Connor and Reese did the hug-or-handshake dance, and settled on some awkward combination of both, each of them laughing. “Let us know when you need some help with the move. We’re here.”
The devil that lived on Early’s shoulder made him say, “We’ll make Jayden lug boxes.”
“Da-aa-dy! Ugh.” Jayden groaned at him.
“Really, honey?” Connor rolled his eyes. “Go on and walk your pups, guys.”
“Okay, Daddy. Goldie! Brownie! Let’s go poop!” Jaxson sounded joyous.
They walked Reese and Dana out to their truck. “Drive safe. We’ll see you soon.” Connor put an arm around his waist as they watched the truck head down the drive. “That was nice.”
“It was. I think they’ll be a good addition to the family.”
“They will. Maybe we should just hire Dana to teach school on the ranch for the rest of our additions.” Connor tickled him and ran for the front porch.
“Oh ho!” He gave chase, loving the way Connor’s laugh followed him.
Connor stopped on the top step and turned around. “Damn. You’ve gotten faster since you moved out here.”
“I have to be able to avoid bulls, you know?”
“It’s hot. You’re a stud of a cowboy, you know that?” How did Connor do that—turn a playful Mommaent into something so sexy?
“I’m yours, so I’ll take it.” He didn’t care if anyone else, ever, thought he was blistering.
“You are. And I know that.” Connor pulled him closer. “I know, okay? Zero doubt. Ever. So don’t stress it.”
He held on. “I just—I never ever want you to doubt us. We’re important.”
That faith was the bedrock they stood on together.
“I couldn’t. Not for a minute. We’re body and soul, you and I. We’ll protect what’s ours.” Connor squeezed him hard.
“Ew are you going to kiss again? Can you wait until I’m in bed, please?” Jayden opened the door, and the puppies ran into the house.
“More and more kisses. Kisses and smoochies and snoggeroonis.” Early loved teasing them.
Jayden rolled his eyes and handed Connor Sophie’s leash. “She’s cute, Dad, but she’s tiny.”
“She is, right?” Connor smiled and picked her up. “Who’s the cutest? Showers, boys, and bed. We’ll come tuck you in.”
“Okay!” Jaxson ran in, but Jayden lingered.
“Hey, Daddy? Dad? Thank you. They’re so amazing.”
Connor pointed to him. “This was all Daddy. He’s been looking for puppies for you for a while.”
“It’s—you’re the best.” Jayden ran to him, hugging him hard. “I love it here. I love my life.”
Connor smiled at him. “It’s a pretty good life.”
“It’s the best.” And Early intended to keep it.
24
Connor sat on the front porch, watching Sophie sniff around. She couldn’t get very far from him on her leash, but she was tiny, so she didn’t need a lot of lead to stretch her legs.
He was supposed to be working. He had his laptop open to a half-finished fancy budgeting spreadsheet he was putting together for his first meeting with Reese tomorrow. Instead, he was watching Sophie and admiring the view of the mustangs and the mountains in the background.