“BLT is fine. Chips,” I answer before tugging my phone from my pocket as it vibrates.
“Coming right up, sugar.” She taps the counter. “It’s good to see you.”
Her eyes soften. The look that tells meI wish you’d stop riding.My mother gives me the same one. Along with my aunt Ruthie. Those three sisters are good as gold.
Glancing down, my jaw clenches at the name flashing on my screen.Tori.I’m not in the mood for drama today.I ignore it, just as the chime of the door sounds. The cool air breezes in, sending the laugh that outshines any melody I’ve ever heard across the room. I don’t have to turn around to know who it is. I can feel her. Even after all this time. Even after years on the road, holding on to a memory to keep my boots moving one in front of the other.
“Mama!” The small voice echoes behind me, followed by pounding feet. “Parker’s here!”
“Trace.” The hiss is quiet but enough for me to hear.
Before I can spin on my stool, a hand is tugging relentlessly on my coat. Shifting, I peer down at the face of Trace Sheppard. His big blue eyes widen as he sends me a cheeky grin.
“Holy cow!” I spin all the way around, holding out my knuckles for a fist bump. “What happened to your teeth?”
He reaches up to adjust his felt cowboy hat, then shrugs. “Pulled them. Got ten bucks under my pillow.”
“Ten bucks?” I laugh. “The tooth fairy has upped her game. I used to only get a dollar.”
“I’m six now. Must be because I’m turning into a man.”
A chuckle passes my lips as he climbs onto the stool next to me like he’s a regular old cowboy here for lunch.
I may have only visited a handful of times in the last few years, but every time I was in town, Maddox always made sure Trace got to pay me a visit. We’ve become pals ever since. And maybe a part of me feels connected to him because he’s a part ofher.
“Trace,” Laiken scolds.
My eyes move to her figure hovering behind him. Her locks are tied back today. Her face free of makeup, except for glossy pink lips that remain my undoing. Even if I don’t deserve the right.
“Hey.” I nod.
She clears her throat, ignoring my greeting.
She’s still pissed. Not surprised.
“Trace. Let Parker enjoy his lunch. Your uncle Brady is waiting.”
“He’s no trouble,” I say, waiting for her to look at me.
To acknowledge me. Anything.
Reluctantly, she flicks her gaze to me. “He needs to eat with us.”
“Moommm.” He groans. “But he’s the champion.”
She opens her mouth, but I step in, hoping to keep her from being the bad guy.
“Better listen to your mom, buddy.” I speak to him but keep my stare on her.
Waiting.
His brows furrow as he climbs down. “Yes, sir,” he mumbles.
When he reaches the floor, he shoves his hands in his pockets. “Are you going to the ranch?”
I can’t help but grin. “I’ll be there. I’m moving into the loft above the barn for a little while.”
“Laiken, Brady is already in the back.” Penelope drops my plate down on the bar and winks at Laiken.
