Page 228 of Cowboy Daddies

God, she hated this feeling.

Guilt.

It swirled in her stomach and she’d do almost anything to make it disappear.

Maybe you should apologize for causing so many problems.

She couldn’t believe that she’d climbed that tree then panicked. That Jeb had been forced to come and get her.

Mortifying.

She was sitting on the porch swing, wishing she’d brought out Mr. Bear. Wyatt had told her to keep him for the night, but she knew he liked to sleep with the toy, so she’d snuck Mr. Bear into his room before coming down here to think.

A shiver ran through her. It was getting cold and she wished she’d brought out a blanket. The short pajamas she had on weren’t enough to keep her warm.

Why had she climbed that tree? It had been so stupid. Yeah, she’d wanted to make Wyatt happy. But she’d also liked the idea of having a swing. It was ridiculous. She was an adult.

That swing probably wouldn’t have been safe for Wyatt to use. And what if she’d fallen and broken something? How would she have gotten to Santa Barbara and her job?

Totally irresponsible.

Ridiculous.

Childish.

The words swarmed around her head. All of them spoken in her father’s voice.

That bastard.

Right. What she needed to do was prove him wrong. She could do this. All she had to do was keep Wyatt safe and alive and do all the housework. Including cooking.

Casey groaned. God, this seemed impossible.

Suddenly she heard a board creak, and turning, she saw Jeb walking toward her carrying a fluffy grey blanket. He placed the blanket over her lap.

Ooh, that was nice and soft. She wondered if his wife had bought it. Wyatt had told her a few things about his mama. But Jeb had said next to nothing about her. Was he still missing her?

That was a stupid question. Of course he was. He must have been devastated when she died, which is why Casey had no right to think about what it would feel like to kiss him. To have him hold her in his lap and cuddle her close.

That would never happen. But it was a nice dream to have.

“It’s a bit cold to be sitting out here in just pajamas,” he scolded her.

“I didn’t realize how cold it had gotten until just now,” she said as he sat down next to her on the swing.

Jeez. He took up all the room. His legs parted and his shoulders were so wide that she had to shuffle over.

Leaning forward, Jeb placed his elbows on his thighs with a sigh.

“I’m really sorry about today,” she blurted out. “It won’t happen again. I know I was irresponsible. If I’d fallen in front of Wyatt and hurt myself, he would’ve been terrified. He would’ve had nightmares. I shouldn’t have done it.”

“You’re right,” he said. “You shouldn’t have climbed that tree. But not just because of the impact that would’ve had on Wyatt if you’d fallen. But the impact it would’ve had on you.”

“I know. It might’ve stopped me from moving to Santa Barbara.”

“It might’ve stopped you from breathing at all,” he said, finally turning his head to give her a scolding look. “You need to take better care of yourself, Casey.”

She nodded, looking out at the darkness. If she had a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream, she’d be in heaven.