Page 37 of Marrying Bonnie

“One hundred point six,” he read aloud. “It could be worse. Hopefully whatever this is will be short-lived.” Jace patted Gunner on the back. His son wiggled to get down and immediately ran to his riding car. “I wish I were that active when I’m sick.”

Bonnie chuckled. “I hear you.”

There was some silence as they both tried not to look at each other. Jace finally broke it. “If you need time off to help your brother, please just let me know.”

She shook her head. “He said he needs some space. He’ll let me know when he’s ready.” Her voice was quiet. “I’ll probably send flowers. I wish I could do more.” She gave a defeated shrug. “Thank you, though.”

“Okay. Well, I’d better get back to work. I’ll see you tonight. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.” It was something he said most days before he left the house. Today, though, it was different. Jace wanted Bonnie to share her day with him.

Their near kiss came to mind, and Jace wasn’t sure which was worse: That he’d nearly kissed the nanny, or that he was having a difficult time not wishing he’d succeeded.

Chapter Thirteen

Bonnie wasn’t sure who was avoiding whom more. All she knew was that she saw Jace briefly when she went to the main house to care for Gunner. Jace was ready to go, gave his son a hug, and wished them a good day.

In the evening, it was Bonnie’s turn to be ready to leave as soon as Jace or Noel walked in the door. When it was Noel, Bonnie enjoyed visiting with her for a few minutes first.

Noel had asked several times last week if Bonnie would join them for dinner. Bonnie always turned down the invitation, though guilt was beginning to build when it came to Noel. Honestly, she was pretty sure she and Noel could be friends if given the opportunity.

It was better to go back to a situation like they had before the move to the ranch. One where she and Jace only talked about Gunner and anything related to him. Not one where he told her all about his family. Or where she cried on his shoulder.

Ugh, why did she have to cry in front of him like that? It’d been instinctual to put his arms around her, which only made it worse.

She swore he was about to kiss her, too, if Gunner hadn’t started to cry. And if Jace had? Yep, she was pretty sure she would’ve kissed him back.

And now things were awkward.

Avoiding each other probably was the best thing they could be doing right now.

Except for one small problem: She missed him. She’d started getting used to these glimpses into who he really was. A man who had her heart twisted up in all kinds of knots.

Taking the weekend to decompress helped some. She’d spent the time making meals for Wyatt and Chrissy. She saw them briefly on Sunday when she dropped them off after church. The anguish on their faces broke her heart.

If only she could do more. But only time would help. That and a lot of prayer.

After having way too much time to herself over the weekend, Monday was a welcome arrival. It was beautiful outside–-and she needed the distraction–-so she set out on a short walk.

She followed the fence line away from the house along the property in back. It was almost chilly this morning, and she crossed her arms in front of her to keep herself warm. Once she’d reached the back of the property, she spotted the barn. If she had more time, she’d consider walking over there to see if she could spot any of the new lambs that Jace had been talking about.

A voice to her left made her jump. She whirled around to find one of the guys that worked on the ranch watching her. “Can I help you find something?”

She couldn’t remember his name. “I’m sorry, you’re…”

“Elvin. Ma’am.” He tilted his head just a little. “Is there something you need?”

She shook her head. “I just thought I’d take a walk before I started work. It’s a lovely morning, isn’t it?”

He gave her a barely-perceptible nod. He definitely wasn’t the chatty type.

“I guess I’d better be getting back. Have a good day, Elvin.”

“You, too.” He disappeared into the trees leaving Bonnie alone again. No longer in the mood for a walk, she headed back to the house.

As expected, Jace was waiting, his boots on, and looking like he was ready to bolt. “Good morning,” he greeted.

“Good morning. How’s Gunner doing?”

“He acted normal all weekend. And even better, neither Noel or I have gotten sick. I trust you managed to avoid catching it as well?”

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