Page 31 of Nanny for the Cowboy

We talked quite a bit about the whole situation this morning. It’s weird, if appreciated, that he’s been less of a dick, but I can’t help wondering what’s really behind the sudden mood shift.

And I don’t think it’s male menopause.

Oh, and there’s the entire towel incident that happened, too. Not that I’m recappingmy fatherabout that little incident.

Well, it wasn’t little…

“He took a minute to come around to me, too. But we’ve been working great together.” That sounds off, and I watch Dad’s eyebrow twitch. “You know, around the ranch. I take care of the quick and dirty things and leave the heavy lifting to the one-armed professional.”

Dad laughs. “He still fighting with that cast?”

“Only every day that ends in y.” I roll my eyes. “That six-week mark he’s looking forward to is so not going to happen.”

We both giggle at the worst patient in history, clinking our glasses in a silent toast to the bet my dad is very likely going to win.

Man, I can’t believe he actually bet him about that. What guys.

“Well, Clover, this has been great. I’m glad that you stopped by.” He narrows his eyes at me, gesturing with the bottle. “You should do it more often.”

“Ha! Sorry. I’ll work on it.”

My thoughts are still swirling around Brooks, and I don’t know if it’s just dying to get out or if being around my dad loosens my tongue, but before I can stop myself, a question I’ve been wondering about flies out of my mouth.

“So, what’s Brooks’s deal? Why did he need a nanny instead of turning to any other person—or woman—in his life? Is he chronically single like myself?”

Watching my dad for any hint of an off reaction, I really hope that sounded as nonchalant as I wanted it to. He’s quiet, sipping on his beer, and my damn mouth just keeps going.

“Is Darby’s mom not in the picture?”

Dad coughs slightly, and I feel like shit. Clearly, that was not the thing to bring up.

“Oh, Clover, no. Umm,” he hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck as we sit in awkward silence for too long, “it’s not really my place to talk about all this. That’s for Brooks to tell you.”

I nod, my tail firmly between my legs. “Right, sorry. I was just curious.”

“I’ll tell you this,” he starts, and I perk up in my folding chair, “She’s no longer in the picture, no. Brooks has been a single father since the beginning, and I don’t think he sees that changing—ever. He…what happened was rough. I have to assume Brooks is…protecting himself.”

My stomach clenches slightly, and I feel that tug in my chest as I empathize with Brooks’s situation. I haven’t been left alone to raise a kid, but dating hasn’t exactly been smooth for me, either.

It gets quiet again, and I genuinely feel terrible for Brooks. That’s no way to live—cutting yourself off from the possibility of a future with someone—and I should know.

“Thanks,” I mumble, flicking my eyes up to my dad and then back down. “That really…sucks. I hope I’m helping.”

“I’m sure you are, kiddo. You’re doing a lot by just being there for Darby, so it doesn’t all just fall on Brooks’s shoulders.”

Nodding, I clear my throat, going for the last dregs of my beer. I’m still curious about what happened, but I burn with this need to know, not just because I want all the juicy details.

No, it’s more about understanding where Brooks is coming from. If I were to know, to understand what happened back then, I might actually gain some valuable insight into the gruff rancher I’m working for.

“Well, I need to head out and go back to the ranch. I’ve got shit and math homework to help with.”

Dad chuckles, and we both stand up from the little table in his open-plan apartment to give each other a hug. I really want him out of here and on that farm of his dreams.

He pats my shoulder, and when we pull apart, Dad’s brows raise like he forgot something. “Oh! I meant to tell you that I got a few weird calls the past couple of days, and it made me think of your situation with Kyle. Has anything been going on for you?”

My stomach drops once more, and I stutter as my jaw hangs open for a moment. “W-What did they say?”

“Nothing. It’s just dead air on the other end. I can hear someone breathing, but whenever I ask them to speak up, I get no response.”

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