Rainbow Hill Read Online Free Page A

he was or wasn’t. He shoved his hands firmly into his back jeans pockets. “Trying to get you moving, that’s all.”
    “I’m not a cow, son.”
    “Won’t do it again.”
    Frank ran his hand over his thinning hair, combing it into place. “Do you really believe that this cockamamie plan of yours is going to work? I’m not trying to rain on your parade, but I’m a farmer, always have been. I don’t know anything about city people in fancy cars who apparently have too much money. I was born in Frederick County, and unlike you and Ethan, I’ve lived here all my life.”
    “We need your expertise to make this work. You know every facet of farming.”
    “So do you, and so does, Tucker.”
    “True but I’m going to be busy with Ethan, and Tucker needs your help. He’s not as young as he used to be and could use the help around here.”
    “Watch it with that old stuff. I’m only a few months shy of Tucker’s birthday.”
    “You know what I mean. Excuse me if I was disrespectful.”
    Frank placed a hand on Quinn’s shoulder and squeezed. “You couldn’t be disrespectful if you tried, Quinn. You’re exactly like your mother. Loving…and hardheaded.”
    Quinn smiled. “That’s perfect coming from you. But I suspect I get that trait from you, not from Mom.”
    “Whoever said time heals all wounds is an asshole. The more that time passes, the sadder I become.” He dropped his hold on Quinn. “I keep praying for the pain to dull, praying that the drink will help it along, but it doesn’t”
    “Then you should stop drinking.” Quinn tried not to beg. “No point if it doesn’t do what you want it to do.”
    Frank’s gaze was fixed on the floorboards, and he remained silent.
    “C’mon,” Quinn said, nudging Frank, “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
    Moving slowly, Frank walked toward his boots and bent to retrieve them. He groaned when he straightened. “Figure I’ll be needing these.”
    “It’s a good bet.”
    They walked down the stairs in silence, Quinn leading the way. He wanted to say so many things to Frank, but the words never seemed to leave the trappings of his mind, and the last thing he needed was to alienate his father, worried he might say the wrong thing. The reason for returning to Jefferson from out west was to help him, not hurt him. He had been hurt enough with the death of his wife, Connie, and the repossession of the farm he had loved. Honestly, Quinn couldn’t deal with any more loss either. He had suffered enough of that lately too.
    Quinn followed the hushed conversation coming from the kitchen. He cleared his throat, announcing their arrival, and was met with forced smiles. “Are we interrupting?” he asked, knowing that they had.
    “Not exactly,” Ethan returned. “It seems to me that any conversation that we do have about the future of this farm should be had with everyone present in this room.”
    Quinn turned to Frank. “Dad, you remember Ethan.” He prayed silently that Frank would be on his best behavior.
    It was Ethan who crossed the room first, proffering a hand. “Mister Kincade, I’m sorry for your loss.”
    Frank shook Ethan’s hand, his face stoic. “I should say the same since I haven’t seen you since your mother’s passing.”
    Ethan didn’t hide his emotions as well as Frank, Quinn understanding the pain his high school friend was feeling at this very moment. “Thanks, Mister Kincade, although I’ve been directed to call you Frank.”
    “That would be a good starting point, don’t you think?”
    They released hands, Ethan continuing to stand as Frank took a seat at the table to put on his shoes.
    Quinn watched as his father went through the motions, Frank appearing considerably older than his age. He wanted to offer help as Frank fumbled with one of the shoelaces but decided against it, worried that his father would find it demeaning instead of helpful.
    “How’d you sleep, Frank?” Tucker asked, his tone jovial.