Page 59 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Did you see that the place has a hot tub?” He dances his eyebrows.

“I saw that and will bring my suit.” I might not bother with my coverup. “Are you coming to the party on Saturday? Bailey is so excited about turning nine.”

“Of course I’ll be there. I have her gift wrapped already.”

“Thanks to you, we won’t be handing out mini cactus plants as party favors. She’s all about Rubik’s cubes and Legos right now.”

“I love that. And I can’t take credit for the Legos. That was all Parker. He bought her that set, and she was hooked. Can’t blame her though. Legos are awesome.”

“I need to tell Parker how grateful I am. And my parents. All the help has been incredible, and Bailey is happier for it. It’s been a lesson that accepting help isn’t just about me.”

“It’s not always an easy lesson to learn. I know that from experience. I may be a great big brother, but I’m not superman. I had lots of help when Brooke was growing up. And she and I were both better for it.”

I lean in and kiss him. Even though the circumstances were very different, our similar experiences make talking to him therapeutic because he understands in ways that others don’t.

* * *

Starting at eleven,I check my phone any chance I get. This isn’t typical, but Anderson is up at the school, telling the class about what it’s like to be a wrangler. This is when social media becomes helpful. I’m friends with several of the moms in Bailey’s class. We do that so we can send messages about class parties or last-minute ride requests. It’s something I like about living in a small town. But today, I’m checking social media for pictures of my cowboy.

I tuck my phone in the drawer and pick up the chart that just landed in my inbox. I push open the door to the lobby as I read the name. “Dallas Busch.”

When I see the cowboy trudging toward me, I recognize him. Thankfully, he doesn’t give any indication that he knows me. But we don’t have to pretend we’re strangers. It would make sense for me to know someone who works with my brother.

I escort him into a room. “Hi. You work out at the ranch, right?”

“Yep.”

“So what brings you in today?” From his red eyes and bedraggled look, I could make a guess.

“I feel like crap that’s been stomped on by a bull.”

“Sorry. Let me put this under your tongue.” I get his temperature and blood pressure readings. “You’ve got quite the fever going. Did you drive over here yourself?”

He nods. “Other guys were working.”

“I’m going to arrange for someone to take you home, okay? We’ll see what the doctor wants to give you, but you don’t need to be driving.”

“Someone, huh?” Dallas covers a cough. “He’s crazy about you. You probably know that. Or maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I am keeping my mouth shut about other stuff, you know, like how?—”

“Thank you for keeping our secret.”

He grins but looks a bit delirious. “He talks about you all the time when no one else is around. Not just you either. Bailey too. She’s a cute kid.” His eyelids start to droop.

“You can lie back while you wait for the doctor if you want.”

“Okay.” He flops backward, and I hurry out of the room.

Once the doctor goes in, I check my phone again. And I’m treated to a picture of Bailey and Anderson posing at the front of the room. She looks so happy. And he’s as hot as ever, but my judgment might be clouded by how happy Bailey looks.

I shoot off a text to Anderson.

Me:Please swing by the clinic when you leave the school. Dallas is here, and he needs a ride home.

Clarence:Sure thing. How did he get there?

Me:He drove. But it would be dangerous for him to drive home.

Clarence:I’ll be there soon. And I had one of the moms snap some pics for me. Can’t wait to show you.

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