But so far she’d found nothing but kindness and consideration from Ricky. He made her almost wish this wasn’t just about getting a kidney, but finally finding a family.
“I appreciate the hospitality,” she said. “I’m sorry again for intruding. Ty was kind enough to take us out earlier today, but I don’t want to be too much of an imposition on his, or anyone else’s, time.”
By starting out with her appreciation and her desire not to be a burden, hopefully her later attempts to rebuff Ty would not be seen as rude. But by the way he watched her, even though someone else had drawn him into conversation, Rachel knew Ty was not going to be so easily gotten rid of.
“It’s no trouble at all.” Ricky squatted down to Katie’s level. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
He stood again and smiled at Rachel. “I always thought it was a shame that Rosie and I didn’t have more children. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. I didn’t do so well with Cinco, so maybe the other children we had would have been just as messed up.”
The regret in his voice made Rachel want to tell him the truth. That they were a match on a DNA website, and while he couldn’t make up for what he’d done with his dead son, he could start over with her and Katie.
But that was ridiculous. If Rachel didn’t get a kidney soon, Ricky wouldn’t have her, and Katie would be off in some foster home. Plus, as determined as Ty was to believe she had nefarious purposes in coming, he probably wouldn’t let Rachel have a relationship with Ricky anyway.
People asked Rachel why she didn’t believe in God, and it was situations like this that made it hard for her to do so. What kind of God would make life full of such difficult choices? It wasn’t even her choice. She didn’t ask to have bad kidneys. She didn’t ask to be a single mom. She didn’t wake up one morning and decide that this was going to be her life.
So where was God in all of this?
And where did it leave a lonely man like Ricky, who deeply regretted the choices that led him to losing his family?
“I’m sure you did the best you could,” Rachel said. “It’s all we can do. I’m sure I make a lot of mistakes with Katie, but everything I’ve ever done since she’s been born has been for her.”
Ricky nodded. “I used to tell myself that same thing,” he said. “Building this ranch, growing it to be as successful as it’s been, I always said I was doing it for Cinco. For the future generations of the Ruiz family. But it cost me my boy.”
He gave her a hard look, like he was warning her that her path would turn out the same. But it was different. She wasn’t trying to make a bunch of money or anything like that. She just wanted to live, to be there for her daughter.
Ty came up behind Ricky and patted him on the back. “You didn’t kill Cinco. Once you fall in love with the adrenaline high of a bull, nothing will stop you. Yes, you made your mistakes, but you also did a lot of good. The trust that you set up for the ranch will endure long past the family line and be a blessing for generations to come.”
Ricky gave him a wry smile. “I know. There’s no use beating myself up for what’s in the past. But today I’m feeling my age, and seeing this little one with so much promise of the life ahead of her, it makes me wish I’d spent my years differently.”
The genuine regret in the man’s voice once again made Rachel think she would like to have a relationship with him. She could use someone with such wisdom in her life.
She stole a glance at Ty. The tender way he responded to Ricky made Rachel pause. He seemed genuinely compassionate toward the older man. He’d said he loved Ricky like family, and seeing it in action made her wonder if Ty’s protectiveness was something she didn’t need to fear. Ty just wanted to make sure Ricky would be all right. If Rachel wasn’t a threat to Ricky’s well-being, maybe Ty would leave her alone.
So how could Rachel get Ty to understand that she bore Ricky no ill will?
A woman entered the room carrying a large platter of grilled steaks. She set it on the sideboard, then turned to Ricky. “Dinner is ready. Why don’t you say grace so we can all get started?”
Ricky nodded and took off his hat. As he bowed his head, Rachel noticed everyone else doing the same.
“Dear heavenly Father, we come together today to thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed on us. Thank You for the food, the friendship and the chance to honor You with the work of our hands. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
Something about the older man’s simple prayer stirred something in Rachel’s heart. It wasn’t like she had never said grace before, and she’d certainly spent time around Christians. But as she looked around the room and saw the warmth among the people gathered, it felt different.
Ty gave her a nudge. “We don’t stand on ceremony here. Just grab a plate, fill it and take a seat at the table. The beef is fresh from the ranch, and a city girl like you has probably never had the like. I might be a bit biased, but you won’t find tastier meat anywhere in the world.”
Katie tugged at his hand. “I thought we were having fish.”
The woman who brought in the meat made a noise as she approached them. “We were going to. But someone didn’t keep up his end of the bargain.”
Her voice was teasing, and Ty made
