Page 5 of Single Dad at Mountain Creek Ranch
“My girls are crazy about you.” He takes another slice from the box. “They couldn’t stop talking about you all afternoon.”
“I think they are pretty amazing too.”
He smiles proudly. "I wasn't planning to ask this, but since you mentioned you're looking for work, maybe you'd be interested in coming by the ranch for a few hours a day to watch the girls? We are heading into our busy season, and I can't keep asking my brothers and sisters to drop everything and help me. They've done it a lot since Rona left. I can't keep leaning on them."
“I’m sorry you and the girls had to go through that, but I’m sure your family was more than happy to help you. I love that about your family.” I nudge him with my shoulder. “You didn’t always get along, but there was never a doubt that you all didn’t have each other’s backs when things got tough.”
“Yes, they drive me crazy sometimes, but I love them.”
“And yes. I would love to spend time with Abbie and Sophie. In just a couple hours today, I learn from Abbie that the Earth and moon rotate together, so we always see the same side of the moon.”
Nash’s proud dad grin returns. “My girl wants to be the first woman to walk on Mars.”
"I know she told me." I smile. "And Sophie—"
“Let me guess,” He jumps in. “She told you that she wants to be a unicorn vet when she grows up.”
"That's right." I laugh. "I have to admit. I wanted to be one too after she told me."
Nash barks out a laugh. “I have no idea where I’m going to send her to college for that training.”
“I’m sure Sophie’s already got her top school picked out for it.”
We talk until the beer and pizza are all gone.
“I better get going.” Nash runs his palms over his jeans and pushes himself to his feet. Not wanting him to go, but knowing he can’t stay, I walk him out to his truck and wave him off. The countdown until I get to see him again already ticking away in my head.This could get tricky.
3
NASH
It's been two weeks since Eden started watching the girls for me. It was perfect timing when she began. Work around the ranch has picked up, and I needed to focus on the job since Dad put me in charge six months ago. He and Mom retired and moved to Phoenix for the dryer air. Mom was having issues with her lungs due to the higher elevation. They decided it was time. We were all sad to see them go, but it was better for mom's health this way.
It’s been a long couple of days, and Eden has been amazing staying late, so I can get everything done.
I'm quiet as I come inside the house. The girls should already be in bed, and I don't want to wake them. I can see the flicker of the TV screen in the living room. Eden must be watching something. I don't want the smell of today’s hard work still clinging to me when I talk to her. I head into the main bedroom of the house to take a quick shower.
Fresh and clean, I walk into the living room and find Eden asleep on the couch. I grab the remote and click off the TV. Eden looks so beautiful, wrapped in the worn quilt my great-grandmother made. Sadness hits me in the chest like a punch when I think about waking her to go home. I want her to stay. I want her with me. We've connected over the time she's been here. She practically consumes my every thought while I'm working. Making me wonder when I'll get to see her again or if she's thinking of me.
I accidentally step on one of Sophie's unicorn stuffed animals, and the voice box inside goes off. Eden flinches awake but smiles when she sees it’s just me.
“There you are.” She stretches her arms above her head. “I was beginning to wonder if you fell asleep out in the barn.”
I shake my head. “The joys of ranch life. The work is never done.”
"Well, the girls have been fed, washed, and are in bed."
“Thank you so much for staying late again.”
“No worries,” she says as she sits up.
Her hair is messy and so fucking adorable. I have to fight the urge to lean down, run my fingers into her hair, and pull her towards me for a kiss. I ache every night thinking about those lips.
"It's pretty dark out there. Do you want me to follow you home to make sure you get there, okay? I can have Landon or Jameson come stay with the girls."
"I'll be fine. But before I go, I need to talk to you about Abbie.”
My heart starts thumping in my chest, and a cold uneasy feeling washes over me. “What happened? Is she okay?” I turn to head towards the steps that lead up to her room.
