Page 71 of A Cowboy's Trust
“But it’s a lie that doesn’t hurt anything. It would mean that Jeffrey has two people in this world who love him and care about him.”
How she said it with a straight face, Jake could not fathom. “Melissa, you’re making it sound as if I’m his father. And while I do care about him—I’m caring for him while he’s here to help you out. I’m not his dad.”
Melissa dropped her chin for a moment then her lashes fluttered upward. “You could be. You and I could be together again, and that would make?—”
“Holy crap, Mel. What fairy-tale world are you living in?” Somehow Jake kept his volume from rising too far. Jeffrey did not need to hear him shouting at his mom. He eyed her hard. “Are you high?”
“I found the letters.”
Jake froze.
She twisted and went to the side counter. Sure enough, she lifted the entire bundle of letters and cards and cradled them in her arms as if they were precious. The bundle that he was certain he’d destroyed.
Hadn’t he?
“They were under the bed. I dropped an earring, and when I went looking for it, I found the bundle just under the edge of the frame.”
Jake’s brain scrambled for the how and why. He’d stashed the bundle in the closet and then he’d gotten rid of?—
Shit. The day of Aiden’s wedding. Tansy had rushed in and tossed the bundle away and Jake hadn’t thought of it even once since. It must have landed out of sight and out of mind.
Melissa made a small noise, somewhere between a sigh and a sob, and he jerked his attention to her face. “I know we didn’t work out, but we were young. I know now that I was selfish. I didn’t come here specifically thinking that we’d get back together, but once I saw you again and then found these letters…” Moisture filled her eyes. “You wouldn’t have kept them if I didn’t mean something to you. It made me think of Jeffrey’s future and everything I can’t give him without your help.”
Speechless. Jake was struck utterly speechless. He just stared, not really sure what was happening.
“You don’t care about me at all?” It came out all wobbly and innocent.
“Dammit, Mel.” Jake changed his tone, speaking softer, regret tinging his words. She did have a reason for her hair-brained idea, even if it was completely out of line. “I’m with Tansy. She’s a caring, giving woman who challenges me in all the right ways. I’m not— I’m sorry. I’m not looking to get back together with you.”
Melissa nodded slowly. “Okay. I’m sorry, too. I never imaged that you’d have someone in your life, and of course, I don’t want to get in the middle of that.”
Jake extended his hand. “I’ll take those.”
She hesitated then passed the bundle over. She smiled hesitantly. “Okay. Mental reset. I still need some time to figure out my future, but now I know the truth. You will not be a part of it.”
Being together had never been an option as far as he was concerned, but that didn’t need to be resaid. “As long as we’re clear.”
“Absolutely.” Melissa’s gaze darted to the side. “Jeffrey, baby. Come here and let your mom see you.”
The kid stopped a pace away from her, back straight but smiling. “I’m going to play with Tansy’s niblings.”
“What fun. You make sure you’re on your best behavior, yes? Don’t disappoint your mother.” Melissa nodded firmly then turned toward the kitchen. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
Jeffrey was already at the door, shoving his feet into shoes as fast as he could, ignoring the fact he had his left shoe on his right foot. He grabbed Jake’s hand and hauled him outside without another glance at his mom.
Jake shook his head then scooped up the little tyke. Time to ignore the crazy that had just happened and focus on what was more important. “It’s better to put the shoes on before you start running. Silly buckaroo.”
“Silly Jeffy,” the kiddo corrected. Then he shrieked with delight as Jake held him upside down and carried him, still swinging, toward the main ranch house. “Silly Jakey.”
“You’re full of beans,” Jake offered with a grin.
His mama might have a few tools loose in the shed, but the kid? One hundred percent joy. Jake flipped him right-side up and settled him back onto his shoulders.
Jeffrey grabbed on tight and laughed with childish abandon.
Something seemed sofamiliar about Jeffrey, but Tansy couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Something she hadn’t really noticed when it was just the two of them in the house, but mixing him up with her niblings, especially Harper, who was the same age, the sensation grew stronger.
He’d slipped into the middle of Carter, Chloe, and Harper like a greased pig, with complete childish enthusiasm and all the energy of a five-year-old.
