Cattle Valley 27 - Alone in a Crowd by Carol Lynne Page A

think
they’re the best.”
It’s a start , Ryan thought.
* * * *
    Rio stood in the driveway with his arm around Nate, waiting for Ryan. “Dinner’s ready, right?”
“Yeah, it’s pot roast, so as soon as they’re ready to eat, we’re ready.” Nate tried to pull away, but Rio only held him closer. “Are you sure this is the first thing you want Ben to see?”
“It’s exactly what he needs to see. I don’t mind having him here if it’s important to Ryan, but I won’t hide who I am.” Rio kissed the top of Nate’s head as Ryan’s SUV pulled into the drive. “Guess we’ll know soon enough.”
Rio waited for the SUV to come to a complete stop before stepping forward. Even knowing Ben wasn’t Ryan’s biological father didn’t prepare him for the stark difference in their appearance. Where Ryan was tall and sinewy, Ben’s head barely reached the headrest, a good indication of his short stature. His rounded face was okay, but not near as handsome as Ryan’s.
“It’s so good to have you home,” Nate said, breaking away from Rio to launch himself at Ryan.
“Good to be home.” Ryan held Nate for several moments before reaching for Rio.
Rio accepted Ryan’s embrace gratefully.
“Thanks for letting me do this,” Ryan whispered in Rio’s ear.
“Don’t thank me. I’m sure we all wish we could go back and make things right with our parents. This is your time, make the most of it.”
Ryan broke away and stared into Rio’s eyes. “After Dad gets settled tonight, I need to talk to you and Nate.”
“Of course. You know we’re here for you.” Rio glanced at the man still in the front seat. “Are you sure he’ll be cool with this?”
“He said he was.”
Rio smoothed the dark circle under Ryan’s left eye. “You’re not sleeping.”
Ryan leaned into Rio’s touch. “Because I’ve been sleeping alone.”
Despite Ryan’s predictable response, Rio had a feeling the situation with his father was weighing heavier on Ryan’s mind than he was willing to admit. “We’ll make it work.”
“Is your dad planning to ever get out?” Nate asked.
Ryan grinned. “I think he’s as nervous as we are.” He walked around the SUV and opened the passenger door. “Do you need your cane?”
“No.” Ben let Ryan help him out of the vehicle.
Nate was the first to extend his hand in greeting. “I’m Nate. Welcome to our home.”
Ben shook Nate’s hand. “Thank you.”
Rio moved up next to Nate. He waited until Nate left to help Ryan with the luggage before reaching for Ben’s hand. “Welcome,” he simply said.
“There’s more you want to say. I see it in your eyes,” Ben replied.
“You’re right, but out of respect for Ryan, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. However, if you’ve come here to hurt him further, I’ll put you back on the plane and send you home.” Rio meant every word. There was something in the man’s expression he didn’t trust, and he wasn’t afraid to say so.
“You coming?” Ryan called, walking in through the open garage door.
“Yeah,” Rio answered, releasing Ben’s hand.
“Ryan asked me to come. I figured after what I’ve done to him, I couldn’t say no.”
“And I hope he gets what he needs, because that’s why you’re here.”
“I’m ready to die,” Ben admitted. “From now on, every morning I open my eyes is for his sake.”
* * * *
    Dinner was uncomfortable and, soon after, Ben retired to his room for the night. Ryan made sure he had everything he needed before leaving him alone. “I have to go into the station for a while tomorrow, would you like to come?”
    Seated on the edge of the bed, Ben nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Okay.” Ryan started to shut the door. “Night, Dad.”
“Ryan?”
“Yeah?”
“After everything, why do you still call me Dad?”
Ryan stared at the man on the bed. As a child, how many nights had he lain awake
    praying for a father who loved him? “I don’t know. Maybe for the same reason you’re