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Bull didn’t push her away, but he kept moving toward the bed where his little man lay with his eyes closed. Tubes were everywhere and he was so still. “What does the doctor say?”
“It’s bacterial.”
Bull winced, leaning on the hospital bed, his hand laying on the little boy’s shoulder. “That’s the worst kind.”
“Yea, they said he was exposed at day care. They’re giving him antibiotics. It’s just going to take time.”
Bending over, Bull kissed Luke on the cheek and whispered in his ear. “Daddy’s here, sweet boy. I’m not going anywhere. Everything’s going to be okay.”
For the next few hours, Bull stayed by the baby’s side. Carol was acting strangely. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was coming on to him. “Where’s your man?” he asked her when she handed him a cup of coffee and pulled her straight-back chair close to his.
“Oh, we’re separated.” She gave him a smile. “I’m free again.”
“Good for you.” He wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole, not after the way she’d treated him.
“Thanks for taking care of Luke’s medical bills.”
“Of course, I’d do anything for Luke.” He enunciated the words carefully. “I consider him to be my child, no matter what those blood tests said.”
“Maybe when Luke gets to go home, maybe we can both come to see you. We can talk about those visitation rights.”
The doctor came in about that time, so the only thing Bull was able to say was, “Luke is always welcome. I’d love to have him stay with me anytime.” He was careful not to include Carol in the invitation.
To give the doctor and nurses room to work on their examination, Bull excused himself. “I’ll be right back.” He needed to visit the little boy’s room and he wanted to call Carmen. After he’d relieved himself, Bull stepped out one of the exits and took a walk down one of the sidewalks. He held his breath waiting for Carmen to answer.
…Down in Mexico, Isabella weighed her options. She didn’t know whether to keep up the charade or not. She didn’t want to tell him on the phone, but speaking to him as Carmen would only prolong the confusion. “Oh, God!” Grabbing the phone, she quickly answered.
“Benedict?”
“Hey, baby. I needed to hear your voice.”
“Where are you?” It was hard not to ask about his child, but Carmen didn’t know what Isabella knew.
“I’m back in Texas. I hate I had to leave without telling you, but my little boy is sick”
Carmen didn’t know about the little boy. “You have a child, Benedict?” She put the appropriate amount of shock in her voice.
“Yea, it’s a long story, but he’s mine. I’m divorced.”
“How is he?”
“He’s in the hospital with meningitis. The doctor is with him now. I’m hoping there are signs of improvement.”
“I pray that is so, Benedict.” Her voice trembled. “I hope you are well.”
“I would be better if you were here with me. I worry about your safety. Have you ever thought about visiting Texas?”
In this, Isabella could tell him the truth. She did have plans to go to Texas. “I have thought about it and I will. I promise. You take care of your little boy and I’ll come visit you as soon as I can.”
“Good, baby. I’ll hold you to it. I can’t wait to see you.”
“No, I will not go to my room!” Isabella stood up to Don Luis. “We will sell Mr. Redford those bulls for the discounted price. The opportunity he has offered us for exposure in the U.S. is worth the difference!”
“A woman should not be making these decisions!” Her uncle countered, his fists balled up and his cheeks rosy with rage.
“If the woman is the rightful owner of the property, she should!” Isabella refused to retreat. “My lawyer will be contacting you tomorrow, Uncle. It is time we settled this disagreement.”
“Romero left no will and I am the patron!”
