Honestly? He wanted Connor with him. Everything felt off and weird and—uncomfortable. Like he was wearing underwear that weren’t his. All his bits were covered, but it wasn’t right.
Connor had always been so good at reading him. “Or I can hang out with you and your dad…?”
“Yeah? Maybe, until we figure out what he wants from me, exactly.” Because he knew that there was something—he just knew it.
“I’ve got your back. No worries. Whatever he needs, we’ll just listen and make it happen.”
“Right. I hope we—” He didn’t even know how to finish that sentence. He didn’t know what he wanted. It was killing him to think about losing the ranch, but he knew, no question, that there was no way his dad could handle it, and for all his Momma was a Colorado girl now, she was…not a rancher. Skiing? Yes. Rafting? Yes. Kayaking, biking, hiking, snowboarding—yes to all of it.
No critters.
“Me too.” Connor squeezed his hand. “Hey, we’re here, guys.”
“Yay!” the boys shouted from the back seat.
“Oh boy. Here we go.” Connor shook his head, grinning.
“Listen to me, no messing up your mamaw’s house, okay? You behave, and we’ll go on the train while we’re here.” The boys still talked about their last ride with the historic steam engine.
The boys both nodded. It wasn’t that Mommama was mean; she was just…fastidious, and she believed that little boys were just a touch horrifying.
He’d been a hooligan and a half, taking after his Uncle Rick in more ways than one.
“Good boys.” Connor leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Let’s go.” Connor slid out of the truck and helped the boys down while he went and knocked on the front door.
“You don’t have to knock, son.” Mommama opened the door and grabbed him, and he was always surprised that she didn’t look like he remembered from when he was eighteen and left home. She was leaner now, and her long hair was silvery in between the dark. “You brought me all my favorite people.”
“I did. How’s it going?”How’s Daddy?
“Busy. Stressed, but Richard was so careful to make sure everything was arranged.”
“Mamaw!” Jayden and Jaxson scooted around him and hugged her, one on each side.
“My goodness, look at these boys. They’re getting so tall.” She hugged them back, smiling.
“We missed you,” Jayden said, and Jaxson followed with,
“We love you.”
Mommama just melted. Excellent job.
Connor’s hand slipped into his, so proud.
“Come in, come inside, everyone. You too, Connor. You’re looking well.”
“Hello, Mommama. Thank you. I love how you’ve done your hair.” Connor kissed her cheek.
“Thank you. I’m going au natural. Wyatt likes it.”
Early managed not to roll his eyes. His dad would love anything she did. Anything.
“I can see why.”
Mommama chuckled. “Charmer. I made cookies.”
“Did you make your snickerdoodles?” Connor was a fan.
“Chocolate chip for the boys and snickerdoodles for your sweet tooth, yes.”