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44
The next morning,Jane found herself back behind the cash register at the store. The view of the Sierra outside hadn’t changed much in the days she’d been gone. Neither had the view inside. She traced a finger over the familiar scars crisscrossing the worn counter. Working the store, even for a few hours, was taking time away from the precious few she might have left with Kellen, but Wes had covered for her for days now. He deserved family time, too. And it wasn’t like Kellen would miss her, not after Mason and Tai offered to take him out bow shooting.
She rang up Mrs. Patterson’s bag of grass seed, smiling politely as the older woman chatted about her prizewinning dahlias.
“It’s the earliest bloom I can remember,” the woman announced.
“A wonderful spring,” Jane agreed.
Inside, worry gnawed at her gut. If Kellen’s aunt fought for custody, there was little chance Jane would win. Not after Pete’s lies about being Kellen’s father.
The cowbell on the shop door jangled as Bridger ducked inside, brushing hay from his hair.
His sharp eyes narrowed, reading her mood.”Rough morning?”
Not wanting to voice her thoughts in front of a customer, Jane shrugged and handed Mrs. Patterson her change. “Give Harold my best.”
“I will, dear. You take care now.”
Jane waited until the woman exited the store before she answered. “I can’t lose him.”
Bridger leaned on the counter, voice low. “Hey. We’ll figure this out.”
“This has to get resolved now.” She flapped her hands helplessly. “He needs to be enrolled in school and get set up with a dentist and a pediatrician. And then there’s baseball and spring soccer league. Pete never took the time to get Kellen into sports, but he deserves––”
Bridger’s hand covered hers. “Hey, now. Let’s slow the train. I hear you. I do. There are still options. We’ll find a way.”
Jane looked down at their hands, heart aching. She wanted to believe him. Needed to believe Kellen would stay.
The cowbell jangled again, and Bridger pulled away. Jane straightened, pushing aside dreams she couldn’t afford. Not yet.
“Morning.” Ken Chasable tipped his Stetson in Jane’s direction and ambled up to the counter. “I need to arrange for two yards of number three pea gravel. Any chance that could be delivered before the end of next week?”
Jane took a deep breath, composing herself as she checked the inventory and delivery schedules. “We can make that work.” She pasted on a smile, focusing on writing out the order and settling up with the dark-haired rancher.
There would be plenty of time to worry later.
Bridger lingered nearby, pretending to examine tools while keeping a concerned eye on her. Doing his job. Caring for her. That, more than anything, made up her mind.
If her job was to care for Kellen, there was only one thing left to do.
After the customer left, Jane turned to Bridger with a brave face. “I’m calling social services first thing tomorrow. No more stalling. Kellen needs stability as soon as possible.” Her eyes glistened, but her jaw was set. “Whatever happens after that, at least I’ll know I did right by him.”
He looked ready to argue. She found herself hoping he would. Maybe there was some bit of logic she’d overlooked. But in the end, he smiled sadly. “You’re doing the right thing,” he said gently.
Jane blinked back tears. “I hope so. I just want him to be happy and loved, no matter what.”
“He knows he’s loved.” Bridger squeezed her shoulder. “The Lord will handle the rest.”
The Lord would make this right for Kellen. She believed that with her whole heart. No one said the outcome wouldn’t rip her in two, though.
The bell over the shop door jingled again. An elderly woman, tiny but straight-backed and agile, ambled in.
“Good morning, Mrs. Abrams,” Jane said warmly. The woman was one of her favorite people in town. “How can I help you today?”
“Oh Jane, dear, I need some of those lovely gladiolas to brighten up my yard,” Mrs. Abrams said. “Mary’s dahlia’s are going gangbusters, but my spring garden’s a mess. It’s looking so drab out there.”
“Of course, let’s get you fixed up.” Jane walked around the counter to help the woman select the bulbs.
