Page 78 of Wrangled Love

I reach over and rub his back. “Alright, champ, it’s getting late. Time to head upstairs for your bath.”

He gives a sleepy nod, but instead of leaving the room, he goes over to Briar. Wrapping his arms tightly around her neck, he rests his cheek on her shoulder. She draws him close, pressing a kiss to his temple.

“Sleep tight, little man. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

A lump rises in my throat as I watch them. Their bond has grown quickly, and Briar has become one of his favorite people. Every time she walks through the front door, he runs to greet her with a hug. The way he lights up when she’s around makes it hard to imagine our lives without her.

Once Caleb and I go upstairs, I run a bath and get him settled with his water toys. He’s added a dozen rubber duckies from Briar’s Jeep to his bath time lineup, including his favorite—Captain Quackbeard. He’d stay in the tub forever if he could, soI filled up his water bottle and laid out his pajamas to give him a few extra minutes.

He’s recently added a pair of jammies with cowboy hats and horses to his regular rotation, wearing them nearly every night since Julie gave them to him. A month ago, I was convinced he’d forever be in his dinosaur era, but it appears the Wild West might give them a run for their money—a sign he’s settling into small-town life more than I ever expected.

It’s bittersweet. While I’m relieved Caleb is adjusting to life in Bluebell, I can’t help but worry about what happens when it’s time for us to leave. He’s already been through so many changes, and the thought of putting him through another big transition makes me question if it’ll undo our progress.

After he’s finished bathing and changed into his cowboy pajamas, it’s time for his bedtime story.

“Which book are we reading tonight?” I ask.

Caleb walks over to the bookshelf, his brow furrowed in concentration. He picks up a book about a pig and pancakes, skims the cover, then puts it back. Next, he pulls out one about a boy named Max and his adventure with wild creatures, but after a quick glance, he wrinkles his nose and sets it back on the shelf. Finding the right one is a tough choice, and I understand why he’s taking his time to pick the perfect read.

His expression shifts to pure delight when he spots the newest book in his collection, pulling it from the shelf and confidently handing it to me.

“Excellent choice.” I bite my lip, fighting back laughter, but a chuckle manages to slip out at the title—Dragons Love Farts: They’re More Fun Than Tacos!

The name is just as hilarious as the first time I saw it. Walker spotted the book in the window of Tinker Toys on his way to the hardware store the other day and thought it was too funny not to get it for Caleb. Leave it to Walker to turn my kid into afart-loving dragon enthusiast. But if it makes Caleb happy, I’m all for it.

He crawls into bed, leaving room for me to sit next to him. I sling my arm around his shoulders and pull him closer. This is still one of my favorite times of day, and he’s grown more affectionate lately, sinking into me like it’s second nature.

A few pages into the book, Caleb laughs as he points at a chicken and pig caught in the blast of a dragon’s fart.

I let out a dramatic “Pfffft… BOOM!” Complete with an exaggerated arm wave. “If I were that pig, I’d be running for my life too,” I say with a wink.

Caleb clutches his belly, shoulder shaking, and by the time we turn the page, he’s doubled over in giggles as the dragons try to hide their farts in caves, only for them to explode like volcanoes.

I pinch my nose and gasp. “Whew! One of those dragons definitely had beans for breakfast.” My voice sounds like a squeaky balloon, making Caleb snort before bursting into another round of giggles.

It’s the most carefree I’ve ever seen him. Walker is welcome to send all the potty-humor books, if it means Caleb is this happy reading them.

I couldn’t have pictured this would be my life a year ago—reading silly bedtime stories to my five year old and tucking him in each night. Fatherhood is downright humbling and the greatest adventure I’ve had the honor of experiencing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, not even for all of the success in the world.

That’s why I’ve decided that I can’t go back to how things were before. My work schedule needs to change long-term. Caleb deserves a dad who’s present, and I plan to be that for him no matter what.

By the time we reach the last page with Estrella, the rainbow-farting dragon, his mouth curves in a smile, though hisgaze is growing unfocused. I set the book on the nightstand and move him to lie down, resting his head back on the pillow. He reaches over to grab his stuffed dinosaur that he still sleeps with, though he’s been leaving it in his room during the day.

“It was a busy day, huh? Mama Juile said you were a big help with the baby chicks. We might have to start calling you Farmer Caleb.”

He nods, grinning wide as he gives me a thumbs-up.

“You’ll have to tell me more about it later.” I run a hand through his hair and bend to kiss his forehead. “Good night, buddy. I love you.”

He blinks at me with those big brown eyes, half-lidded with sleep, and says, “Night, Dad.”

Every part of me goes still, making sure it wasn’t a figment of my imagination. It’s not.

Caleb just spoke.

My heart pounds as his voice settles deep within my chest. I want to cry, laugh, hold him tight and never let go—instead, I grin and lean down to give him another kiss. What he needs from me tonight is to remain calm and steady even though my world has cracked open and put itself back together in the same heartbeat.

As I get up and tuck the covers around him, I notice Briar standing in the doorway, tears trailing down her cheeks. I turn off the bedside lamp and quietly exit the room. She steps out into the hall as I shut the door behind me.

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