Page 70 of Nanny for the Cowboy

“Brooks, come on. Yeah, it’s your job, but you have to know that a lot of people wouldn’t take on that type of responsibility. There is so much to look after. Sure, other jobs can be tough, too, but yours is also physically taxing. That’s a heck of a commitment. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

My chest pinches. I really can’t find the words this time, and I just smile at Clover with a subtle nod. At that point, I use eating to hide the fact that I’m utterly blown away, tearing into my own chicken breast.

Clover seems actually excited about the ranch. I’ve never…God, Leah never felt that way.

It’s stupid, but knowing that Clover supports the ranch, that she appreciates what it is and how hard it is to maintain means the world to me.

I feel supported instead of like I’m a burden to my partner or an annoyance. Not that Clover is my girlfriend or anything, but…

Shit, is this what having one is supposed to be like?

Not looking up, I fiddle with my chicken wing and say, “Thanks, Clover. Means a lot.”

When I do look up at her, Clover just offers me a smile, then reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. I canfeelthe support there, and it’s both strange and wonderful.

I could get used to this.

“So, do I get ice cream now?” Darby holds up his plate, having eaten two-thirds of his food.

“Yeah, buddy. Let’s go.”

We stand up from the table, and Clover points playfully at me. “Don’t forget mine.”

I shake my head. “Never.”

And then my son and I head off to get us all some ice cream. All three of us…sort of like…a family.

TWENTY-FIVE

Clover

Darby is snoring on Brooks’s shoulder as he takes his son up to bed. We had so much fun at the fair, and the kid passed out in the car on the way home.

“Go on, I’ll be in the bedroom,” I whisper, giving Brooks a smile.

“Okay.” He nods, grinning as he rubs his hand up and down Darby’s back.

Watching them together will never stop being adorable. Darby is such a goof with more personality than most of the world.

I adore watching the person he’s growing up to be, and I can see just how much Brooks cares about him every moment of every day.

As I wait in the bedroom, I think about the fair and everything else that’s been going on. Brooks is…something else. I can tell that he’s not used to being with someone, let alone someone who’s supporting his dreams.

I don’t want to judge, but it seems like Leah wasn’t there for him with the ranch, and I can understand how that would lead to being less than trusting with his heart.

Which is horrendously stupid. I mean, you can tell how much this means to Brooks. Is it really that hard to be supportive? Ugh.

Taking a deep breath, I let out the annoyance I feel for someone who’s not around and focus on the fantastic day we had at the fair.

And how I’m ready to end this night in style.

Just as I smile to myself, the door opens, and Brooks comes in. I grin up at him, standing from the bed and going over to wrap my arms around his neck.

“Well, hello there.” He smiles, a little surprised, and I seize the opportunity to kiss him, unable to stop myself even if I wanted to.

And Isodo not want that.

He chuckles against my lips, the vibration pleasing. It’s a moment before Brooks leans back, his arms around my waist as he smirks down at me.

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