Page 57 of Every Single Wildflower
I nod. “Later.”
The sun is already beginning to scorch the earth beneath it and it’s barely nine in the morning. The air is still today, which is why I can clearly see the dust forming behind Laiken’s SUV as she winds down the drive to the ranch. I had promised Trace he could come out once the fire had been cleaned up. She comes to a stop, and the back left door swings open. I can already hear herscolding him when his boots hit the dirt. Then he’s in a full on sprint in my direction before she can even exit the vehicle.
“Trace Sheppard.” She hisses. “You know the rules.”
Dressed in his jeans, boots, and one of my hand me down cowboy hats from when I was a kid, the boy in question comes to a screeching stop when I cross my arms and lift a brow.
His big brown eyes widen when he sees my disappointment, and he hangs his head when my sister places a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Sorry, mama,” he says quietly before he looks up at her. “I just get excited about being a cowboy.”
“I know that.” She removes his hat and ruffles his copper-tinged hair before she drops a kiss there. “But you can’t be a cowboy if you’re in the hospital with a broken leg.” She drops his hat back on his head with a quick look in my direction.
Laiken works at the local clinic, and in the summertime, instead of having to place Trace in daycare, he spends a lot of his days here with me. If I’m doing something where he can’t tag along, he will spend time with Ruthie up at the big house or sometimes he even goes with Dakota. We all pitch in to help Laiken in whatever way we can. He hasn't been here in over a week, and I knew he was getting antsy.
“She’s right buddy.” I meet my sister’s eyes, and she gives me a small smile.
His little brown boot kicks at the gravel before he sighs. “Yes ma’am.”
“Alright. I’ll pick you up this afternoon. I love you.” Laiken turns to leave but Trace darts out, wrapping his slim arms around her waist.
“Love you more, mama.”
Pride swells in my chest.
“Be careful.” She narrows her eyes at me. “No bulls.”
I lift my hands. “This is a ranch, Laik. I make no promises.”
She shoots me a glare, but it’s not heated.
With a pointed finger she backs up. “Take care of my baby. I don't want my deep cleaning day interrupted.”
“Always do, sis,” I counter before I reach down and grab Trace by the waist, flipping him upside down and over my shoulder.
He squeals in delight, his laughter making everything I work for worth it. Making this shitty week receive a little light.
“What are we doing today, Uncle Mads?” He asks.
I drop him to his feet and right his hat. “How do you feel about cleaning stalls?”
He shrivels his nose. “I gotta shovel shit?”
“Trace,” I scold.
“What? I told mama you say foul words.” He blinks up at me.
“Yeah. Because I’m a man.”
“I’m a man too.” He puffs out his chest. “Mama says I’m the man of the house.”
Damn. There’s that pinch. Pisses me off his dad didn’t stick around to see what a good kid he is. He deserves better.
I crouch down. “How about this? You clean those stalls for me and after we can take a ride on Tater Tot.”
He eyes the barn, then shoves his palm out to me for a firm handshake.
Just like a man.
