Page 5 of Open Arms

“That’s not what I am.” I repeat it to myself as manytimes as it takes to settle my mind. Maybe not enough to believe it, but to stave off the impending panic.

“First day down,” I whispered to myself, a tiny bubble of pride swelling in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, I could do this. Maybe Whittier Falls was where I was meant to land.

Maybe hope wasn’t such a dangerous thing after all.

3

Mason

Hoisting Abigail onto my hip,I steadied myself against the wave of stress hitting me in the gut.

“You’re gettin’ a bit big to be carried, jellybean.”

“I know, but I like it when you do. Plus, you’re strong, Daddy.”

“Yeah I am, you’re right about that.” I flexed a bicep and spun us around as I walked us toward the school’s doors. The sound of Abby’s laughter settled around my heart like a warm blanket.

“Who’s gonna watch me if Gamma and Gampa are gone?”

“Well, I’ll figure it out. We’ll get you a babysitter and I’ll see about you comin’ to the ranch more often.”

“I like that idea.”

“Plus,” I added, “I reckon I could do with some quality father-daughter time.” Abby beamed at that, wrapping her small arms around my neck like I was the hero in one of her storybooks.

“Okay, but I wanna learn how to lasso,” she declared, and we laughed because we both knew her coordination still neededwork before she could rope anything bigger than a stuffed animal.

“Deal,” I conceded, kissing her forehead. But for now, let’s get you inside, huh?” I said with a jerk of my head to the building in front of us. I set Abby down and watched her skip ahead, ponytail bouncing energetically.

“Okay, Daddy! Are we gonna have spaghetti tonight? With the meatballs?”

“Sure thing, cowgirl.” My answer trailed off as I pondered the logistics of the day.

I caught up with her and ruffled her hair, forcing a smile. The truth was, I didn’t have a single clue how to juggle it all. But I’d be damned if I didn’t find a way.

Abby looked at me, her mouth twisted up at the corner. “And can you not have Mrs. Baker as my babysitter? She smells like old hairspray and she doesn’t let me have cookies.”

I stifled a laugh and held the door open for her. “I’ll make some calls today and find someone real nice. It’ll all work out, jellybean.”

“Okay, Daddy. I trust you.” Her words hit deep, fueling my resolve.

“Thanks, baby girl,” I said, leaning down to kiss the top of her head again. “Your ol’ man won’t let you down.”

As I watched her disappear into the schoolhouse, the weight of the promise hung heavy on my shoulders. I had to make this work. And I would.

I was halfway through checking the water troughs when my phone buzzed in the back pocket of my faded jeans. I wiped a hand across my brow, smearing dirt and sweat, and squinted atthe screen. It was a text from June Henderson—longtime neighbor, twice-retired schoolteacher, and possessor of the biggest heart in Whittier Falls.

“Abby can come over after school. No trouble at all,” it read, and I nearly dropped the phone in relief.

“June, you’re a lifesaver,” I typed back, my big thumbs moving awkwardly on the small keyboard. “I owe you big time.”

“Consider it a favor for a favor. Remember that time you fixed my fence in a jiffy? We’re even now.” Her response came with a winky face and a speed that made me chuckle.

“Still, thanks,” I said into the vast space of the ranch, as if she could hear me. “You’re the best.”

With that sorted out, I shoved the phone away and turned my attention back to the task at hand. The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the fields, and I could feel the heat of the day setting in. I had fences to mend, horse training to oversee, and paperwork that wouldn’t file itself.

“Hey, Mase!” Luke, one of the newer ranch hands, called out, waving his hat in the air. “The feed delivery’s here, and the Miller mare’s acting up again.”

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