Page 20 of The Texas Cowboy's Rescue

“How about you take a breath, give your old mom a hug and kiss, and then let me get details from Ms. Jackie... sound like a plan?”

“Okay.” A swift kiss and giant hug ensued, and then Brooke was off to rejoin the other two girls on the swings.

“Sorry you got blindsided,” Jackie called out, coming down the steps. They shared a quick hug and then found two comfy chairs on the patio to sit and watch the kids while they caught up.

“Is this a case ofher being invited, or did she invite herself?” Kenzie asked.

“No, no... we would love to have her. The idea struck me while we were watching a cartoon and they were making s’mores around a campfire, and the kids started talking about how much fun it is, and they can hardly wait until we go on our yearly camping trip to the canyons. Brooke looked so enthralled and I thought, why not see if she might like to do something like that? But the caveat was that she had to ask nicely, and whatever your decision, she would not be upset. We should have also said wait until she stops the car and takes time to breathe,” Jackie said, ending with a shake of her head.

“When is this camping trip?”

“Next month... almost four weeks. We try to do it before time to get the kids ready for school and day care and David goes back to coaching sports. The park rangers are great and have programs for the kids to enjoy as well. So while they are having fun, they might not realize it, but they are also being taught some things. The swimming pool has lifeguards, the area is patrolled. The kids are never without one of us with them, whatever they do.”

Kenzie shook her head. “I know that you and David would take very good care in all that you do. That’s not it. I don’t know if I can be on my own for seven days you had booked. She and I have never been apart longer than two days. Brooke will do just fine, I have no doubt, but it’s me I worry about.” They laughed at the thought. But Kenzie knew it was just another sign her little girl wouldn’t be that for long. And she pushed those thoughts far away into that cave at the back of her mind called denial.

“So, how did you enjoy your evening of freedom? Catch up on some binge-watching of our favorite shows?”

“Well, it rained and rained, as you know. I got home earlier than usual. And then I had my front door busted in by my boss, who thought he was coming to my rescue because I screamed my frustrations out when I found a large puddle on my floor, thinking the roof was a mess again. And...”

“Hold it, stop. Back it up, girlfriend.” Jackie’s gaze narrowed on her. “Repeat, please.”

“About the puddle on the floor or...”

“Don’t trifle with me. You know exactly the part, so give it up.”

“Just what I said... the poor man arrived on my doorstep, just as I let out my frustrations in a couple of screams, and he thought someone was attacking me, so he found that old boat oar that is on the porch, and armed with that, he busted in my front door, ready to do battle. Not my finest moment.”

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I missed this. What happened after that?”

“He fixed my door. Meanwhile, I discovered the pool was made by a broken water line going to my icemaker in the refrigerator. He and I had a discussion about what he would fix and what he would not. Evidently, he was surprised to find that a single mom might have had to learn a thing or two about house repairs. We agreed to go to neutral corners, and I thanked him for the door by providing him with a gourmet meal of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches in my kitchen. Then he went home.”

Jackie slowly shook her head. “I don’t know which is sadder—the menu or you letting the man go home. Have I not taught you anything? What did you talk about over this non-candlelight dinner?”

“We actually did have a talk about ourselves. I told him about my marriage and he told me about being jilted basically at the altar. So we compared our trust issues, I guess you could say. But he isn’t into dating employees, and it would be weird, I think too. Not that the idea of dating even came up. So get that look off your face. He knows that Brooke and I have made quite a comfy life for ourselves, and so has he.”

“Great... two ships passing and keeping going. Well, we have some work to do.”

“No,wedo not. But Brooke and I do have to get home and do some work on her room. And I will keep my daughter in suspense about the camping trip until she eats all her dinner tonight.” She stood and motioned for Brooke.

“Well, I am glad you’re letting her join us. And you need to think about some things you can do just for yourself while she’s gone.”

Just for myself.Those words came to mind as she vacuumed the living room a couple of hours later. Brooke was upstairs, putting away her books and toys. What would a list for herself look like? Maybe read some books by authors she had been putting off because she was often too tired to keep her eyes open by the time she had put Brooke to bed and cleaned up the kitchen for the next day. Get a haircut. She looked at her short nails. In her profession, having long beautiful nails was out, but maybe a manicure... she could splurge and get a pedicure too. Maybe take in a movie that wasn’t a cartoon? Not exactly jetting off to the French Riviera. She shook her head. Then Brooke was running down the stairs and heading to the front door.

“He’s here, Mama. Ranger’s here. He’s come to visit.” The door had been unlocked and thrown open, just as Deke and the dog reached the top step. Kenzie wished Brooke had waited and at least given her time to put away the vacuum. And she might have chosen something to wear besides the older, faded pair of jeans and pink tank top. But too late to do anything but smile and move toward the doorway.

“I heard my dog get more of a reaction to his arrival than I did. I may get a complex.” Deke reciprocated Brooke’s fist bump. “Guess I’ve lost my sprinkles buddy.”

“I’m still your sprinkles buddy. Ranger can’t eat those. So you and I can eat them and be buddies.”

“How about letting our guests come inside?” Kenzie reminded Brooke of her manners. Deke looked at her for the first time since his arrival. The smile was automatic. And her stomach had a weird reaction to it.

“Mr. Deke, can Ranger come up to my room? He can watch me put my stuff away in the closet and then maybe we can read a book together.”

“I don’t mind... if your mother doesn’t.” Brooke’s head swung immediately in her direction.

“It’s okay.”

“Come on, Ranger. This is fun.” The dog took his cue from Deke and, receiving the approval, he bounded up the stairs behind Brooke.

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