Page 77 of Wounded Cowboy
“Okay, so you won’t believe some of the things that the agency’s clients demanded,” Kelsey said, in response to Autumn’s question about working as a nanny in Los Angeles. “My first short-term assignment, the mom handed me a detailed two-page list of organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, macrobiotic snacks that were ‘Bentley-approved.’ Oh, and she insisted I present those snacks in a visually pleasing manner because Bentley, and I quote, ‘eats with his eyes first.’”
Summer snorted.“Sounds like you spent more time plating carrot sticks and hummus than I did plating fancy entrees at my old fine dining restaurant in San Francisco!”
“Let’s just say Chef Daniel Langlais would’ve approved of my presentation,” Kelsey replied dryly.
“Oh, God, not you, too,” Brock groaned.“Summer loves that freaking show. She thinks that old dude is hot.”
“Chef Danielishot,” Summer, Autumn, Winnie, and Kelsey all protested in chorus.
As laughter rippled through the room, Kelsey couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of belonging. She had truly missed these dinners, surrounded by her newfound family—their easy camaraderie, shared affection, and genuine warmth. It felt like she had never left, and yet, being away had made her realize just how much she cherished them all.
“Don’t listen to my husband. For my early birthday present, Brock made us dinner reservations at Calidus on Halloween,” Summer said smugly.“We’re spending a long weekend at the historic Bearpaw Springs Lodge, and dinner will feature Chef Daniel’s tasting menu.” She turned her head and grinned at her husband.“Best present ever, honey. I can’t wait!”
“You’re meeting Chef Daniel in person? I’m so jealous,” Kelsey said. “You’ll have to tell us all about it when you get back from Bearpaw Springs.”
“You certainly sound like you had aninterestingtime in L.A.,” Priscilla said, smiling warmly at Kelsey.“But I’m so glad you’re back home with us, Kelsey. We’ve missed having you around… especially Spring.” She winked at her son.
“Truth,” Spring said, giving Kelsey’s shoulders a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you, Priscilla. I missed all of you, too,” Kelsey replied sincerely.
Grandma Abigail leaned forward in her armchair, her bright blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.“So, Kelsey, now that you’re back in Snowberry Springs, have you thought about what you want to do for work? There’s an opening at the local preschool, you know. You’d be perfect for it.”
Kelsey’s face lit up at the suggestion.“Actually, I’ve already applied for that job! They called me right away to set up an interview for next week.”
“Really?” Nick chimed in, his surprise evident. He sat between Winnie and Kegan on the second sofa opposite Spring and Kelsey.“You’d be an amazing teacher, Kels. The kids are gonna love you.”
“Wanna hear a great joke?” April piped up.
“Sure, as long as it’s clean,” Spring said with mock seriousness.
“Daddy! I don’t know any dirty jokes!” April protested.
“And I want it to stay that way until you’re older,” Spring said, smiling at her. “Okay, what’s your joke?”
“Why did the nanny goat get hired at the comedy club?” asked April.
“I don’t know,” Spring answered. He looked at Kelsey. “Sweetheart, you’re a nanny. What do you think?”
Kelsey rolled her eyes. “Not that kind of a nanny,” she shot back. “Okay, April, whydidthe nanny goat get hired at the comedy club?”
April beamed at her. “Because she was great at kidding around!”
Everyone laughed. “That was a good one, April,” Bob said. “I’ll have to tell it to the boys down at the Grange Association.”
Then he looked at Spring.“Saw you finished rebuilding that old treehouse last week.”
“Yup!” Abby piped up before her father could answer.“It’s much nicer than the old treehouse!”
“I agree,” Bob said, winking at his son. “Your great-grandpa Frank and I built the old treehouse when your dad and aunties were little kids. It was time for something new.”
“Can I come play in it sometime?” Kegan inquired, his excitement bubbling over.
“I want to come, too,” Autumn’s son Jayden said.
“Of course!” Priscilla assured the children.“Why don’t we celebrate a treehouse-warming tomorrow afternoon?”
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