Page 15 of Open Arms

“Exactly why I’m not lookin’ to step on any toes,” I retorted, half-smiling despite myself.

Gray smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Maybe you should ask her out, Mason. You know, welcome her to town properly.”

“Ask her—?” The idea rolled around in my head like loose change. “Nope. Not in the cards, Gray.”

“Come on, Mase.” His smirk widened. “It’s been ages since you’ve taken anyone out. And the horses you bring to pasture don’t count.”

“Ha.” I shook my head. “You’re hilarious. But I’ve got more on my plate than worrying about . . . dating.”

“Sure, sure.” He waved a hand, the tease not quite leaving his voice. “Just a thought. I know you got a lot goin’ on, but maybe a nice distraction would do you good.”

“Right.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the grin tugging at my lips. “I’ll keep that nugget of wisdom in mind.”

“Better do that.” Gray nodded.

I let out a low chuckle, the sound more like a scoff as I raked a hand through my hair. The very thought of dating seemed like a foreign concept these days, a luxury I couldn’t afford.

“Gray, I barely have time to shave most mornings,” I told him, leaning back against the edge of his cluttered desk. “Between the spreadsheets and the goddamn never-ending fence mending, not to mention Abby’s school and activities and her newfound obsession with piano lessons—dating is just not in the cards.”

“Seems to me like you’re always doing for others.” Gray leaned back further in his chair, the leather creaking under hisweight. He locked those blue eyes on me, serious now. “What about you, Mason? Your happiness counts too, you know.”

“Abby is my happiness,” I said without hesitation, feeling that familiar swell of love for my little girl. “And this ranch—it’s part of me.”

“Sure, but—“ He started, then stopped, giving me a long look. “There’s room for more, ain’t there?”

“More?” My laugh came out as a huff as my mind raced through the daily schedule that left little room for anything else.

“Look, I’m not saying go out and find the next Mrs. Bridges tomorrow,” he said, standing up and clapping a hand on my shoulder. “But there’s nothing wrong with letting someone make you smile once in a while. Besides Abby, I mean.”

“Smile, huh?” I quirked an eyebrow, considering the notion. Sure, it’d be nice, but when would I even?—

“Think about it,” Gray insists, his voice dropping to that brotherly tone that tells me he’s serious. “Life’s short, Mase. And I know mine got a hell of a lot better when Eryn came into the picture.”

“Alright, alright,” I concede, if only to ease the concern in his gaze. I knew it was true how much Gray’s life had changed since he met his wife. I’d never seen the man so damn happy. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” Satisfied, he dropped back into his seat. “Now get outta here before I put you to work filing all these papers.”

“Escape while I can, got it.” I pushed off from the desk, a half-grin pulling at my mouth.

“Go on. Save yourself.”

I headed for the door, Gray’s words echoing in my head. More room for happiness, huh? Maybe so, but right now, my world was plenty full. Abby’s laughter, the wide Montana sky . . . I reckoned that was enough for any man. Or at least, it should be.

As I reached for the doorknob, a jarring ringtone cuts through the quiet office. My hand halted mid-air, and I fished my phone out from my back pocket.

“Excuse me,” I mumbled, glancing at Gray before thumbing the answer button. “Mason Bridges.”

“Mr. Bridges?” The voice is familiar, edged with restrained urgency—it belonged to Miss Parker, Abigail’s first-grade teacher.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, already feeling the weight of that ‘something’s not right’ sensation in my gut.

“Abby’s fine,” she started, but there’s a ‘but’ coming—I could hear it clear as day.

“Go on,” I prompted, leaning against the solid wood of the doorframe.

“Nobody’s come to pick her up from school.” Miss Parker’s words hit like a punch to the chest. “She’s the last one here.”

“Dammit,” I muttered under my breath, casting an apologetic glance toward Gray. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

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