Page 209 of Cowboy Daddies

“Sugar. See? I’ve missed you, small man-child.”

Wyatt sent her a small smile.

“Do you need some ice for that face?” she asked.

“I’m all right.”

“The two of you don’t even know each other,” Jeb said with exasperation. “You talked for ten minutes a few days ago. How can you have missed him?”

“Is there a certain amount of time you need to talk to someone in order to become their friend?” she asked him around the lollipop in her mouth.

Jeb shot her another look. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

Sheesh.

His gaze moved back to Wyatt. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Wyatt still didn’t say anything.

“You got some beef with another kid, small man-child?” she asked.

“You know my name is Wyatt,” the boy said to her.

Casey shrugged. “I like to give my friends nicknames.”

“Have you given Papa a nickname?”

She eyed Jeb. “Well, I’m not sure we’re friends just yet. So I’ll have to wait and see.”

“Small man-child is a long nickname,” Wyatt pointed out.

“You’re right. How about Sugar? You know how much I like sugar.”

Wyatt gave her a small smile. She took that as a win. But she was all too aware of Jeb still standing in front of them, tense and waiting. She better get on with this before he exploded.

“So you’re in some trouble?” she asked.

Wyatt shrugged. “I guess so. The principal seemed kind of mad.”

“Best you tell your dad what happened so he knows how to handle this with the principal. He can’t fight the good fight without being armed with all the information.”

Wyatt gave her a confused look. “Papa won’t fight for me.”

“Wyatt, what makes you think I wouldn’t fight for you?” Jeb crouched in front of him. “You’re the most important thing in my life. I’d do anything for you.”

“I thought the ranch was the most important thing in your life,” Wyatt replied.

Ouch.

Casey felt that blow as though it was inflicted on her. She actually flinched so she could only imagine how bad Jeb felt.

“No, Wyatt, the ranch is a thing, but you are my son. You’re the most important thing. And I’m sorry if I have never made that clear to you.”

Wyatt turned his gaze away and swallowed heavily. She kind of felt like she shouldn’t be here right now. But she was also too scared to move and ruin it.

“Tell me what happened, Wyatt,” Jeb said in a softer voice.

“It was Billy,” Wyatt said suddenly. “He was picking on Josie. Being mean and calling her names.”