Page 11 of Claimed By the Cowboy
“Get her out of here before she destroys something else!”Ben barks.
Tom staggers toward the back door with his furry burden, muttering what sounds like creative curses. I grab napkins and help Luna mop up water, but I can’t stop watching the spectacle.
Even covered in goat hair and clearly exasperated, Tom moves with complete confidence. He’s not angry or rough—just firm and patient, like he’s done this dance with Cheese Puff a hundred times before.
A man who can wrangle livestock with gentle hands instead of losing his temper? Who talks to animals like they’re misbehaving children?
Dear God. My body responds before my brain catches up, heat pooling low in my belly as I watch those capable hands work.
My ovaries explode.
“I’m so sorry,” Luna says, shooting apologetic looks around the table. “I thought she was secured in the barn.”
“That goat could escape from Alcatraz,” Henry says dryly. “Don’t blame yourself.”
From the back door comes Tom’s voice, pitched low and soothing despite his obvious frustration. I can’t make out words through his dental slur, but the tone is gentle. Coaxing.
My chest tightens with want. This is what strength looks like—not violence or dominance, but quiet competence and endless patience.
“Cheese Puff always calms down for Tom. It’s like magic,”Shay says fondly.
“Tom’s always had patience for those who need it most,”Ben adds, and I get the sense he’s not just talking about animals.
Tom reemerges a few minutes later, looking rumpled but victorious. His dark hair sticks up at odd angles, and he has a streak of something that might be slobber on his shirt.
“Crisis averted,” he announces, running fingers through his hair. “For now.”
“Where is she?” Angus asks suspiciously.
“Secure in her pen with grain to keep her busy.” Tom slides back into his seat, his thigh pressingagainst mine with deliberate pressure. “Sorry about that. She’s usually better-behaved during dinner.”
“Damn goat is lucky to be alive,” Angus mutters.
“The barn caught fire a few months ago, and Luna and Cheese Puff were trapped inside,” Tom explains at my questioning look, his voice tight. “We still don’t know who started it.”
“Arson?” Delaney asks, looking shocked and concerned.
Angus nods, a muscle flicking in his jaw.
My gaze moves to the pale, healing skin along Luna’s neck. “And Luna…”
“Saved the goat,” Angus finishes, his expression a mix of irritation and awe as he gazes at his wife. “Becauseof courseshe did.”
Luna gives a tiny shrug. “I couldn’t leave her.”
“Cheese Puff is special, but you’re irreplaceable,” Ben says, his affection for his daughter-in-law evidentin his blue eyes.
Luna lifts her chin and says softly but firmly, “She was still worth saving.”
Angus shifts beside her, clearly not used to this many emotions in one meal. He curls a hand around hers without a word, but the look they share says everything. I get the feeling that these two people could exist in a bubble and never need anything else.
A pang hits me. That’s the kind of love I’ve only ever read about. The kind that doesn’t need big declarations or dramatic speeches, just quiet steadiness and knowing glances. The safety of someone who would run into fire for you without thinking twice.
It’s not loud or flashy. It’s real.
I realize how much I’ve been craving something like that. Something that feels like home—not borrowed or temporary.
Someone who’s mine.
