___________
All the air in Logan’s lungs rushed out of him when he heard her speak those four little words. He backed away from the table where she sat with a child and walked to his truck. Evangeline came out and handed him the food he’d asked for. She looked at him concerned.
“She’s here.” She said quietly.
“For how long?” Logan growled.
“I don’t know. I think permanently.”
“Is that her kid?”
“Yeah, he looks like her.”
“I have to go, I’m sorry.”
“Logan, call me later.”
“I will.”
He drove back to the ranch and went into the kitchen with his food. He hadn’t noticed Eli’s truck in the drive but Eli sat at the table with Cooper, Ma and Pa drinking coffee. He sat at the table as well with his food, he nodded at each of them.
“Logan –“ Cooper started.
“Sienna has a son and she’s back permanently. I already know, Cooper. I assume so do all of you.” Logan said.
“We do, sweetie.” Ma said as he ate.
“She came by Joel’s but Charlotte kinda kicked her out.” Eli shook his head.
“Where she staying then?” Pa asked.
“I don’t know but she’ll probably rent a room at Ms. Johnsons.”
“Why’d Charlotte kick her out?” Cooper asked.
“Charlotte’s still mad because Siena went away to college and even madder that she has a child.”
“Does anyone know the story of her son?” Ma asked.
Logan stood and threw away his tray. “I never knew this family was so into gossip. Sienna and her son are her business. If we need to know, she’ll tell us. Until then, I don’t want to hear her name again.”
“Okay.” Eli nodded.
“Allright, Logan.” Cooper said looking down.
Ma and Pa looked at him empathetically and he sighed.
“Where’s Graham and Cash at today?” Logan asked.
“In the west pasture, breeding Lane and Maximus.” Pa said.
“How’s the calf?”
“In his stall. Probably should watch him all day today.”
“I’m watching the calf today.” Eli nodded.
“I’m fixing the barn door.” Cooper declared.
“That means I’m fixing the fence.” Logan said.
“Be in before it gets too late, boys.” Ma said standing and leaving the room.
“I’ll see you boys at church tomorrow morning.” Pa said sipping his coffee.
The three boys headed out to do the jobs they had chosen and worked in silence. A small car pulled in the drive just as Logan finished the fence job. He headed to greet whoever it was like the gentleman his mother raised him to be even though he just wanted to go lay down and drink until he passed out. Hearing Sienna’s voice had brought back all the feelings he’d thought he had done away with after she left for college. To his shock, Sienna stepped out of the vehicle and waved at Eli who was also coming to see who had come to the ranch. She went around to the passenger side of the car and he could no longer see her. His heart raced as he waited to see her face again.
