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3
RIVER WINFREY
Scarlett has been part of my life for ten weeks. I’m getting there, but I’m still not completely used to the idea of being a father. It’s been impossible to get to that place because she’s been living somewhere else with other people taking care of her. But not for much longer. My little girl is coming home in two days.
Leighton worked her final shift at the hospital yesterday. Today, we’re moving her into my house. I hope that being at the ranch for a little while before Scarlett’s arrival would help make the move into her new home a little easier. And maybe help with my transition as well.
Having a woman and a baby around my house is going to be a huge change for me. I’ve enjoyed my life as a bachelor for a long time—alone and doing whatever the hell I like without any consideration for others. Watching sports. Drinking whiskey. Leaving a mess until Maria comes by to clean. I’ve never had anyone else to consider, but that ends today.
I push the button that lifts the garage door closest to the entry, but I also open the one next to it. “That’s your new car.”
She looks at the shiny new SUV and then turns to me, her mouth agape. “You got an Audi for me?”
“I was going to buy you a Volvo, but I was more satisfied with the Q7’s safety ratings after doing some research. Do you like it?”
She smiles and lifts a brow. “Umm… yeah. I won’t hate driving that at all.”
“Is black okay? It seemed a little sportier and less…grocery getter.” Leighton is young. Single. I hated to put her in a mom mobile.
“Black is great. I love it.”
“Want to go for a drive after we move your things into your room?” I think she should get used to the Q7 before she becomes responsible for driving Scarlett.
“I’d love to.”
“I got Scarlett a car seat, but I’m not sure that I installed it correctly. I’d like you to double-check it.” I followed the directions, but I don’t trust myself to get it right. Not when it comes to something so important regarding my daughter’s safety.
“I had to be checked off on proper infant car seat installation since I discharged babies from the nursery. I could inspect it with my eyes closed. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure it’s in there correctly.”
Leighton’s watchful eye and presence in Scarlett’s life puts me at ease. I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t accepted my job offer.
I hear the slam of a door and look up into my rearview mirror. “Bram’s here.”
She turns and looks out the back glass of my truck. “Who’s he?”
“One of my best friends. I asked him to come over and help move your things.”
“You didn’t have to ask anyone to do that. I can do it.”
“I know, but Bram is strong.” Owen still has problems with his shoulder. That’s the only reason I didn’t ask him to help too.
“And I’m not strong?”
I’m not sure if that smile on her face is amusement or sarcasm so I consider my next words with care. I’m not acquainted with Leighton well enough to know if she’ll be offended by me saying that Bram will do a quicker or better job of helping me move her things into the house.
“Bram is strong as an ox. These boxes won’t be anything for him.”
She chuckles, and I’m relieved. Maybe that means that I’ve not offended her. “I know that I’m not much help.”
“You’re a ton of help with many things.” A grin breaks through the straight face I’m trying to maintain. “Just not moving heavy things.”
It’s not Leighton’s fault. She’s a small woman, and her prior job required her to lift and hold babies who mostly weigh under five pounds.
“I have a full gym at the ranch. Maybe I can interest you in a little light weight lifting with me.” I’ve always worked out alone, but I might not mind a partner.
“Probably not. I prefer running.”
No surprise there. Leighton is fit and light, but not physically strong.
