Chapter 16 Reid
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Reid
Shit.
This is not how I imagined this going.
I was just tryin’ to show the kid around, give him a little taste of the ranch life. Thought he’d be stoked, maybe think I was some kind of cool, older guy for showing him the ropes.
But instead, here I am, watching Charlie’s face twist in pain as he clutches his knee, blood starting to seep through his jeans.
I was an idiot.
What the hell was I thinking?
I can already hear Dakota in my head, the voice that’s gonna be all sharp, all “I told you so,” even if she doesn’t say it out loud.
I wanted to do a good thing, and it’s all gone wrong.
Charlie’s still crying, and that’s the worst part. I don’t know what to do.
“Charlie.” Dakota’s voice hits me like a punch to the gut. “Oh my goodness, Charlie.”
She bursts into the barn, her face going white as she takes in the scene. I know exactly what’s going through her head.
It’s that mom-mode panic. Eyes wide, trying to assess the damage, already finding a million ways to blame herself for letting me take him into the damn stables.
But this wasn’t her fault. This was on me.
I step forward, ready to help, but Dakota’s already there, lifting Charlie into her arms and embracing him tight. Her eyes don’t leave him, even when he’s clutching at her neck, his sobs quieting as she rubs his back.
But she’s not even looking at me, and that’s when I realize—this is gonna be bad. She’s gonna shut me out over this. She’s gonna blame me for not being more careful, for thinking I could handle the kid.
“Let me help…”
But she doesn’t even acknowledge me, just keeps her focus on Charlie. Her face is tight, the kind of tight that tells me she’s one second away from breaking down and blaming herself.
I know that look. I’ve seen it a thousand times in people who can’t stop taking responsibility for shit that’s out of their control.
“I’ve got it, Reid,” she snaps, the words sharp, but she cracks just a little at the end.
Yeah, she’s scared.
And I get it. I do. She’s terrified, trying to stay strong for Charlie while holding it together herself. But the way she said it, so closed off, I could tell she didn’t want me around. That stings.
I get it, though. I really do.
“I should’ve been more careful,” I mutter under my breath, watching her turn and move toward the door with Charlie still cradled in her arms.
I feel damn foolish. I wanted to show off. Wanted to be the guy who could handle this, who could be the fun one. But now? Now I’m just the biggest idiot. I didn’t just mess up; I probably made it worse.
She’s already stressed, already has a thousand things to worry about with the ranch, and here I am making it worse.
I step back, running a hand through my hair, watching them head out of the barn. Charlie is still in Dakota’s arms, but he’s not crying anymore.
I’m sure she’s just trying to keep it together for him, but damn, I wish she’d let me help.
She’s gonna be pissed. I know it. And she’s not the type to yell, but she’s definitely the type to put up a wall and shut me out, and that’s exactly what she’s doing now.
Hell, maybe I deserve it.
By the time I shake off my own self-loathing and jog after them, they’re already halfway across the yard. Dakota’s clutching Charlie close, on some kind of mission, and I’m just this awkward shadow trailing behind, feeling about as useful as a fence post.
And then Clint appears, because of course he does. Big, broad, all coiled energy, a storm about to break. His eyes cut to me for half a second, but he focuses on Dakota and Charlie.
“What happened?”
“He fell,” Dakota blurts out, breathless, not even looking at Clint. “In the stables. His knee’s bleeding.”
“I’ll get the door.” Clint’s already ahead of her, pushing it open before she can fumble with the handle.
He’s not asking questions, just moving. Efficient. Protective.
We step inside, and I’m hit with that smell that’s so different from the barns. Warm wood, clean linens, coffee that’s been sitting too long.
The place is huge, a sprawling ranch house that’s the size of a mansion, but right now all that space feels small. The walls are closing in.
Dakota sits Charlie on the long kitchen counter under the bright lights, murmuring to him softly. He’s still sniffling, but he’s calmer now, his little hands gripping her shirt.
Clint’s already got the first-aid kit open before I even register he’s moved. I hover, feeling like a third wheel and a screwup rolled into one.
“It’s okay, buddy,” Clint says to Charlie. “We’ll have you patched up in no time.”
Dakota brushes Charlie’s hair back, checking his face. She needs to see him whole to believe it.
“It’s just a scrape,” she whispers. “You’re okay, sweetheart.”
Charlie looks up at her with wide eyes, a little shaky. “Am I gonna need a shot, Mom?”
He’s holding onto her shirt because it’s the only thing keeping him steady.
“Not a shot, I promise,” she replies, rubbing his back. “Just a little bandage.”
I stand there, shuffling my feet, trying to find something useful to do. “I didn’t mean to,” Charlie mumbles. “I was just climbing off the horse. I didn’t mean to fall.”
“It’s okay, buddy.” Clint looks at Dakota, his expression calm, but his eyes are soft, trying to help keep the mood positive. “Falling happens, kiddo. You’ve got to dust yourself off, right?”
He taps Charlie’s knee gently, making him wince. “You’re tough, I know it.”
