Page 2 of Her Cowboy's Valentine

The two boys scampered off.

The front door opened a few minutes later, so of course the boys left their rooms, and the moments of peace helping Mary with math were over.

“My two golden-haired princesses,” Liam said, dropping a kiss on Mary’s head and then Rebecca’s cheek. He sniffed. “Smells good.”

“Just pizza tonight,” Rebecca said sheepishly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I could’ve bought something home if you wanted.”

“It’s all right.” She patted his bearded face.

“Mom! Is four times two seven?”

“Four times two is the same as four plus four. What’s four plus four?”

“Oh, eight.”

Liam rubbed his hands together. “I’m going to shower. How about a movie tonight?”

“A movie!” Mary brushed back her blond hair from her face, her blue eyes sparkling.

“You really are your mom’s mini me,” Liam said, “although your hair has started to get a little darker over the years, Rebecca.”

She tugged on the ends. She had noticed that, too, and she wasn’t sure if she liked it.

“Always beautiful.” He kissed her temple and headed toward their bathroom. “And I meant the movie for your mom and me,” he called over his shoulder. “It’s a school night.”

“But, Dad,” Mary whined.

“Dad!”

“Dad!”

The boys clamored over their father, and Rebcca laughed to herself.

Soon enough, they were all gathered around the table. Liam led them in prayer, and they all dug in. Rebcca felt at peace with her family, but by the time the kids were all settled in their beds, her eyelids were already drooping.

Still, she curled up beside Liam on the couch as he turned on the TV.

“Do you have a—” A yawn cut her off.

“Are you too tired tonight?” Liam asked gently.

“I can try to stay awake.”

“Try to? No, honey. Just go to bed.”

She squeezed him, her head resting on his chest. “You could put on a movie you don’t think I’ll like, and if I fall asleep on you?—”

“The last time we did that, you woke up unable to move your neck because it had been pinched. It’s fine, Rebecca.”

“But it’s so early,” she protested.

“You’ll feel better in the morning if you go to bed now and rest up.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m sure I can keep busy. I won’t be up too much longer.”

---