Just like that, the heavy moment was gone, with nothing but Charlie’s bright, innocent smile filling my heart with happiness. “Yeah, sweet girl. We can do that.”
By the timewe made it out to the ranch, box of cinnamon rolls in tow, it was a bit later than we normally showed up. I didn’t think it’d matter, especially since we had a box of her favorite treats in tow.
I pulled up and put my vehicle into park as Charlie clambered to unbuckle herself from her booster seat. I’d taken to driving the old truck as my daily now. There was something comforting about the familiarity of it. Plus, I wouldn’t lie and say I didn’t like how it’d felt when Cleo saw me rolling up in it last week.
“Hold on, baby girl. Give me a second to help you,” I laughed, getting out and walking around to open the passenger door for my daughter. She hopped down with the white box in tow. Part of it was crushed beneath her fingers, and I wondered if there would be anything salvageable inside. I’d been smelling them for the past thirty minutes and would be a little heartbroken if they didn’t survive.
“Lennox!” Charlie shouted, running toward the woman standing at the entrance of the barn.
Lennox met her with a smile, opening her arms wide for Charlie to throw herself into. “What’s up, wild child? Whatcha got there?”
“Well, I asked Daddy if we could stop for cinnamon rolls, and he said yes, but we had to get enough for everyone.” She held up the box, shaking it slightly. “So, here they are!”
Lennox laughed, taking the goodies from Charlie’s hand. “That was so thoughtful, Charlie! I’ll make sure Miss Cleo gets one before the rest of these rowdy boys dig in.”
“Where is she?” Charlie asked, pulling back. “Is she okay?”
I walked up, catching the last bit of their conversation. “What’s happening?” I looked at Lennox. “Everything alright?”
She nodded and smiled, but it didn’t feel like the truth. “Yeah, she’s fine. Cleo is out sick today, so I’m going to fill in for her. That sound okay with you?”
Charlie looked back at me before shrugging her shoulders. “Guess so. You’ll make sure she gets the breakfast I brought her?”
Lennox held up her hand. “I swear. I’ll take it to her right now.”
“Can I come?” she asked.
Lennox winced. “We don’t want you getting sick, sunshine. Why don’t you stay out here with your dad while I take them to her?”
“Or I could do it,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m not really worried about getting sick.”
“That’s not necessary. I said I would do it,” she said between clenched teeth. “I’ll be right back.”
With that, she jogged toward the house and slipped inside. I watched her, waiting for any sign Cleo was watching us, but found none. A few minutes passed before Lennox came out with a forced smile. “How’s she feeling?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the house.
“Well, she’s grateful for the cinnamon rolls, I can tell you that much!” Lennox said, ruffling Charlie’s hair. “She wanted me to tell you thank you. Both of you,” she added, looking my way.
I didn’t like this at all. It felt like Lennox and Cleo were both hiding something from me, but I had no proof. Was it all over that stupid kiss? I knew I should’ve told her to stop, to makesure she was really ready to take that step, but it felt too good. I couldn’t help but be swept up into such a perfect and simple moment with her.
Friday night had felt like being a teenager again. There we were, up against my old truck beneath the moonlight, stealing kisses and praying for more time. Except it had all come crashing down like someone had taken a wrecking ball and destroyed whatever facade we’d built.
“You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?” I asked, stepping closer to Lennox. “If I did something?—”
“Chill out, Romeo. It’s not that deep. Cleo’s just,” she sighed, scratching the back of her neck. “She’s working through some shit right now and needs some space. She’ll come around, I promise. Just not today. Probably not tomorrow either, if I’m honest.”
“Am I fucking this up before it’s even begun again?” I asked.
Lennox’s eyes softened. “You’re not. Keep doing what you’re doing. Just don’t push her too hard the next few days, okay? I’d tell you if you were overstepping.” She reached out and squeezed my hand. “I promise.”
“Alright,” I said, defeated. “Just tell her I’ll be here waiting for her.” When Lennox looked concerned about possible stalkerish tendencies, I added, “Not here, here. Just in general.”
“I was worried there for a second,” she joked. “Thought I might actually have to make use of all my threats.”
“Your threats?”
She smiled, but there was something slightly sinister about it. “Yeah, I keep telling everyone the ranch is an excellent place to dispose of a body, but so far I haven’t been able to test the theory.”
I raised my brows. “You sure my daughter’s safe in your company?”