Charlie gives him a shy nod, sniffling again, and I can’t take it anymore.
“It’s not his fault,” I blurt. “I took him in there. I wasn’t paying enough attention.”
Dakota glances up at me then. Her eyes aren’t angry. They’re tired, scared, but not angry. “We’ll talk later.”
I nod, swallowing hard.
Clint’s firm hands clean the scrape, and Charlie flinches but doesn’t cry.
“You’re a tough one, huh?” Clint grins, the kind of grin I wish I could pull off right now. “We’ll get you a bandage, and you’ll be back to running around before you know it.”
Dakota’s holding Charlie’s hand the whole time, murmuring little reassurances. Clint tapes a bandage over the cut, and when it’s done, Charlie lets out a little laugh.
A real laugh. Relief hits me so hard I almost stumble.
“See?” Clint says. “All fixed.”
Charlie beams. “It’s not that bad!”
“Not at all,” Dakota says, kissing the top of his head.
She finally looks at me, and her mouth quirks just a little. Not a smile exactly, but not the wall I was bracing for either.
The knot in my stomach starts to loosen. Charlie’s laughing. Dakota’s not glaring at me. Clint hasn’t thrown me out the door.
“Guess I’m still the cool guy, huh?” I can’t help the grin that pulls at my lips.
Maybe it’s a little forced, but I’m trying, damn it. Trying to lighten the mood before it gets heavy again.
Charlie giggles. “Yeah, you’re cool.”
“Okay, now you’re just saying that to make me feel better,” I tease, crouching so I’m eye level with him. “But you know what? I’ll take it.”
Clint chuckles under his breath. “You’ve got your work cut out for you, Reid. If you’re looking for the ‘cool guy’ title, it’s gonna be hard to beat Dakota here.”
I shoot Clint a look. “I think I’m doing all right,” I say, nudging Charlie’s knee with my elbow. “What do you think, kid?”
Charlie’s eyes twinkle, the pain completely forgotten for the moment. “Mom’s the coolest.”
Dakota snorts. “Well, I’m glad one of you is on my side.”
“Hey, we can’t all be as cool as you, Mom,” I joke, looking over at her.
She shakes her head, but there’s a softness to her expression now. “You’re lucky I’m not mad at you, Reid.”
“Lucky?” I raise an eyebrow. “Seems like I’m more than lucky right now.”
She looks at me for a long moment, and I think she might shut me down again. But then her mouth quirks up just the tiniest bit.
“Yeah, well, maybe you’re not such an idiot after all.”
That’s all I need. Not the “I forgive you,” but the fact that she’s not shutting me out. The tension that’s been hanging over me starts to dissipate.
Charlie’s still sitting on the counter, twisting around to inspect his knee as if it’s a magic trick, and I’m trying to figure out how the hell I got so lucky as to be part of this little moment.
Clint steps back, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “You good, Dakota?”
She exhales, glancing over at me one more time, and I’m still trying to figure out where we stand. But it’s different now. Less cold.
She’s still a little guarded, but she’s not looking at me like I’m the cause of all her problems anymore.
“Yeah,” she says softly, meeting my eyes. “We’re good.”
And that’s all I need. It’s a small step, but it feels like a win.
Just as the last of the tension seems to bleed out of the room, the front door creaks open. We all glance toward the entryway, and in walks Sawyer.
“Well, look who’s still alive,” I say, throwing him a lazy salute.
He steps inside fully, taking in the sight of Dakota, Charlie, and me huddled together in the kitchen. His brows raise in surprise.
“Hey, what’s going on here? Thought I was gonna be cooking for just the usual suspects.” He catches sight of the small bandage on Charlie’s knee, and his face softens. “Everything good?”
“Yeah,” Dakota answers quickly. “Charlie had a little tumble, but he’s okay. I didn’t know you worked here, too, Sawyer.”
And I didn’t know she knew Sawyer. Interesting.
Charlie looks up at Sawyer with wide eyes.
“I’m okay. Reid helped me, and then Clint did the bandage.” He wiggles his knee, testing it out. “I’m tough.”
Sawyer’s grin widens, and he looks at me. “Nice job, man. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with this one.”
Dakota shrugs it off, her smile returning. “Well, he’s a tough kid. No permanent damage.”
“I’m making my famous chili tonight. If you guys want to join, the more the merrier,” Sawyer replies. “I figured it was gonna be a quiet evening, but it looks like I was wrong.”
Dakota hesitates for just a second, glancing at Charlie. “You sure? We don’t want to intrude.”
“Nah,” Sawyer says, waving it off with a flick of his hand. “You’re not intruding. We’ve got enough room to fit a few more. Besides, it’s chili night. Who turns down chili?”
“Well, if you’re sure,” she says, turning her attention back to Charlie, who’s looking up at her with awe in his eyes. “I guess we’ll stay for dinner.”
“Great,” Sawyer says, his smile broadening. “You’ll love it.”
Hmm, so more Dakota.
More time to make her definitely forgive me.
I like the sound of that.