Page 9 of Always Her Cowboy

“You’re Mimi’s daughter,” Braxton says.

“I am. The last time I saw you, you were pretty small.”

“You were at my Papa’s funeral.”

I nod. “I was. Your Papa was an amazing man. I still miss him.”

“Me too,” Braxton whispers. Some of his tension dissipates. “Papa used to talk about you sometimes. He called you his honorary daughter.” The words are a bitter-sweet revelation. I was so eager to escape and build a life I never stopped to realize what I’d left behind. I took for granted that the people I loved most would still be here. His death was the catalyst to the collapse of the lie I’d been living.

“Did he?” I smile. “We had a lot of wonderful times together that I never forgot. I’m glad he didn’t either.” I clear my throat. “Guys. This is my friend Ellis. She’s visiting for the week.” Steering the conversation into calmer waters, I get the boys talking about their weekend plans and interests. Braxton warms up, but not by much. His guarded body language and quiet mannerisms don’t match the energy and humor my mother described him with.

“So, can you go?” Ethan asks. I glance down at the hazel-eyed eight-year-old with a round face and imploring gaze.

I glance at Ellis, who shrugs. “I’m game.”

“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we meet you there?”

“You’re going?” Noah asks excitedly.

I nod. “It’s been too long since I swung.”

“We’ll save you one, Aunt Daph. They always fill up fast,” Ethan explains. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at his serious expression.

“You don’t have to meet us if you’re busy, Daph,” Henry says, giving me an out.

“No. We were just visiting everyone. I want to know if the park has changed.”

“Alright. We should head out now if you want to save your Aunt a space.” The boys all agree, and I wave as I watch them leave.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Ellis asks.

“What?”

“Spending time with the son of the man you want to avoid at all costs.”

“No. But Brax’s my godson’s best friend, so it’s inevitable.”

“And this has nothing to do with the fact that he’s clearly the walking wounded, and you want to help him.”

“No.” I bite my bottom lip. “Maybe a little.”

“You have a big heart, especially when it comes to kids. It’s not a bad thing. But this particular child will bring you in direct contact with his Daddy sooner or later. Are you prepared for that?”

I close my eyes. “No, but I don’t think I’d ever be. I know I’ve built things up in my head that disassembling fact from fiction would be impossible. It’s teen angst, betrayal, growing pains, and my first ghosting all rolled into one. Maybe the best I can hope for is moving forward. I’ll deal with seeing him when it happens.”

Ellis opens her mouth, shuts it, and shakes her head.

“What?”

“I hope it works out the way you want it to.”

* * *

New

I close the tailgate and our truck, and hear, “Why don’t you head home, New? You look exhausted,” my brother, Gale, suggests.

“Can’t. I’m doing the drop-off with Laurel.”

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