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maybe?”
    â€œI guess you could say that.”
    â€œJust wondered. I’ll get us some coffee. Be back in a flash.” Moments later, he located a coffee machine in the waiting room, and, as the first cup began to fill, he blew out a breath. So far he’d held himself together, but he could use backup. Good thing he’d called Damon and Finn.
    That reminded him to check his phone. Sure enough, he had a text from Damon. He’d be landing at the Sheridan airport around one and wondered if he should rent a car. While the second cup of coffee filled, Cade replied that he’d pick him up.
    Immediately Damon texted back.
    How’s Mom?
    Sleeping.
    It wasn’t much, but it was all Cade knew. He felt a rush of gratitude for Damon, who obviously was worried, too. Having him here, along with Finn, would mean a lot to Rosie and Herb but also to Cade.
    By the time he returned with the coffee, Herb was outside the room talking to a fiftyish brunette. A couple of nurses bustled around in Rosie’s room, and the curtains had been drawn around her bed. The brunette hadn’t noticed him yet, so Cade paused to get his bearings.
Yep. Janine Simmons, Lexi’s mom.
    Then Herb glanced his way. “Here’s Cade. The nurses kicked us out, son. Taking vital signs and such.”
    Janine looked as if she’d rushed over without putting on makeup or fixing her hair. She had Lexi’s eyes, something that had always made her seem accessible and familiar. But there was nothing friendly about her expression now. “Hello, Cade.”
    â€œGood to see you again, Mrs. Simmons.” He handed one of the cups to his dad and offered her the other one. “You’re welcome to this if you want it.” As a peace offering it wasn’t much. Five years ago he’d broken her daughter’s heart. A cup of coffee from a vending machine probably didn’t make up for that.
    â€œThanks, but I need to get going. Lexi called me a little while ago to tell me Rosie was in the hospital, so I threw on some clothes and came over. Aaron’s at a dental conference in Billings so I have to go home and feed the dogs.” She gave Herb a quick hug. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Call if you need anything in the meantime.”
    â€œThanks, Janine. I will.”
    Her gaze flicked to Cade. “It’s good that you’re here.”
    â€œI know.” He accepted the rebuke in her voice. He deserved it for...many reasons.
    As she walked away, Herb put a hand on Cade’s shoulder. “Don’t let her lay a guilt trip on you.”
    â€œBut I
am
guilty. First I disappointed her daughter, and then I let my issues with Lexi keep me from coming to see you and Mom.”
    â€œWater under the bridge. You’re here now, and that’s all that counts. No point in dwelling on the past unless you’re remembering good stuff.”
    Cade absorbed the wisdom of that. “I’ve really missed you.” He hadn’t realized how much.
    â€œI missed you, too, but I don’t ever want you or any of the boys to feel obligated to come and see us. That’s not how we roll.” He took a sip of the coffee and grimaced.
    â€œSorry. It’s what I could find.”
    â€œNever mind. You’re supposed to get bad coffee in these situations. I think it’s a rule.”
    Cade smiled, relieved to see some of Herb’s spunk returning. He drank his coffee, and sure enough, it was awful. “By the way, I heard from Damon. I’ll pick him up from the airport at one this afternoon.”
    Herb’s bushy eyebrows rose. “Lexi called him, too?”
    â€œNo, I did.” He sipped the coffee because he needed the caffeine. “Finn, too.”
    â€œYou’re starting to scare me, boy. Rosie’s not about to die, you know. It could be nothing more than indigestion.”
    If Cade hadn’t experienced the desperate hug when he’d first