Page 35 of Charming But Reckless

“Yes, that’s right. Which means Dakota and the ranch will always be a part of your life. Maybe the next bit of time when there’s a break in school, we can come visit? I think it would be pretty to see this place during the summer months, don’t you?”

Sol lit up, his head bouncing so fast I worried about him getting whiplash. “Can I go tell Dakota? He’s sad too.”

The other boy was close enough to have heard anyway. Still, Arick nodded, then we watched as the pair collided, their voices rising as they discussed future plans to get together.

It was an adorable sight.

I reached out for Arick’s hand under the guise of helping him up off the ground. He could have gotten up on his own, but why do so when I’m right here?

He grinned at me knowingly, slipping his hand into mine. When he stood, I leaned forward until our bodies were touching. Anyone watching us would know there was more going on than friendship. But since it was just us and the boys, I didn’t care.

Honestly, my entire team could have been there, and I’d have still pulled him close. I was seconds away from kissing him too, only a squeal broke through my needy haze.

“Dad! Dakota said we could maybe do sleepovers in the summer. Can we?”

Arick nodded, waving the other boy over. “Let’s tell everyone bye for now, then we can hunt down your parents to make sure they approve of this too. I think it’s a great idea.”

We both hugged Bobby Allen, then set off to see all the other men. Some were more emotional about the sendoff than others, though all were eager in their encouragement we come back soon. It was no wonder I found this place so special.

“You’re welcome anytime. We can go camping or have the kids stay inside to have a sleepover. All the details can be worked out later,” Jackson said as he hugged me and Arick.

Beau picked up Sol and swung him in a circle. “Gonna miss my little helper here. But I’m glad you got your dad back.”

“Me too. He’s the best ever. No offense.”

We all laughed at his good manners. Of course, neither Beau nor Jackson were offended. They knew Dakota would argue on their behalf anyway had it been said in a mean way.

Atticus walked us out to the truck, then held me back while Arick got Sol strapped in. “Orion,” he started. “I know you’ve got a home in the city and everything to keep up with. Please feel free to come back with them if you want. Or on your own even. I’m honored you thought to bring Sol here when things got rough.”

“I’m not sure why, but this place feels like a second home. It’s where I’d want to be if my life didn’t keep me closer to the office.”

The words were completely honest. I wasn’t trying to blow smoke up his ass or anything. The Coleman Ranch had been on my mind, in some form or fashion, since the first time I visited. I’d never been a country kind of guy. Mudding and work chores weren’t my thing. Yet I found myself captivated by the land, the animals, and the work.

Years later, I still felt that pull.

“Don’t be a stranger,” he told me before giving me one last hug. He walked back up onto the porch where the rest of the men had gathered. It was a tear-jerking kind of sendoff.

I would always remember it.

“Ready to hit the road?” I asked Arick and Sol after I strapped myself in and started up the car.

They give me solemn sounds of agreement.I don’t want to leave either guys.

But we all knew three weeks of being snowed in was not ideal. If it gets too bad in the city, we could hunker down in my place and still have access to necessities if an emergency arises. At the ranch, we’d be limited by the supplies they have on hand. I couldn’t possibly put them out more by adding three mouths to each meal for that length of time.

“We’ll grab some food once we’re closer to the city, ok? For now, you two sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Please remember tips are welcome, and we’d love a review at the end of your journey.”

I tipped an invisible hat like I was some chauffeur. Sol laughed, while Arick shook his head at me. The two were really carbon copies of each other. As I glanced at them one more time before leaving the ranch, I had the overwhelming urge to keep them.

They were mine.

My family.

My future.

I just had to figure out what the hell that really meant and make sure they were ok with it.

CHAPTER 13

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