Page 32 of Protective Cowboy

“One last thing,” Autumn said, feeling a hint of humor return. “We need a codeword for when we need to play our part.”

“You mean a safeword?” Matt asked with a wicked glint in his hazel eyes.

“Exactly. Let’s go with ‘Daisy,’ after our favorite goat,” she suggested, a smile tugging at her lips.

Matt rolled his eyes. “Daisy it is.”

“And… thank you,” Autumn murmured. “I appreciate you helping me out.”

“Just doing my job, protecting and serving, ma’am.” He paused. “Though I’ve never needed a safeword for that before.”

She was still laughing when Brock and Summer entered the dining room and began handing out plates of freshly baked shortcakes overflowing with deep red strawberries and mounded with freshly whipped vanilla cream.

Chapter Eight

Domestic Arrangements

“Want to share what’s so funny?” Summer asked, placing a dessert plate in front of Autumn.

“Um,” Autumn said, aware that everyone was now looking at her. “It’s hard to explain.”

“We were just discussing Autumn and Jayden staying at my place for a few days until she gets a restraining order against her ex-husband,” Matt explained calmly.

Autumn looked for signs of disappointment or disapproval, but saw only concern on her parents’ faces.

Mom’s mouth thinned. “Good. I knew things were bad, but I can’t believe he actually dared to show his face here. Oh, Autumn, I’m sorry you have to deal with all this, especially since everything’s been going so well for you the past few months.”

Dad nodded. “I think it would be best if you and Jayden weren’t here when Phillip wakes up tomorrow morning,” he said to Autumn.

To Matt he said, “That’s real kind of you, son. It’ll make us feel better to know that our daughter and grandson are in good hands.”

“I’m happy to do what I can for Autumn and Jayden, sir,” Matt said.

“And if Phillip thinks I’m going to offer him coffee and breakfast tomorrow morning, he’s sadly mistaken,” Mom commented in an icy tone that was completely unlike her.

“Need help with moving your stuff?” Winnie offered. “We can use my pickup truck.”

“I don’t have much to move,” Autumn reminded her. “Just clothes, books, toiletries, and Jayden’s toys.”

Everything else she owned—a few pieces of furniture from the Bozeman house, and some boxes of knickknacks and Christmas decorations—was in storage under tarps in the ranch’s tractor barn.

“Those’ll fit in my truck, no problem,” Matt assured her.

“Let’s call the kids in for dessert,” Summer suggested as she distributed the last of the desserts.

“Make sure they wash their hands,” said Mom.

“Yeah, I heard goat slobber doesn’t pair well with strawberries,” Matt remarked in his deadpan style.

Everyone burst out laughing.

Grinning, Winnie asked. “So, how do you guys plan to split the chores at Matt’s place?”

“We haven’t really discussed that yet—” Autumn began.

“Better not let her cook!” teased Summer. She traded wry glances with Winnie. “Remember Autumn’s honey-mustard spaghetti?”

Winnie laughed, “Or her blueberry-curry pancakes?”

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