“I made lemonade,” Dani said, setting down the pitcher and glasses on the coffee table. The boys practically leaped off the sofa to get theirs.
Cole scooted to the edge of his seat, and took a sip, breaking down Dani’s defenses with a single smoldering gaze. Not that she had any need for defenses right now.
“Mommy, why didn’t you tell us about Mr. Cole earlier?” Colin asked.
“Hold on one second, because I do want to hear Mommy’s answer, but I think the foal isn’t the only one on the ranch who could use a new name.” The boys turned to him, their eyes wide with curiosity. “I realize this is all brand-new, and you don’t have to call me anything you aren’t comfortable with, but if you don’t want to call me Dad or Daddy, or maybe Pa, at least just call me Cole.” He dropped his chin and looked at both boys, appraising their response.
Colin turned back to Dani. “Mommy, why didn’t you tell us about Daddy sooner?”
A satisfied grin crossed Cole’s face and he cocked both eyebrows, laughing to himself. “I guess I’m Daddy.”
“Indeed you are,” Dani replied. She turned her attention to the boys so she could answer Colin’s question. “Grown-ups make mistakes, too. This was a big mistake I made, but your dad and I had an argument once and that was the start of it. I’m sorry about that. Truly sorry. But I hope you can both forgive me.”
The boys both smiled and smothered her in hugs and kisses. It was the absolute best part of being a mom. A close second would be seeing them with Cole just now. Everything was right.
“Boys, I was a big part of this mistake, too. Your mom was doing her best to protect you.”
Dani appreciated Cole’s willingness to shoulder some of the blame, although she was simply tired of pointing fingers. “The important thing right now is for you two to spend some time with your daddy and get to know him even better.”
“Would you like to sleep over here at the ranch tonight?” Cole asked.
The boys erupted into a chorus of affirmation.
“I mean, if it’s okay with Mom,” he added.
She knew exactly what he was up to with that leading inflection of his voice, and she had to say that she was board. Sharing a bed tonight would be the perfect way to top off their reconciliation. Maybe in the morning, they could begin the discussion on how to merge their lives and households.
“Of course it’s okay with me. I want us to spend as much time together as possible. Elena’s still resting, but I’ll run back to the house and pick up some clothes.”
“Mommy, can you bring our bathing suits?” Colin climbed back up on the couch and snuggled in closer to Cole.
“Does that mean you want to go swimming?” Cole asked.
Colin looked up at Cole with all earnestness. Dani could only admire them—the spitting image of each other, and they finally knew why.
“Can we? Please?” Colin asked.
Cole put his arm around his son and pulled him closer. “We can do whatever you want, buddy.”
As soon as she got home, Dani went to check on Elena, rapping softly on her bedroom door.
“Come in,” Elena said.
Dani stepped inside. “How’s the patient?”
Elena was sitting up in bed, reading. “Much better. I think it was something I ate. I should be back to normal tomorrow.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
“Where are the boys? I don’t hear them, so I assume they aren’t home.”
“They’re actually out at the ranch with Cole. We’re all staying over there tonight.”
“Oh, really?” Elena arched a brow and turned to Dani. “What’s the latest?”
Dani told her everything about how she and Cole had both finally divulged their secrets.
“A glioma. That’s serious stuff.”
