Frank: Seven Sons, #6

By Amelia C. Adams

Lani Markland, reporter, has been given the assignment of writing an article about the McClain Boys' Ranch near Bagley, Texas - primarily about the fundraiser they do every year to benefit those in their care. It sounds like a fun assignment . . . until she gets there and realizes that things aren't quite what they seem.

Frank McClain has his hands full calming the emotional thunderstorms on the ranch, but all that practice hasn't prepared him for someone like Lani. With her laser-sharp focus and probing questions, she throws him off balance and sets his world spinning.

Two people with more in common than they realize, and two hearts seeking a place to call home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amelia C. Adams
• Release date: Dec 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201735395

Book preview

Frank

Seven Sons Book Six

by Amelia C. Adams

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Copyright © Amelia Adams 2017

Cover design by Erin Dameron-Hill

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With thanks to my beta readers—Amy, Erin, George, Laurie, Mary, Meisje, Melissa,

Shelby, and Tammy.

Table of Contents:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter One

Okay, guys, what’s going on here? Frank stepped into the kitchen, where Hunter and Nick seemed to be having a little bit of an argument. He glanced around and took in the situation—Hunter seemed ashamed, Nick looked belligerent, and the other boys didn’t know what to do. Gideon, Frank’s brother, lifted an eyebrow from where he stood in the corner, one hand on Christopher’s shoulder. A powder keg of six teenage boys all crammed into one kitchen, trying to do their dinner chores.

I’m just tired of trying to live Hunter’s stupid diet, Nick said, slouching against the counter. Why do we have to eat the same way just because he’s sick?

Frank tried hard not to smile at that. He’d had the same thought several times since he and Gideon had moved in with this group of boys—he wasn’t crazy about Hunter’s low-fat, high-protein diet either. But he’d tell Nick what he’d been telling himself, sending a ray of calm and teamwork with his words. We’re doing it to support Hunter because we’re a family. Besides, you get to eat plenty of other stuff—Lillian’s been keeping a really good variety on the table at our Friday night dinners, Claire’s been sending over treats, and you eat school lunch every day. Not that school lunch was the most delicious thing, but it was a change from dinner.

And Maria says this is temporary, just until Hunter feels confident eating this way on his own, Michael piped up. His sister was Hunter’s nutritionist as well as being Ephraim’s new wife.

What do you think, Nick? Is it survivable for a few more weeks? Frank asked, leaning against the opposite counter, but with a posture much more relaxed than Nick’s. He sent another wave of calm, encouraging the boy to loosen his stance.

The boy pulled in a long breath. Yeah, I guess, he muttered.

Great. Because those burgers you’re cooking smell really good, Frank told him.

Claire showed us how to season the meat so it still tastes good even though it’s not as fatty, Nick said, picking up his spatula and turning back to the stove. He was trying to hide it, but Frank had seen his flush of pride at the praise.

I can’t wait to taste it. Frank glanced around the room again. There wasn’t nearly the tension there had been before, and he gave a nod. That was better.

He met Gideon’s gaze over the heads of the boys. Gideon had the same calming gift Frank did, and he’d been using it, but Frank’s was a little more focused, more direct. It was the only gift Frank had whereas Gideon had six—that was hard to juggle.

I forgot to bring in one of the sacks of groceries, Frank said. I’ll be right back.

Gideon nodded, making a silent promise to keep an eye on the situation, and Frank walked toward the front door.

Hey, Frank, Hunter called out from behind him, and Frank came to a stop, his hand on the doorknob.

What’s up, buddy? He mentally crossed his fingers that Hunter wasn’t getting sick again—they’d been working so hard to give his body what it needed.

Hunter walked up to him slowly and looked down at the floor. I feel really bad that everyone’s having to eat the same as me. Can’t they do their regular thing? I’m used to being different now—I can take it.

Frank smiled, appreciation for this boy welling up in his heart. Hunter had grown up a lot in the last couple of months since his diagnosis of lymphangiectasia, and if anyone was ready to go it alone, he’d bet Hunter was. I tell you what. I’ll talk to Maria and see what she thinks. And I’ll tell you something else, too. He put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. I’ll keep eating with you, okay? That way, the boys can eat their regular food, and you still won’t be alone.

Hunter’s whole face lit up. You’d do that for me, Frank?

Sure I will. Inside, Frank was kicking himself. Why did he do that? But Hunter’s reaction was the reason why—he’d just made that boy’s life better with a simple sacrifice. And Hunter wouldn’t have to know if he hit the diner for a bacon cheeseburger once in a while . . .

Thanks! You’re the best! Hunter ran back into the kitchen, and Frank smiled, shaking his head as he went out to the truck for the forgotten groceries. It didn’t take a lot to make someone feel loved.

He had just hefted the sack into his arms when he saw Tiffani walking toward him across the compound. Hey, how’s it going? he called out.

I really don’t know, she said. She reached his side and leaned on the hood of the truck. There’s a reporter coming out to interview me about the ranch’s fundraiser, and while I think it’s a great opportunity to get some publicity going, I’m a little nervous. She’ll be taking pictures and quoting me and asking all kinds of questions. I’m not used to being in the spotlight—I’m in the background. That’s what I’m good at.

Frank could feel her nerves radiating off her. He slung his free arm around her shoulders and sent her some calm, laughing when she slumped against him in relief. Better?

Yes, much. Now if you could just follow me around the whole time she’s here . . .

Frank shrugged. Why not?

Tiffani looked up at him. You’d do that? Seriously?

Well, probably not every single minute because I do have work to do, but yeah, I can hang out. Answer questions about the ranch you might not know. You could call me the family liaison or something . . . not that you’re not family, but you know.

Yeah. Her face lit up. You have no idea how much better that makes me feel.

He lifted an eyebrow. I actually do know.

She laughed. Uh, sorry. Right. Thanks so much, Frank.

When is she coming? And why now? It’s months until the fundraiser.

She said it’ll be a feature in her magazine, and those take a long time to prepare. She’ll be here day after tomorrow. Truth be told, I sort of feel like we were a second choice—I mean, why else wouldn’t they give us more notice? But it’s a feature. So that’s good.

A feature, huh? That’s kind of a big deal. He could see why Tiffani would be nervous. Text me when she gets here, and I’ll do what I can.

Thank you! She gave him a quick hug, then walked back the way she’d come. Frank carried the sack into the house and unpacked it, handing the cans to Jose to put on the shelf while he put away the boxes. As he worked, he thought about what it would mean, having a journalist around. His father must have approved it, so it couldn’t be a bad thing, but still, it felt a little invasive, and for a family who guarded their secrets as carefully as they did, he wasn’t sure he felt comfortable with this. Maybe he should calm himself down while he was at it.

***

Lani Markland leaned back in her desk chair, but not as far as she had the week before when she’d lost her balance and tipped against the wall. That had been really embarrassing, especially when she hadn’t been able to get herself upright and one of her coworkers