Page 17 of Wrangled Love

Julie’s mouth curves into an amused smile. “Jensen, he’s five. Only a week ago, you were strangers. Besides, even if he didn’t want you—tough luck. You’re the only dad he’s got, and that’s a permanent deal.”

I like the sound of that last part.

When I look out the window again, Caleb is sitting at the edge of the sandbox, his fingers tracing patterns in the sand while he observes the other kids building a giant mound using their buckets.

“All I want is for him to be happy,” I say to Julie.

When I glance over, she’s grinning. “And that’s how I know the two of you will be just fine.”

She has more confidence in me than I have in myself.

“Have you thought about who is going to look after Caleb in the afternoons? I wish I could take him, but starting tomorrow, I’ll be at the school until four on weekdays.”

“I haven’t. My priority was getting here and making sure we got settled in. If I have to take more time off until I figure it out, I will.”

I’ll have to return to work sooner rather than later, though. With a new product launching soon, I’ll be heavily involved in the final stages of development. Fortunately, being the boss means I can oversee things remotely until we head back to New York at the end of the summer. In the meantime, Carlton, my chief operations officer, will manage any in-person meetings while I’m away.

“There’s a daycare on Main Street that offers pickups from the summer program. I’m friends with the owner if you’d like me to put in a good word,” Julie offers.

I wince at the idea of leaving Caleb in another strange environment with unfamiliar faces and limited staff to give him the patience and attention he deserves.

“At the school, I know he’s in good hands because you’re here,” I say, gesturing around us. “I can’t say the same for a daycare I don’t know or trust.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll find another option,” she promises me. “It might just take a while since most Bluebell residents work full-time, so finding a nanny or babysitter could be challenging.”

That’s one perk of living in the city—there’s no shortage of nannies, and finding someone with a flexible schedule is a breeze. My assistant had a baby last year and told me how lucky she was with all the options available when searching for childcare.

Julie clasps her hands together, an idea sparking in her eyes. “What about Briar? She’s usually finished with cabin repairs byearly afternoon, and I’m sure Heath could give her a break from helping around the ranch.”

I instantly shake my head. “I couldn’t ask her to do that.”

She probably isn’t inclined to do me any favors after my initial reaction to her thoughtful gesture last night. Yes, I was quick to apologize, but that doesn’t undo the fact that I got upset when she was only trying to help. I might be a family friend, but that doesn’t mean she owes me anything. Besides, she already has more than enough on her plate without me asking her to drop everything to take care of Caleb.

Julie rises and joins me at the window again, smiling as she looks out at Caleb. “Don’t overthink it. Just an option to keep in mind.”

I loop my arm around her shoulders, drawing her into a side hug. “I’d be lost without you.”

“We’re all here for you, Jensen.”

“Thank you.”

I can’t imagine where Caleb and I would be without the Halsteads.

Julie drove Caleb and me to the ranch after the open house, music playing through the speakers. Caleb stayed quiet in the back seat, but I noticed him in the rearview mirror tapping his fingers along his dinosaur’s stomach, keeping in time with the rhythm. I’ll have to try out different types of music to see if he has a similar reaction.

When we pull up to Briar’s place, I get out of the car and help Caleb out.

“Thanks for the ride, Julie.”

“Anytime. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she calls through the window. “Once you’re settled, I want you to join us for dinner at the ranch house.”

“We’ll swing by later this week.” I want to give Caleb a few days to acclimate to school before adding anything else to our routine. “See you tomorrow.”

“You bet.” Julie waves at Caleb as she pulls down the road.

She’ll drive us to the school in the morning for Caleb’s official first day. Heath will bring me back to the ranch on his way home from picking up supplies in town. The truck he’s letting me borrow is still in the shop but should be ready soon. It’ll be nice to have the freedom to come and go without relying on others to drive us around.

We’re halfway to the front porch when I hear a high-pitched bleating noise coming from behind the house. I didn’t think Briar kept any animals at the cottage, so I have no idea what it could be. When we hear the sound again, Caleb’s eyes dart between me and the backyard.

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