Page 28 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
By the time they finished playing, all three of them looked like drowned rats. So, they laid under the warm sun to dry while Carsen and Milo played with a ball.
“I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time,” she said to Sharp who was stretched out in the grass.
He sat up.“There’s something about Fin’s Creek that makes people happy. The country air. The scenery. The people.”
She plucked a blade of grass and rolled it between her fingers.“The views. The sunshine. The fresh air makes me think Texas is just showing off.”
“Who needs gourmet coffee shops, fancy clothing stores, and high rises when you have that?” He jutted his chin toward the lush pasture then landed his warm gaze on her.
She felt warmth spread from her roots to her toes.“You do have a point.”
“This could be all yours. Texas has enough room for two more permanent residents.” His smile made his eyes twinkle.
She swiped her hands together.“At some point I’d like for us to stop running.”
“Running? From what?”
She realized her slip of the tongue.“I only mean that I want us to find a place that’s ours. He’ll be starting school next year and I want to be settled.”
“He’s a good kid.” He settled his gaze on her.“He likes it here. Fin’s Creek has a lot to offer.” A moment passed between them, an unspoken thought.
This sobered her some.
She stood, feeling his gaze stay with her.
“Carsen, it’s bath time.” He was already back to discovering bugs in an old tree.
“I just took a bath,” he groaned emphatically.
“Getting wet isn’t a bath.”
“He fits right in here,” Sharp said as he stood, adjusting his Stetson back on his head.
“Carsen! Come on,” she called again.
“I want to play longer.”
“Come on. I have chores to do inside.”
“Give the kid ten more minutes.”
She took a step toward Sharp and said in a lowered voice,“Do you have children?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Then please don’t get involved in the parenting of mine.” She saw the twinkle leave Sharp’s eye. If she were honest with herself, she felt a twinge of disappointment. She guessed she was a bit off balance being near Sharp
“Note taken.” Sharp nodded stiffly.“Carsen, see you soon, buddy.”
Carsen raced toward the house and CaDee was right behind.
Stepping onto the porch she saw that Piper was sitting in the rocker, watching. CaDee saw disapproval in the woman’s grey eyes.
“Run ahead and get ready for your bath,” CaDee told Carsen. Once he was inside, she turned to Piper.“Why do I feel like you want to say something to me?”
“It’s okay to let loose and have some fun sometimes,” Piper said.“It’s scary, but don’t let that keep you from living life.”
“Really? When was the last time you had a good time yourself?” The stress had pushed CaDee over a boundary. It felt like a knot was unraveling in her stomach and she didn’t know how to handle the release. She took a step toward the door but Piper’s hand on CaDee’s elbow stopped her.
