Cowboy Take Me Away(199)

            On the drive into town, Carson kept up a steady stream of chatter because Colby’s pain-filled silence was more than he could take.

            Sure he’d been upset holding onto Carter and hoping there weren’t complications when they reset the break. But the poor overwhelmed six-year-old had all but passed out.

            Then today with Colt, the kid had cracked fishing jokes all the way into town. The only time his charm faltered was when the nurse had numbed the area with four separate shots. Carson had seen one single tear escape while the ten-year-old gritted his teeth.

            “Dad,” Colby interrupted. “It’s okay. I don’t really think Ma will skin you alive when she gets home. This was an accident.”

            His thirteen-year-old boy having to console his forty-one-year-old father just made him feel worse.

            This trip to the hospital took longer. He’d be damn surprised if the medical personnel didn’t call Wyoming Child Protective Services.

            He remained by Colby’s side through all the X-rays and waiting for the on-call specialist to give a diagnosis.

            The good news? No broken bones but a couple of hairline fractures that required Colby to wear a cast for six weeks. The bad news? Since he’d injured his riding hand the kid couldn’t compete for the rest of the summer. Better than not being able to compete for a few years because of surgeries.

            By the time they finished three hours later, Carson was exhausted. They stopped at Dairy Queen and picked up burgers and fries and ice cream for supper.

            The mood at home was subdued, although it hadn’t affected their appetites. His nerves were shot. He sat on the couch and Keely immediately crawled into his lap, snuggling into him. Then Carter did the same thing on the opposite side. Then all the boys were piled on the couch next to each other or on the floor in front of it. No bickering or shoving, and he finally relaxed.

            Carolyn arrived home earlier on day five than Carson expected.

            He caught her in his arms as she alighted from the truck, holding onto her tightly—then he kissed her with the passion he usually saved for behind closed doors. When he finally released her mouth, she sighed. “You really did miss me.”

            “Like you wouldn’t believe.” He heard the screen door open and knew the time of reckoning had come. His gut tightened, as did his throat. And he was man enough to admit even his balls shrunk a little, as he ran through everything he had to tell her.

            “Mom’s home!” Cam said with glee.

            And still he didn’t move.

            “Carson? Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

            “You’ll see. And uh, don’t judge me too harshly, okay?”

            Carolyn ripped herself away from him. She froze after she’d only taken two steps.

            All six kids were in a line, like before. Carson tried to see it from her eyes. Cord, the only one without obvious injury, unless she looked close enough to see the chafing on his right hand from continual jacking off, held Keely, who was sporting a goose egg on her forehead. Next was Colby, his hand in a cast. Next was Colt, a bandage wrapped around his calf. Then Cam, with a vicious black eye. And finally Carter, with a cast on his left arm.

            Silence.

            Then Carolyn slowly faced him.

            And Carson blurted out, “I swear I can explain.”

            “Mr. McKay?”

            Carson blinked at the nurse. “Yes.”

            “It’s time if you want to go in.”