Page 93 of Knox
A knock came at the door, and Reuben reached over to pause the tape.
Hardwin stood in the threshold. He glanced at the television. “Sorry to interrupt. Looking at an old game tape?”
Tate nodded, like they hadn’t all just been sideswiped by the past.
“Um, I wanted to talk to you all, and I thought this might be the only time—without your mom around.”
Knox stiffened. Reuben got up off the floor, folded his arms.
Hardwin came into the room, closed the door. Took off his hat.
What in the world—
“So, I’d like your permission to court your mother.”
Knox stared at him.
Reuben’s gaze didn’t move, either.
Tate looked at the ground.
“Really?” Ruby Jane said. “I thought you were…I mean…you and Ma?”
“I moved out here five years ago, and then lost my wife suddenly two years later. I never thought I’d meet anyone who…well, your mother is amazing, and we like spending time together, and I’d like to see if…I mean…with your permission, I’d like to see if we have a future together.”
“I don’t want to see Ma hurt,” Reuben said quietly, darkly.
“I won’t hurt her,” Hardwin said. “I promise.”
Knox’s mouth tightened.
And then, Reuben took him out at his knees when he held out his hand. “Okay, then.”
What—? Since when was he the family spokesperson?
Hardwin shook his hand, nodding. “Thank you, Reuben.”
But—
Knox waited until Hardwin left, then he closed the door behind him and rounded on his brother. “Seriously? Who appointed you family boss? Listen, you left here, kicked the dust off your boots, and left me in charge. If anyone should be giving permission, it’s me—”
“No one needs to give Ma permission to date. She can run her own life—” Ruby Jane interjected.
“Yeah, well, I’m here, I’m the one who has kept the ranch running, who is paying the bills and keeping us in the black. Of course Ma doesn’t need permission, but if Hardwin is asking, then I’m the one handing it out.”
“I don’t think so, Knox. I’m the oldest. I’m the one who the responsibility falls on—”
“You’re not even here!”
“Actually, I want to talk about that. I’m glad everyone is here.” Reuben turned, sliding his arm around Gilly. “We want to get married soon. And then…” He met Knox’s eyes. “I want to move back and help run the ranch.”
Knox just blinked at him.
“Gilly and I are ready to settle down, start a family, and I want my kids to know the childhood I had. Working the ranch side by side with my dad—”
“You playedfootball! I worked the ranch!” Knox fought to cut his voice low. Took a breath. “Reuben, you left because you hated working the ranch—”
“I left because you drove me away,” Reuben said quietly, something of a lethal tone to his voice.