Page 24 of Marrying the Billboard Cowboy

“Sounds cozy,” Kaitlyn said, her voice still soft but carrying a newfound note of ease. “Stet, what do you think? Sleeping under a tree surrounded by presents?”

“Can we, Momma? Please?” Stetson bounced in his seat, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“Maybe we’ll give it a try this year,” she replied, kissing his hair affectionately.

Zeke watched their exchange, his heart swelling. This was right; this was where they belonged. Observing his father nodding along with Kaitlyn’s words, a silent vow of support etched in the lines of his weathered face, Zeke’s gratitude blossomed.

“Here’s to new traditions,” Barry announced, lifting his glass of orange juice toward the center of the table. “To Kaitlyn and Stetson, and the journey that brought them here.”

“Cheers!” echoed around the table as glasses clinked together.

12

Kaitlyn moved with quiet determination, pulling pans from the cupboards and setting them on the stove—a silent declaration of her intent to belong in this new world that was Redemption Ridge Ranch.

She’d gotten out of bed before Zeke, knowing that it was the only way to get breakfast ready before he headed out to work. Over the last two weeks, it had become something she was clinging to, wanting to pay back his kindness in some small way.

Cracking four eggs, she let the rhythmic sounds fill the silence of the cabin. The sizzle of bacon mingled with the dripping coffee. A soft hum escaped her lips, blending with the homely symphony. The fragrance of breakfast began to permeate the air as she cleared off the counter. The small cabin seemed an entirely different place since they’d first arrived.

Packages had piled onto their doorstep nonstop since the wedding, filled with toys for Stetson, and clothing for both of them. She suspected that most of them were from Zeke, though he had pleaded the fifth when she asked about them. There were also gifts from his family and others around the ranch who had heard about their nuptials.

Yet each package she opened also whispered to her shame, reminding her that she was dependent on this man. She was getting to know Zeke slowly, but he was still a mystery. And there was a not-insignificant part of her that feared what would happen when he realized that he’d gotten the raw end of this deal.

Breakfast, dinner, housekeeping. She was trying to do anything she could to make sure she was valuable to him. Kaitlyn’s gaze landed on the lodge, visible through the front window. She had insisted on helping there as well—folding sheets, arranging flowers—but it was casual, unofficial. She needed something concrete. A real job that she could call her own, money that she could use to make sure the past never followed them from Denver. She’d considered the diner, the bakery, even the little library down by the town hall.

She flipped the eggs gently, considering how many paychecks she’d need to pay the debt. Then how many more to build a buffer against the unexpected. The idea of saving for Stetson’s future uncurled like a protective shield within her chest. Not just for him though—for herself too, a way to reinforce her independence.

“Mommy, it smells good!” Stetson’s voice, still thick with sleep, carried into the kitchen before he appeared at the doorway, rubbing his eyes with pudgy fists. His sleepy smile was all the thanks she needed as he bounced over to the table, climbing onto the chair with an eagerness that mirrored his growing appetite.

“Good morning, sweetie,” Kaitlyn said, ruffling his dark hair affectionately. “I thought some bacon would give you lots of energy for your last day before Thanksgiving break.”

“Yay! We’re making turkeys with our handprints today!” Stetson chirped, fingers already reaching for a slice of bacon, hisearlier reservations about their new life momentarily forgotten in the excitement of school crafts.

As they settled into the meal, Zeke entered the kitchen, the soft thud of his boots on the wooden floor announcing his presence before the scent of soap and aftershave. He took his seat at the head of the table, nodding a silent ‘good morning’ and set to eating with a quiet appreciation that spoke volumes to Kaitlyn. She watched him for a moment, reading the lines of concentration between his brows, wondering what thoughts lay behind those steely eyes.

“Stet, why don’t you go brush your teeth? The bus will be here soon,” Kaitlyn suggested, breaking the comfortable lull that had settled over the breakfast nook.

“Okay, Mommy!” Stetson slid from his chair with an energy that defied the early hour and scampered down the hall.

Once the pattering of little feet faded away, Kaitlyn turned to Zeke, observing his methodical way of cutting through the eggs and bacon. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice low but clear.

Zeke paused, laying his fork down beside the half-eaten food. “Yeah, it’s just...” He sighed, running a hand through his damp hair, as though debating how much to say. “When we got married, I officially became one-third owner of the ranch. Which is exactly what I wanted, but passing the reins of manager to Jason hasn’t been smooth sailing.”

“Oh?”

Zeke nodded. “Dad’s throwing a fit, which I expected. I just didn’t expect such a long transition. I probably should have, but I was so focused on the first step that I didn’t think too far past that.”

“Transition to what?”

“I want to be a chef at the restaurant instead of the ranch manager,” he admitted. He glanced up at her, as though looking for her approval.

She smiled. “That’s amazing, Zeke. You’ll be great at that.”

He shrugged, but she could see the way his shoulders straightened, as though a small weight had been removed. “Thanks. If it ever happens, that is,” he grumbled.

“It will happen. Maybe…” She hesitated, wondering if she was out of line to suggest anything further.

“What?”

---