44. Chapter 44
Chapter forty-four
Parker
It was torture leaving Laiken and Trace asleep in my bed, but I needed to get some fresh air and get my head on straight. I also wanted to know if Rhodes was charged and to make sure that prick stayed behind bars.
Cooper is already in the office, his back to me when I enter the room.
“Morning.”
“Hey.” He glances back at me before pulling a halter from the wall. “How are they?”
“Asleep.” I run a hand across my scruff that’s long overdue for a shave. “Is it pathetic that I’m having severe anxiety about being just one floor below them and not right next to them?”
He drops the halter on the table. “Not at all.” He shrugs. “It took me months to let Dakota in a vehicle without me after the accident.”
I nod as Ryder steps in. “Just a heads-up. Doc won’t be by today. Heart is fucking up or something.”
Wow, Ryder. Mr. Sensitive.
“Damn. That sucks. I’ll call Val later and check on him.” Cooper crosses his arms. “The way that man drinks and eats, I’m surprised he hasn’t clogged every artery he’s got.”
“No shit.” I chuckle, remembering the bearded old man.
Ryder looks at me. “How’s Trace and Laiken?”
“Still sleeping.” I sigh. “Trace slept between us last night.” Anger worms its way back into my system. “You know, fuck Rhodes for doing that to him. For scaring him like that.”
“One word.” Ryder offers. “That’s all I need from you and I’ll take care of it.”
Wish it were that simple.
“Appreciate it. But you’re not risking anything for him.”
He readjusts his hat. “If you need me, I’ll be at the back of my cabin. Adding onto the porch.”
“Need a hand?” Cooper asks.
“Nah.” He waves us off. “I already got one little shit coming to supervise.”
Cooper grins just as Ari idles up to the open door. “Bruh.” She tosses her hands up. “Why do we have to start so early?”
“Ranch life, kid.” Ryder strides out. “Let’s go. Burning daylight.”
Ari rolls her eyes but smiles with a wink as she trots behind him.
I chuckle. “She’s Dakota junior.”
“Don’t I fucking know it,” Cooper mutters. “Best damn things to ever happen to me,” he adds.
I smile because I know the feeling.
The day has been quiet. Once Laiken and Trace woke up, we spent the day roaming around the ranch.
We fished at the tank, went to the big house for Sunday lunch, then took Trace on a trail ride.
It was peaceful. It was the life I dreamed of.
The three of us, in Mayson Ridge. No more secrets. No more distance.
Darkness has finally blanketed the expansive acres of land, so I seize the opportunity to sneak up to the loft while Laiken and Trace pamper Tater Tot.
As soon as I’m back at the barn, I move straight to the stall. “Y’all about done?”
“Yeah.” Laiken drops the brush inside the bucket, then smiles at me. “What’s going on? You have that look.”
“What look?” I smirk.
“Like you have something up your sleeve.”
I chuckle. “Thought we could do some stargazing.” I hold up the bag that contains the thermos of hot chocolate. “I’ve got refreshments.”
“Did you get any Tootsie Rolls?” Trace asks as he dusts off his jeans.
“Yep. And only the chocolate ones.” I strap the bag onto my shoulder. “Let’s roll. It’s a school night.”
I’ve become familiar with Laiken’s bedtime routine. She’s not one to veer from the rules. Fucking cute.
They exit the stall, but as Trace darts to the ATV, I wrap an arm around Laiken’s waist. She giggles when I tug her to me, then bury my face in her neck. She smells like honey. Addicting.
“I love you,” I whisper against her skin.
She cranes back, eyes glistening as she looks at me. “I love you too.”
Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, I reluctantly release her. “Come on, Mama. Let’s take our boy to see the stars.”