“Trace called me.”
I freeze. “What?”
“It was luck I was already on the way.” He blinks, pushing away the moisture in his eyes. “He called me because he knew Rhodes was bad.”
My heart breaks for my boy. Forhim.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Firefly.”
“And it’s not yours either.”
I know that. He knows that. But it’s apparent guilt has us both in a fierce chokehold.
“Will you do something for me?” Parker reaches for my hand. “Will you and Trace come to the ranch with me? Where it’s safe?”
I squeeze his hand. There’s nowhere I’d rather be. “Absolutely.”
“Mama. Can I sleep with you?” Trace asks as I slide on his pajama pants.
“Of course.”
Once he’s dressed, we exit the tiny bathroom of the loft.
Parker has showered and is wearing a pair of navy sweats and a white T-shirt. He looks relaxed.Hot.
When he sees us, his lips twitch.
“Ready for bed?”
Trace climbs onto the king-sized bed, crawling to the middle. “Mama said I can sleep with her tonight.”
“No problem, buddy.” Parker grabs an extra blanket. “You two take the bed. I’ll be right here on the couch.”
“Parker?” Trace fidgets with his hands, looking slightly embarrassed. “Can you sleep with us too? You make me feel safe.”
I swallow down an unexpected sob at his words. It shatters my heart that someone has made him feel scared in the places he should feel the most at ease.
“I’d love to.” Parker meets my gaze before he grabs the remote. “Should we watch a movie?”
Trace’s eyes light up. “Yes!” He wiggles beneath the cover as I climb in next to him. “Do you know Rooster Cogburn?”
Parker scoffs. “What kind of question is that? True Grit is a classic.”
Trace cackles. “Can we watch it?”
“Say no more.” Parker flips on the classic western, then settles on the opposite side of Trace.
The music plays, and I prop up on my side, resting my head on my palm. A little hand clasps onto mine, and I glance down to see Trace sneak his other hand into Parker’s large one.
My heart could burst.
I watch the flashing television, tears pricking my eyes when I feel fingertips caress the back of my head. Parker’s fingers glide through my hair with tenderness. I peer over Trace’s curls to find his adoring stare.
“I love you,”Parker mouths.
Yep. I’m about to burst.
