Page 81 of Caught By A Cowboy

“My uncle called, he wants me to sign the paperwork that makes this place ours.”

“Okay.” I stare back at him, wondering what’s so bad about that.

“Before we do, I need to make sure that this is what you want. This place can be hard work; there are long hours involved and, as much as I wanna be here like this all the time, I gotta hustle. If you got any doubts, now’s the time to say. We can move on, findsomewhere smaller. I have enough in a trust fund to start over. It wouldn’t be anything fancy, but...”

“Jace, this is your family home. It’s your legacy. I would never expect you to leave it behind for me,” I tell him.

“But I would,” he assures me, brushing my cheek with his fingertips.

“You belong here.Webelong here.” I look down at the newest little Sullivan who I’m sure is going to make his mark on this world. “I want to fill these walls with laughter and happy memories, and you can hustle all you like as long as you still have a little energy for me.” I reach up to kiss him.

“There’salwaysgonna be energy for you. Don’t you worry about that,” he promises.

“So, you and your uncle, is it still going to be awkward?” I check.

“I spoke to him this morning while you were both asleep and no, it ain’t gonna be awkward. I’m gonna give him a chance. Life’s too short for regrets, and he may be a little harsh sometimes but he’s a good man deep down.”

“And you're sure he didn’t kill Billy?” I hold my little boy tighter when I think about the fact there's a murderer out there on the loose. Jace may be dangerous, but only to those who threaten the safety of this town. If it wasn’t Jamie who killed Billy, I can almost guarantee that Jace will want to get to the person who did, before Sheriff Hale does.

“It wasn’t him, you can trust Jamie. He’s family,” he reassures me and when the door opens, the man himself walks in with a huge teddy bear and I feel guilty for doubting him.

“Wow, that's quite a size,” Jace points out.

“Well, I don’t know much about buying gifts for kids. The girl in the store said I couldn’t go wrong with one of these.” He places it on the floor beside the fireplace and leans forward to look between my arms.

“You could hold him if you want?” I offer.

“No, he’s sleeping, don't disturb him.” He shakes his head.

“It won’t disturb him, trust me. Jace was lifting him out of his crib all night.”

“You sure?” Jamie looks between us both.

“Of course, she’s sure. You're his grandpa.” Jace stands up to take JJ from me and when I look at Jamie, I can see how moved he is by what he just heard.

“You mean that?” he asks as Jace carefully places our baby in his arms.

“Yeah, I mean it.” Jace nods, keeping his face serious as he sits back down next to me.

“I never thought I’d ever be someone's granddaddy.” Jamie smiles as he looks down. “He’s a handsome little thing.” He looks across to me. “You did good.”

“Thank you.” I stretch out and yawn.

“If you’re tired you should sleep,” Jace tells me. “I’m sure me and Grandpappy here can take care of it.” There’s sarcasm in his tone, but also a huge smile on his face. It’s going to take some time, but I already know them building a relationship will be good for Jace.

“I’m fine, honestly. I don't think I could sleep even if I wanted to.” I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since JJ was first put in my arms.

“I have the paperwork, we just need someone to witness it being signed. I was thinking of Grayson since he already knows about the situation,” Jamie explains, without taking his eyes off his grandson.

“I’ll go grab him.” Jace stands up and just as he’s about to walk out the door, he turns to look at me again. “You’re sure?” he checks.

“Never been surer.” I smile back.

“Do you have doubts? I know this place can be a lot to take on,” Jamie checks once we’re alone.

“Not at all, Jace can handle it and I’ll be by his side, no matter what.”

“This house was built to be filled with children, it was always Keith’s intention,” he tells me with a bitter-sweet smile.

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