“Great. It’s so good to be home,” I told him.
His eyes cut to me, a scoff releasing through his nose. I loved poking the bear. I always had. Ever since we were kids, growing up together on the ranch.
He pressed his lips to Romy’s forehead before plopping down beside her, his tatted arms stretched out across the back of the couch. She leaned into him, a soft smile on her face. For someone who had fought this tooth and nail a year ago, she looked more and more as though she belonged here. Even with the extenuating circumstances of her sister’s arrest, which brought her home in the first place, I was thankful she stayed. I was happy for them, and it made my heart melt to see them so in love. I wanted that for myself, too, but if it meant leaving the ranch, giving up any part of myself—no thank you!
“How long are you home for this time?” Jude asked, kicking his socked feet up on the oversize, leather ottoman.
“Just a couple of days. The Joseph Round-Up is this weekend.” I fidgeted in my seat, remembering the last time I was in Joseph. I hoped they didn’t notice the flush creeping up my neck because I was sweating just thinking about it. It didn’t help that I had to be graced with a view of Reed’s muscular back earlier—and those hands.Shit!
Romy was staring at me with a knowing look, and it made me uncomfortable. I cleared my throat. “Can I hold her?”
“Sure. She’s not even eating anymore anyway. I’ve become a pacifier.” Romy pulled Charli from her nipple.
“She has the right idea,” Jude said with a lopsided smirk. “Your tits pacify me, too.”
“They’re off limits to you right now, buddy.” Romy covered herself back up, adjusting to hold Charli against her shoulder.
Jude rolled his head back against the couch and literally whined. Romy patted his thigh, consoling the poor bastard.
“Sounds like a good time,” I grumbled. “I’d much rather have a man on my tits.”
“Lina, Jesus Christ. Can you not—” Jude chastised.
I smiled, pleased to get a rise out of him.
“So fun.” Romy rolled her eyes. “I’m a walking milk bag. Here, grab that burp cloth for me.” She gestured to the floral fabric on the ottoman.
I picked it up, throwing it over my shoulder. “Come here, little angel.”
I uncrossed my legs from beneath me, standing up to take Charli from Romy’s arms. The little cherub was sound asleep. Her rosebud lips pursed and milky. Her legs curled up when I held her beneath her arms. It had been a long time since I’d been around newborn babies. The last time, I was twelve, and they were my twin half brothers. I knew enough to support her neck as I brought her to rest against my shoulder.
“She hasn’t burped yet. Pat her back. Otherwise, you’ll end up with baby puke all over you,” Romy advised.
I took a whiff of her feather-soft, dark hair. Babies always smelled the sweetest. “She looks like a Larsen.” I smirked, proud.
Jude beamed at that. Proud papa. It looked good on him. “But she has her mama’s mouth. You should hear the screams that come out of her.”
“Oh my God.” Romy elbowed Jude in the ribs.
“Ouch.” He laughed, holding his side as if she’d bruised him.
I patted Charli’s back, waiting to hear those little burp bubbles. “I can’t imagine her screaming. She’s so sweet. You two did good. I can’t wait to teach her how to ride.”
“Of course, she’ll be taught by the Columbia River barrel racing champ,” Jude confirmed.
“Almostcircuit champion,” I nearly whispered. My record last year was ruined before it even started. Thanks to fucking Reed. Literally.
“This will be your year, cuz. I can feel it,” he encouraged.
“Shit, I hope so. The Joseph Round-Up ruined my chances last year. I need to win my event if I’m going to have a fucking chance, and I’mstressed.”
“You’ll do it. I have no doubt in my mind. And will you quit cursing in my daughter’s ear.”
I rolled my eyes at him, holding back my laughter. “She doesn’t understand a word I’m saying. I gotta say, fatherhood has changed you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. After all, she’s my daughter. She’ll pick things up fast.”
“Okay, protective asshole.”
