Page 28 of More Than a Pretty Face

Dag laughs.“I think Tyler is volunteering to help out there all the time.”

“Quite possibly.”I fill my plate, then take a seat.

Once we’re at the table, conversation shifts to ranch chores and tomorrow’s schedule.

When dinner is finished, everyone heads off in different directions, some to the game room, some outside.I see Kent slip out, and I clean up my spot and follow him.

“Wait up.”

He slows his pace.“Sounds like you’ve found someone to distract you from your mystery woman.”

I glance around to make sure no one else is within earshot.“Sheismy mystery woman.”

“That’s great.”He stops outside his truck, then furrows his brow.He must read the mixed emotion on my face.“Isn’t it?”

“Except for the fact that she doesn’t recognize me.So I’m not sure what to do.”The lack of recognition is an unexpected twist.I hope my second chance at a first impression went better than the first.

“Ouch.”

“Yeah.That’s not so good for the ego.But maybe if we see each other once a week, something will trigger a memory.”

He opened his truck door.“Good luck.”

“Thanks.”I’m probably going to need it.

Kent climbs into his truck and drives toward his place.He’s been in a better mood but hasn’t mentioned anything about sorting out whatever was complicating his life.I don’t ask.He’ll bring it up if he wants to talk, but I’m not going to hold my breath because Kent isn’t one to discuss his feelings.

On Tuesdays,Ava makes tacos, my favorite.I trudge into the dining hall, ready for food and something cold to drink.

It’s been a week since I’ve seen Jasmine, and I’m hoping to talk to Clint about an excuse to be at the goat farm tomorrow evening.

I’m one of the last to arrive at dinner, so I grab a plate and start piling on food.There is the normal hum of conversation, but Ava is quieter than normal.She’s usually fluttering around the room, making sure we all have everything we need.

I drop onto the bench beside Parker.

As soon as I do, Clint clears his throat.“A few things are changing, and I wanted to fill y’all in.”His tone is serious, a bit sad.

Beau’s expression is unreadable, and Ava is twisting a napkin in her hand.Something is wrong.

All chatter ceases, and we look down the table toward Clint.

Dallas is the one who speaks up.“Is there a problem?”

Clint rubs his jaw.“Kent will be gone for about a week.His wife died in a car accident today.He just got the call.And he’s headed out toward Houston for the funeral.”

“He wasmarried?”Parker asks the question most of the other guys are thinking.

Clint nods.“But they’ve been separated for years.The other news is that he found out he has a son.Mason will be moving to the ranch with his dad.”

I knew things were complicated, but Kent didn’t even hint that there was a kid in the picture.

After a sip of tea, Clint continues, “I assured Kent that we’d all pitch in to help him.He had no idea he was a dad until today.The cabins are too small for a family, so they’ll be moving into my place.I’m taking over one of the cabins down the hill.”

Those three cabins aren’t any bigger than the ranch hand cabins.Beau’s son, Garrett, lives in one.The other two are empty.It’s a small space for Clint, but the move doesn’t surprise me.He’s quiet most of the time, much like Kent, but none of us have any doubt that he’ll help us with anything at any time.

“Of course we’ll help him.Having a kid around will be fun.”Parker grins.“I’ll teach him all about the horses.”

“Yeah.Surely this many of us can take care of one kid.”I shake my cup, rattling the ice.“Hopefully.”

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