Page 9 of Snowed in with the Rancher

“Really? Are there fishes in the pond with you?”

The boy's mother released her grip, and the kid swam closer to Tate. He was actually a good swimmer for such a small kid.

“There are big old ugly catfish in there because my dad likes to fish for them.”

The boy's nose wrinkled.

Tate went on. “But in my pond, the water's not nice and clear like this.”

The boy began to tread water in front of Tate, and he saw Olivia make her way to the mother and start chatting.

“I'm Tate, by the way. What's your name?”

“Josh.” Then the boy dropped his voice to whisper. “But when my mom's mad, she calls me Joshua.”

Tate nodded in commiseration, then put on a bright expression as if he'd just had the best idea in the world. “You know,” he said casually. “I was snorkeling a little while ago, and I saw some sea turtles down there, and some of the brightest-colored fish you ever saw.”

Josh's eyes rounded. “Really? Like on TV?”

“Just like,” Tate assured him. “I don't usually put my head under water before because when I swim in that pond, it's muddy, and I don't want to end up eye-to-eye with a catfish.”

Josh giggled.

“But here, the water is so clear, it's like being at the aquarium.”

Josh's gaze narrowed in suspicion, but Tate kept the momentum going. “Want to try it with me?”

Josh considered a few more seconds. “Were the fishes big or little?”

“Little. The turtles were bigger, and they had flippers.”

Finally, Josh nodded his agreement. After checking in with Josh's mom, Tate helped him flip his mask down and position the mouthpiece. Then, holding hands, both ducked their faces under the water and floated. Under the water, Tate could see Josh's enthusiasm as colorful fish zoomed around below them, and when a small turtle went slowly by, Josh gestured and pointed excitedly.

When they surfaced, both Olivia and Josh's mom applauded, and Tate ruffled the boy's wet hair.

“Now,” he told Josh. “You can help your mom do it, and then when she says it's time to go back to shore, you make sure and do as she asks, right?”

Josh nodded, a grin on his small face.

“High five,” Tate said, holding out his hand.

“High five!” Josh yelled as he slapped Tate's much larger hand.

* * *

“Do you have nieces or nephews?” Olivia asked. Wrapping his arm around her waist to settle comfortably along her hip, Tate relished the feel of her sun-kissed skin beneath his palm. The ship had docked for the night, and they were walking along the beach adjacent to the beachside town.

“Nope,” he answered. “I'm an only child.”

“You were so good with that little boy, I wondered if you'd had practice.”

He laughed, his head tipped back before he turned to smile at her. “No. I do volunteer some with a search and rescue team—I guess it's given me some practice in dealing with kids when they're scared or upset and have gotten all worked up.”

“That's amazing,” she said, looking at him admiringly. “You'reamazing.”

He looked down at her and stopped walking, turning toward her and cradling her cheeks in his big palms.

“That's a sweet thing to say,” he told her. “Thank you.”

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