Page 28 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

“As I told Colt, I always looked older than my age, and I’d learned to be self-sufficient. So, caring for other people’s children just came naturally for me.”

His parents exchanged a look of sympathy, and his mother said, “I’m sure that you’ll take wonderful care of your little one.”

Taylor glanced at Colt, and he could see the happiness in her eyes.

“I will,” she said quietly.

His dad began passing the food around the table, and before they began to eat, he said a simple prayer. Taylor’s eyes widened in surprise when he said, “Let’s all hold hands and say grace.”

JJ slept quietly as they ate, and Colt noticed his mom glancing frequently at the baby. He’d bet she wanted to hold him. And who could blame her?

“So, Colt tells us that you work at the Lazy Days Inn,” his mom said.

“That’s right, Teresa, but I haven’t gone back to work yet.” She grimaced. “My Aunt Shannon won’t hear of it. I told her that I’m afraid I’ll lose my job, and she said, ‘Honey, if you lose that job and can’t find another one, then staying home with your baby is a really good thing.’”

His mom nodded. “If you can afford it, it would be wonderful for you to stay home with JJ.”

Taylor sighed. “That’s the thing. Although my aunt draws social security and has a retirement from her job back East, I don’t want to be a financial burden to her. She’s worked hard all her life, and it’s not her job to support me.”

Colt reached under the table for her hand again. “I know that you’re used to taking care of yourself, but maybe now is a good time to let someone else take care of you. Being JJ’s mom is important.”

“I agree,” she said in a tired voice. “I don’t know what I’m going to do yet.”

“Momma, didn’t you say that you made some pie?” Colt’s dad asked.

“Jay, I knew you wouldn’t let me forget that.” She looked at Taylor and asked, “Do you like apple pie?”

“Oh yes, ma’am.”

“Please, I like it when you call me Teresa. Would you like to help me in the kitchen for a minute?”

“Of course.”

Taylor stood, giving him a look tense with worry. Did she think his mother wanted a private conversation? Well, she probably did, but Taylor had nothing to worry about. His mother was incredibly kind and, knowing Taylor’s story, she would be particularly sensitive to Taylor’s feelings. He smiled encouragingly at her and mouthed, “It’s okay.”

When the two women came out a few minutes later carrying dessert plates of pie for everyone, Taylor had a happy smile on her face. He smiled at his mother and nodded his thanks.

Later, as they said their goodbyes, his mother gave Taylor a hug. “Honey, you make my boy bring you back again soon, you hear?”

Taylor grinned. “I promise. It was wonderful to meet you, Teresa.” She looked at his dad. “I can see where Colt gets his manners, Jay. I’m glad we met.”

His dad patted her on the back. “You come on back here anytime, young lady. You’re always welcome.”

JJ woke up as they hooked his infant seat back into the truck. Colt gave him his pacie, and he instantly quieted. “He’s such a good baby, isn’t he?” Colt said as he helped Taylor up into the truck.

“I’m one lucky momma, that’s true.”

As they headed down the ranch drive, she reached for his hand. “Colt, thank you for bringing me here tonight. Your parents are wonderful people, and it was a privilege to meet them.”

“I’m glad you came. You and JJ are all I seem to talk about anymore.” He looked into her eyes, letting her see his emotions—how much he cared, how happy he was to be with her.

Her eyes darkened, and she bit her lip. She’d seen what he wanted her to see, the intensity of his feelings, how much he wanted her. He let go and turned back to the road, knowing that she’d need time to process what he’d just shown her.

They were quiet on the drive back to the old homestead, and that suited him. He’d laid his cards on the table, and it was her move. He glanced at her as the corner of his mouth lifted. She had all the time in the world to answer.

***

Saturday, Taylor yawnedand put a pod in the coffee maker. Sun streamed through the kitchen window. It was a cloudless mid-November morning, and it cheered her immensely after a night of getting up every two hours with the baby. She smiled. JJ was a chubby little thing. At his two-week checkup last week, he’d already put on eight ounces. As babies usually lose weight after birth, the doctor had commented that JJ must be a good eater. She had corroborated that with a rueful laugh.

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