Page 32 of A Cowboy's Bride
“In case you’re wondering, Petra’s one of a kind,” Aiden informed the girl.
Petra pursed her lips and blew him a kiss. “Right back ‘atcha.”
She slipped her arm around Jinx’s shoulders and guided her to the table.
Aiden hurried forward to offer his brothers a reassuring nod. “We accidentally hit one of Jinx’s hot buttons, but it’s dealt with. Also, Jinx has already made a positive addition to our rules. House shoes are now an option here at High Water.”
“We can handle that,” Jake said easily before tilting his head toward the left. “Sandwich fixings are on the counter. Make what you want to eat then join us at the table.”
By the time they all settled, Aiden sat at the head of the table. Petra sat to his right across from Jake with Jinx beside her, directly across from Declan. Dixie rested on her haunches between Jinx and Petra, a look in her doggie eyes as she peered between them as if she couldn’t believe her good luck.
None of them said anything when Jinx secretly snuck the dog bits of her sandwich throughout the meal.
Jake opened one of his unending to-do lists and began reading through it.
Declan listened and nodded, but he shrugged when Jake asked if there was anything he wanted added. “I’ve got enough to do dealing with the animals since we don’t have community volunteers right now.” He eyed Jinx. “Since you don’t seem to have a problem around the animals, I’d appreciate it if you helped me with some of the chores.”
She nodded slowly then glanced to the left when Aiden spoke.
“Chores, yes, but we need to get you registered for school. Which means you need to make your own list, maybe with Petra’s help. What kind of things you’ll need, like clothes and the rest of it.”
Jinx’s eyes went wide. “Is it safe for me to go to school?”
Aiden nodded. “We have to deal with the paperwork, but it shouldn’t take too long. So you have time to make your shopping list.”
“I know somebody we can ask for help,” Petra offered. “It’s been a long time since I was in school, so while I have no problem taking you shopping, I won’t be much help deciding on styles.”
Their newest family member took a small bite then chewed it very thoroughly as if she was thinking hard. “I don’t need anything.”
A snort escaped before Aiden could help it. “Well, that’s a bunch of—” he paused.
“Bullshit?” Petra offered.
This time Jake laughed.
Petra leaned in toward Jinx conspiratorially. “They have an aversion to swear words. I’m pretty sure you’ve heardbullshitbefore.”
“Both the word and the meaning,” Aiden said. “But our Daddy said we weren’t supposed to say those things around ladies. Which Petra knows and thinks is hysterical.”
“Because it is,” Petra said with amusement. “But back to the point, I agree with Aiden. Jinx, you need stuff. A phone and shoes and all the regular school supplies, and that’s part of what living here means. You get to have the things you need. Maybe that feels weird, but that’s okay. You don’t owe us anything except to try and keep finding the best new life that you can.”
Moisture was gathering in Jinx’s eyes. And while Aiden was one hundred percent on board with positive emotion, it seem like a good opportunity to keep things rolling.
He pushed to his feet, picking up his plate. “If everyone else knows what they’re doing for the rest of the day, I have drywall to deal with.” He came back to the table and laid a hand on Petra’s shoulder, leaning down to speak softly in her ear. “Message if you need me.”
She twisted her head slightly, and their cheeks brushed, and he was far too aware of how close her lips were to his. “Two steps forward and one step back is still forward motion,” she offered softly.
Amen to that.
Declan was beside him as Aiden headed out the door. “That poor kid.”
“She’s got a lot of spunk. I mean, she’s scared shitless right now, but once she gets her feet under her, I think she’ll be okay.”
“I’m glad we don’t have anybody else coming in right now, though,” Declan said. “Except we need to get in touch with Kevin.”
“Jake said he’d be on that this afternoon.” Because having a trained counsellor on the property as soon as possible was a necessary thing.
The afternoon vanished between installing the final drywall and beginning to mud the rooms that would be used for the artists’ retreat. Aiden slipped into the house, intending to grab a quick shower then move his things to the barn when Petra caught him. She motioned for him to join her in the corner of the living room.
