Page 18 of Marrying Bonnie

“I appreciate that.” Jace turned his attention to Elvin.

“Been working here for over eight years,” the man said. He spat chewing tobacco into the dirt.

Jace didn’t react, although just the smell of chewing tobacco had always been a deterrent for him. “I have no doubt the two of you have been instrumental in helping Grandpa run this place. I appreciate that.”

Cabe nodded with satisfaction. “As you all know, Jace and his sister, Noel, are now living on the ranch and will be running it.”

“If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know,” Jace said.

Brady gave them a friendly wave while Elvin simply nodded. The men returned to their work.

Cabe motioned Jace forward. “Let’s go. By the time I’m done with you today, you’ll know exactly what’s going on with the ranch.”

The guy wasn’t kidding, either. Jace’s head swam with specifics about the ranch and where it was financially. He had pages in a notepad full of information about the sheep and what Grandpa had planned for the rest of the year. Jace didn’t realize it was possible to be simultaneously confused and enlightened .

One thing he knew for sure, though, was that he intended to learn the ins and outs of this ranch no matter how long it took. He told Cabe as much. “The only way I’m going to learn is through experience. If there’s a problem with the sheep or anything I should be aware of, call me night or day.”

There was a hint of pride in Cabe’s eyes. “I’ll do it. I’m looking forward to seeing that son of yours again. He’s quite the spitfire.”

“That he is. We’d love if you’d join us for dinner Sunday night.”

“I’ll be there. One of these days, we’ll have to get you and Noel out here on a horse again. Maybe teach Gunner to ride.”

Jace nodded thoughtfully. He couldn’t imagine trying to get his young son on a horse anytime soon. He was way too active for that. But maybe Gunner would sit with Jace on the saddle for a while.

Otherwise, Bonnie could watch him. Or maybe she could come with them…

That the thought had even crossed his mind had Jace scrambling to block it. He looked over to find Cabe watching him curiously. Cabe looked as though he were about to say something when Jace’s phone rang.

Jace was happy for the distraction until he saw Bonnie’s name on the caller ID. He could count on one hand the number of times she’d called him, and every time it was because something was going on with Gunner.

He answered the call. “This is Jace. Everything okay?”

“Hey, I’m sorry to bother you.” Her voice sounded breathless which only kicked his worry up a notch. “I took Gunner outside for a while. We ran into a rattlesnake. Gunner’s fine–-we both are–-but the snake is right up here by the house…”

The last thing Jace wanted to worry about was a rattlesnake where his son was playing. “Keep your distance, but try to keep track of it. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He ended the call and turned to Cabe. “Bonnie ran into a rattlesnake at the house. I’m going to go take care of it and I’ll be back.”

Cabe nodded his agreement. “I’ve killed several in the last couple of weeks. That the nanny?”

“Yep.”

“You might consider teaching her how to shoot if she doesn’t know how to already.”

Jace imagined doing just that, his hands on hers as he taught her how to properly hold a gun. If the way his pulse jumped was any indication, it was a situation he should probably avoid like the plague.

* * *

Bonnie stoodin the front yard, powerless to do anything about the snake. A frustrated Gunner wailed in her arms as she watched the reptile from a safe distance.

She hadn’t been around them much, but she knew enough to guess that it was probably cold from the night before and was soaking up warmth from the sun’s rays. Hopefully, it would stay put until Jace got there.

If the snake slithered away, Bonnie wouldn’t be able to come outside in the near future without expecting to see it again. At least she’d spotted it before Gunner had gone anywhere close to it. She shuddered again when she thought about what might have happened.

She just wished she hadn’t had to call Jace at all.

Despite the guilt of knowing she’d interrupted his workday, relief flooded her system when she saw his blue truck come around the corner and park nearby.

He got out and jogged over, concern on his face. “Both of you are okay?”

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