Page 12 of Marrying the Billboard Cowboy

Zeke’s mouth turned down, and his mouth opened as though to answer. “No, sweetie,” Kaitlyn said as she twisted to meet her son’s worried gaze. “Mr. Zeke just wants to make sure you’re safe. That’s what good people do—they look out for each other.”

“Like superheroes?” Stetson’s eyes widened with the hope only a child could muster.

“Exactly like superheroes,” Kaitlyn agreed, allowing herself a small laugh that felt like a release. She glanced at Zeke, studying the profile of his face.

For a fleeting moment, she let herself believe in heroes again, in protectors who didn’t wear capes but carried the weight of others’ safety with a silent, steadfast resolve. She desperately wanted to believe that Zeke was that kind of superhero.

7

Zeke led Kaitlyn and Stetson along the winding road that circled the heart of Redemption Ridge Ranch. The sun was blazing high in the sky, illuminating the vast expanse of land that housed Redemption Ridge Ranch and Resort.

“Over there.” Zeke pointed to a large wooden and stone building to the left of the front drive. “That’s Redemption Ridge Resort. We host guests year-round. City folks looking to get a taste of ranch life.” He watched Kaitlyn’s dark eyes absorb the sight.

“It’s huge,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around herself, a subtle shiver betraying her despite the warmth of the fading day.

“More so than you’d think,” Zeke agreed with a nod. “And down that road” –he gestured to a fork ahead— “you’ll find the main house. That’s where I grew up and where my parents live.”

He kept driving, circling the stables and main corral in the middle of the loop, pointing out the turns for the wrangler cabins, chapel, spa, and event barn. He parked his truck in frontof the stables. From here, they could look south and see the cows lounging in the southern pasture.

“Your home is beautiful,” Kaitlyn said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the tranquility surrounding them.

Beside her, Stetson clung like a shadow, his hand gripping hers tightly. The boy’s curious gaze followed every movement, but he stayed silent, his presence a quiet testament to his wariness of the new surroundings.

Despite having only known about the boy for an hour, he wanted Stetson to feel comfortable and welcome.

“Stetson,” Zeke said, crouching down to meet the boy’s eye level, “what’s your favorite animal?”

Stetson’s grip on his mother’s hand loosened just a fraction, and he glanced from Zeke to the animals and back again before answering hesitantly, “I always wanted a cat.” He sucked in a breath. “But I can like horses instead. If you want me to.”

Zeke’s heart cracked a little bit at the young boy’s eagerness to please.

“It’s okay if you don’t,” he replied casually. “We’ve got a couple of barn cats running around. If you haven’t been around horses, they can seem really big. But I used to spend hours out here with the horses when I was a kid, just a bit older than you. They can be great friends if you treat them right.”

“Really?” Stetson’s dark eyes brightened with interest, and the tight line of his shoulders relaxed slightly.

“Absolutely,” Zeke affirmed. “They’ve got personalities of their own. Just like people.” He stood up and nodded at Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn caught Zeke’s gaze, a flicker of gratitude shining through her tired eyes. He’d never heard the words thank you so much. Nothing he’d done so far was extraordinary. But even basic kindness seemed to leave her overwhelmed. The resilience she clung to seemed to allow for precious few moments of softness, especially when it came to Stetson.

“Did you have a favorite horse, Mr. Zeke?” Stetson asked, his curiosity overcoming his shyness.

“Mr. Zeke” echoed oddly in Zeke’s ears, too formal for his taste, but he let it slide for now, considering the boy’s tentative steps toward trust. “Let me introduce you to Inky. He’s lived here almost as long as me.”

The trio moved slowly along the path, the crunch of gravel underfoot. The barn doors creaked on their hinges as Zeke pushed them open, revealing the dusky interior where several horses shifted and neighed softly. Stetson’s grip on Kaitlyn’s hand tightened, his little chest rising and falling with quick breaths. Zeke watched the boy’s dark eyes grow round with a mix of wonder and apprehension.

“See there? That’s Thunder,” Zeke said, pointing to a chestnut stallion with a blaze running down its nose. “And beside him is Honeysuckle, the sweetest mare you’ll ever meet.”

Stetson’s curiosity battled his nerves, his feet rooted to the spot, even as he craned his neck for a better look. Zeke lowered himself to one knee, his own childhood memories of awe at these majestic creatures rushing back. He remembered the gentle guidance of his father, the same patience he now offered to this small boy before him.

“Hey, Stet,” Zeke began, his voice soft but firm, “horses can sense when we’re scared, but they’re good-hearted animals. They want to be friends if we let ‘em.”

“Really?” Stetson’s voice was a whisper, his gaze fixed on the gentle swaying tails and flicking ears.

“Really.” Zeke smiled, extending his hand toward Stetson. “How about we say hello? I’ll be right here with you.”

Stetson hesitated, then placed his tiny hand in Zeke’s larger, calloused one. Together, they took slow, measured steps toward Honeysuckle. The horse lifted its head, nostrils flaring gently as it assessed the new visitors.

“Go on, give her a pat. Just like this.” Zeke demonstrated, moving his hand along the horse’s nose, fingers trailing over velvety skin. “Nice and gentle.”

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