Page 86 of Wild for You (The Wilds of Montana)

Her lips twitch, but she doesn’t open her eyes.

“I’m sorry that you were scared today.”

“Mostly, I’m pissed off.I don’t want to go through all of this again, and I shouldn’t have to.Even if he’s sending stuff from Washington, he’s broken the restraining order.For that alone, he should go back to prison.”

“That’s what Chase said, too.”

“I’m so embarrassed that I’ve brought this particular piece of baggage into your life.I don’t want the kids to know about what’s going on, Rem.I don’t want them to be scared or worried that they could get hurt.Which they won’t be, not just because they’re so well protected, but because he’s fixated onme.”

“I don’t plan to tell the kids,” I reply.“Because I agree.I don’t want them to worry.”

“How are you going to explain that big-ass gate on the driveway?”

“I’ll just tell them that we’re adding new safety measures to the ranch to make sure that the livestock and everything else is safe.Which isn’t a lie.”

“That’s true.”We both watch as a bald eagle circles the pasture, looking for a late lunch.“I’m grateful that your mom is picking up the kids, but I feel guilty because that’s mywhole job.”

“Cut yourself some slack,” I reply.“You’ve had a shitty day.Mom doesn’t mind helping out, especially in circumstances like this.But if it makes you feel some sort of way, you can cook dinner.”

“Okay, I’ll take that deal.I was thinking stuffed green peppers.”

I wrinkle my nose.

“No?What part of that don’t you like?”

“I’ll eat it.I’ll eat anything you make without an argument.”

Erin smirks.“Sure, but I want to make things youlike.How about I grill some steaks?You have a lot of Wild River Ranch beef in there.”

“I’m down for that.I think you should take a hot shower and maybe a little nap first.”

She cocks an eyebrow at me.“Do I stink?”

“No.”I can’t help but laugh at that.“It’ll feel good and help you relax.Get comfortable and shake off what happened today.There’s nothing else you can do about it.”

“You’re a good dad,” she blurts out, and it makes my heart stumble.“I’m not implying that I think you’re fatheringmeright now, becauseno.What I’m saying is, you’re calm and reasonable, and despite your sometimes grumpy exterior, you’re soothing.I’ve watched the kids seek you out when they’re upset or sad, and that’s because you’re the one person in the world who can comfort them better than anyone else.You don’t just have that effect on your kids.”

I can’t help but think about how grouchy I’ve been with my kids over the past few months, and through no fault of their own.It’s all on me.I’m abetterdad because of this amazing woman.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”She stands and bends down to kiss my head.“I’m gonna go take that shower.”

She walks inside, and I stay right where I am for a while, watching that eagle and looking out over my land.

Sometimes, I worry that I’mnotthe dad that my kids need me to be.I get so distracted, so busy while running this business.I don’t want my children to look back on their childhood and wonder where their dad was.

I don’t think Erin could have given me a better compliment.

“Dad!”Holly comes running out of her room, with Erin not far behind her.“Dad, look at my pretty braids!Erin did them.She says she can do them whenever I want.”

Holly’s long, dark hair is twisted and woven into some pretty impressive braids.

Idefinitely can’t do that for her.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” I inform my sweet girl and watch as her face lights up with happiness.“I was thinking about taking you and Johnny out for a ride on the horses.What do you think?”

“Yes.But can Erin come with us?”

---