Page 21 of Wrangled Love

Heath pays me more than he should to manage the cabins and lend a hand around the ranch. Thanks to his generosity, within a couple of years, I should have enough to break ground on the first building of my children’s sanctuary.

“What’s your hesitation, then?” he questions.

“For starters, I’ve never been a nanny before. Sure, I’ve babysat, but the stakes were never this high.”

Offering comfort to a grieving child in small doses is familiar territory, but stepping into a role where I’m partly responsible for their care is daunting. I know I’m capable, especially with my experience working with a local nonprofit that helps young children who’ve been through trauma, and have hosted several camps for kids at the ranch, but it’s different with Caleb.

It’s one thing to be with him under Jensen’s watchful eye. It’s another to be the person entrusted with his son’s well-being when he’s not around. Caleb’s been through so much already and is the sweetest little boy. I would never forgive myself if I let him down.

Jensen’s brows knit together, a subtle crease forming as if he’s puzzled by my response.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Briar. You’re more than qualified in the ways that matter most. You can’t fake the compassion and empathy you’ve shown Caleb,” he says in earnest. “He doesn’t need perfection. Hell, I’m far from it myself. But he does deserve someone who shows up every day and won’t give up on him. And I’m convinced that person is you.”

I blink at him, unsure if I heard him right. After admitting Ilack the experience I figured he wanted, I expected him to dismiss the idea of me being Caleb’s nanny. Not try to talk me into it like it’s the only option that makes sense.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I have to admit I’m not used to being on this side of a pep talk,” I say with a chuckle.

Usually, I’m the one offering words of encouragement, not the one quietly soaking them up.

“I better keep going until I convince you that you’re the right person for the job,” Jensen states with a smile, undeterred from his mission at hand. “What are your other reservations?”

I hesitate, nibbling on my lower lip. “My schedule is pretty full. After I do my rounds at the cabins in the morning, I have a few ranch duties in the afternoons.”

My plan for the summer had been simple: save every penny I could for my center and spend long hours renovating the cottage. I’ve only managed to tackle one or two projects every few months, and I was hoping to make real progress before the fall. But suddenly, that feels almost trivial compared to helping Caleb.

Jensen tilts his head, watching me carefully before answering. “I’d take Caleb to camp in the mornings and relieve you in the early evenings after work. And like I said earlier, Julie mentioned that Heath would understand if you couldn’t help him in the afternoons for a while.”

There’s a hint of vulnerability in Jensen’s eyes, something I assume is rare for someone used to getting his way. I’m sure he doesn’t hear the word no often, especially with all the power and influence he must wield.

“You’re sure you don’t want to explore other options?”

He shakes his head, taking my hands in his. “I mean it when I say there’s no one better suited to be Caleb’s nanny. He deserves the best, and that’s you.” His gaze holds mine as butterflies stir in my belly. “I’ll beg if that’s what it takes.”

My attention drifts to our hands clasped together, and theundeniable chemistry simmering between us. The warmth of his touch is like a soothing balm, distracting me from staying focused on our conversation.

“I’m not asking for me,” Jensen whispers when I don’t respond. “This is for Caleb.”

Damn him.

Of course he’d say the one thing guaranteed to make the rest of my resolve crumble. Saying no to someone who needs my help has never been my strong suit, especially not when it’s a child who’s already lost so much. That’s why I’m one breath away from giving in, even if it means adjusting my summer plans and opening up my heart to a little boy who’ll be gone by the end of summer. Because the idea of handing him off to someone else feels like an abandonment, and I don’t think I can do that.

“If I’m going to be Caleb’s nanny, I expect room to make judgment calls,” I explain. “I’ll always keep you in the loop, but I need you to trust that I have his best interests at heart, too.”

Jensen moves one hand to his jaw, brushing his thumb against his scruff. “Of course, I trust you. I’ll want regular check-ins when you’re not at the cottage, but I’ll do my best to step back and give you the freedom to make decisions.”

The honesty in his voice is sincere, and I believe he’s willing to make a real effort, even if giving up control doesn’t seem to come naturally to him.

With his other hand still wrapped around mine, he gives it a gentle squeeze. “So does that mean you’ll do it?”

I smile. “Yes, I’ll be Caleb’s nanny.”

Relief washes over his face, the tension easing from his shoulders. “That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d say. Caleb’s going to be so happy when I share the news.”

At that moment, my doubts fade away, replaced by a calm certainty that this is the right decision for all of us. Now if only I could ignore the way my stomach flips every time Jensen touches me.

I’m up by sunrise to change the air-conditioning filters in two cabins ahead of new guests arriving today. The last thing I want is for them to walk into a stuffy cabin and complain. I also finished setting up Ziggy’s space in the old shed in the backyard, with fresh hay and a water trough. He’s adjusting well, and after watching him and Caleb play together so well the past few days, I think having him around will be good for them both.

It’s nearly one in the afternoon when I get back to the cottage. Jensen brought Caleb home after summer camp, wanting to ease him into the new routine with me as his nanny. When I get inside, I find Jensen pacing in the entryway, his hands clasped behind his back. There’s a deep crease between his brows, and tension is etched in the rigid line of his jaw. He whips his head in my direction when I close the door.

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