don’t want to outlive my kids,” Josiah said. “Now that I’ve got my boys all around, I’d like to get to know you.”
    Jack felt honest emotion jump inside him. He looked away, cleared his throat. “I almost like you better when you’re being a jackass.”
    â€œThat’s because I’m an enemy you can keep fighting against. You like holding grudges. But you won’t get any fight out of me, son. I’m getting a young person’s kidney, and I’m going to take full advantage of the spark it gives me. You’re off the hook.”
    Jack shook his head. “You just didn’t want anything from me.”
    â€œTrue.” Josiah closed his eyes. “I don’t want you doing anything for me that you don’t really want to do.”
    â€œI didn’t mind, Pop.”
    â€œI know you didn’t mind the