“I put up the horseshoe, Papa.” He knuckled away more tears. “I snuck out from the main house because I wanted you to see it before you left for your picnic. I needed to tell you what Paisley said.”
“I’m so glad you did.” He made sure to smile. “Now we’ll do something to help you feel better. But I want you to remember that what they said or did is more about them saying that about themselves than you.”
His son turned silent, and Ben waited him out. “Except…they weren’t only calling names. They were telling stories.”
Ben wanted to sigh. His son was too smart by half.
“And since this story concerns me, don’t you think I know the truth? You, Cooper McAllister, are not a mistake. Do you believe me?”
The little boy nodded, but he ducked his chin. “But… Papa, do you sometimes wish Hannah was my mama? Paisley said some people thought you did.”
He wanted to smack the lot of them. “Cooper, the only way you can be you—the boy I love with all my heart—is by being the son of me and your mama. I wouldn’t change that for the world.”
He knew he wasn’t answering Cooper’s question directly, but he prayed it was the right response. Moments like these had no handbooks, and they sorely tested him.
“You are well loved because you are a special boy,” he said, lifting Cooper’s chin so he could meet his gaze. “The best I ever met. I’m proud to be your papa, and I’m gratefulevery dayyou’re my son. I can’t imagine living without you.”
“Me either.” Cooper’s eyes filled with tears, but he brushed them away. “I’m glad you’re my papa too. I love you, Papa.”
He launched himself at Ben, wrapping his little arms around him. Tank gave a startled bark as Ben hugged him fiercely. The storm was over, but he wondered if there would be lasting effects. Dear God, please no.
“Papa, are you still going to go on a picnic with Hannah? I didn’t mean to stop it.”
There was no question where he was staying tonight. “We can go another time. You and I are going to assure Reba you’re all right because she’s probably been looking for you. Then I’ll grab some food and build a fire outside so we can roast marshmallows after we eat. I’ll even pitch a tent if you’d like so we can camp out. Anything you want.”
Cooper laid his head on Tank’s body. “Can we invite Hannah too? She gives good hugs.”
He chuckled. “She does.” His son’s request surprised him, especially given how distraught he’d been moments ago. “You want me to ask Hannah to come with us to roast marshmallows?”
Nodding shyly, he played with Tank’s paw. “I like Hannah. Paisley said everyone thinks you still love her and want to marry her. She said it’s because you let her driveyour truck. You don’t let Uncle Will or Grandpa drive your truck.”
He wanted to sigh. One little act and the whole town thought they knew him. Then again, he supposed as a sign it was telling. He’d been lying to himself, telling Will he only wanted her to have the newest, safest vehicle on the ranch.
“How about I take you down to the main house where you can make up our plates while I run up and ask her?”
For a second, he wondered if having her join them tonight was the right thing. While he hoped for a second chance, they hadn’t talked about it. Then he realized he was being too serious. Cooper liked her. He wanted her there.
Don’t overcomplicate things, Gramps had told him. Right.
“Come on, let’s go and grab some grub.” He scooped Cooper up and carried him all the way to the main house like when he was little, his son’s arms wrapped around his neck.
When they entered the dining room, Reba immediately shot out of her chair. “I looked everywhere?—”
Ben shook his head, making her trail off as he settled Cooper on the ground, keeping his hand on him. “Sorry, Reba. Cooper needed a little Papa time. Can you show him where you’re keeping the marshmallows these days? After we make ourselves a plate, we’re going to roast some.”
Reba held out her hand. “How about some chocolate and graham crackers too? In case you want to make s’mores.”
“Okay,” Cooper mumbled, grabbing her hand after looking up at Ben.
He shot him a wink. “Now, s’mores are a great idea.”
As Reba left with his son, he felt everyone’s eyes on him. “Talk in town about cut him into little pieces, but we’re working on the mending.”
“Talk about you and Hannah?” his dad pressed with a massive frown.
When Ben inclined his head, he heard a few mumbled swear words from the men at the table.
Grams said nothing. She had her mouth pressed in a firm line. “Those mean biddies at Wanda’s store, right? Don’t they know little ears hear everything?”
