CHAPTER THREE
The irritation I’ve been swallowing for the entire two-hour drive crawls up my throat when we arrive at our destination.
What I’m sure is a lavish farmhouse barely registers.
My gaze is locked on where Bianca and Colton are practically glowing while strolling down a makeshift aisle.
Their expressions reflect the type of unconditional bliss that can only mean one thing.
“We missed it,” I grumble.
Chance winces from the passenger seat. “Sorry.”
I grip the steering wheel tighter while parking behind my uncle’s truck. “Don’t apologize to me.”
My younger brother blinks in what I imagine to be confusion.
It pairs well with the theme of his behavior.
He’s reckless and irresponsible and it’s gotten worse lately.
This is precisely why the burden of my dad’s betrayal fell solely on my shoulders.
It’s up to me to prove that Chance and I aren’t like him.
We want to escape the shadow that our father cast over us.
It sure would be nice if my brother’s actions could at least support that message.
Just this week, I gave him the simple task of finalizing a delivery for the auction barn.
The hay wagons showed up this morning rather than tomorrow as planned.
More often than not, I feel like firing him from the family business.
But the kid has to learn eventually. His rodeo career will only get him so far.
Just as I’m about to harp on him about prioritizing bulls and broncs over our legacy, an unforgettable shade of red catches my eye.
I’m not surprised to see Colton’s cousin at his wedding.
After a brief discussion with Bianca earlier this week, I was informed that the happy couple chose to forgive Frankie for her past crimes and believe she’s planning to straighten out.
It sounds like petty theft was her specialty. That’s easy enough to keep an eye on.
Which is why the sight of her doesn’t aggravate my upset. Instead, the confirmation that she’s somewhat redeemable soothes the beast. It’s a risk I’m willing to take for Ronnie’s sake.
I squint to get a better look. Frankie is wearing a… pink dress? A chuckle almost slips free. That’s a sight I’m going to appreciate up close and personal.
“Let’s go congratulate the bride and groom.” And confront a certain bridesmaid.
On cue, Ronnie chooses that moment to wake up. Her afternoon nap stretched to cover the whole ride. My little girl rubs her eyes before glancing out the window. Any lingering drowsiness evaporates instantly.
“Puppies!”
That goes to show how out of character Frankie’s outfit is. Ronnie doesn’t recognize the ex-con or even spare her a glance while racing across the yard. My daughter has thought of little else other than that woman, but Bianca’s pack of dogs steal the scene. Maybe not all hope is lost.
Only one way to find out.
I tug on my tie, striding toward the newlyweds with an excuse already perched on my tongue. Frankie is talking as I approach. It gives me a better opening than I could’ve planned.
“Not to barge in, but time is of the essence. I need a place to crash,” she tells them. “Your house is about to become the honeymoon suite and I’m not dealing with that.”
The urge to smirk overpowers me. “You can stay with us.”
Frankie whirls to face me. Shock blanches her expression as if I appeared out of seemingly nowhere. In the next second, her eyes narrow. “Do I know you?”
“No, but you’re about to get a thorough introduction.” But first I tip my cowboy hat at my cousin and her groom. “Congrats on getting hitched. Sorry we’re late. Chance had trouble at the auction barn.”
But my brother and his problematic work ethic are no longer a concern.
Without further delay, I return my gaze to the redheaded enchantress. Her dark tattoos and nail polish contrast with the cheerful color of her dress. It’s a striking combination.
“Now, where was I?” A pleased rumble rolls out of me as I give Frankie another once-over. “You’ve been haunting my dreams, darlin’. My daughter is convinced that you’re a superhero and we need you in our lives. She won’t listen to reason. Don’t fuck this up.”
She’s already shaking her head, having the audacity to pretend there’s nothing between us. “Definitely have the wrong—”
“Daddy, you found her! You found her!” Ronnie is running full speed toward us, but her sole focus is fixed on the woman she’s been obsessing over.
Recognition pinches Frankie’s features as she braces for impact. “This is gonna hurt.”
I grunt. “She’s harmless.”
“But I’m not.”
Frankie doesn’t get the chance to elaborate. My little girl crashes into her, wrapping them in a familiar embrace. An uncomfortable warmth spreads across my chest. That sensation strengthens as Ronnie gazes longingly at her new favorite person.
“Why are you wearing a costume?”
Frankie squishes her lips to one side while scrutinizing her uncharacteristic ensemble that’s currently being crushed by a child’s love. She gestures between herself and the other bridesmaids. “For… cohesion.”
My daughter gives her a questioning stare.
The redhead waves her raised hands, struggling in more ways than one. “It’s Paisley’s fault. She wanted us to match.”
A soft grin relaxes Ronnie’s features. “Paisley is Auntie Bee’s best friend.”
“Um, yep.”
“And she’s married to Brody.”
“That’s what I heard.” Frankie’s arms are still lifted at an awkward angle.
“He’s my first cousin, once removed. Auntie Bee is too.” Ronnie rises onto the balls of her feet to reach higher and then drops her voice. “She’s not really my aunt. It’s just a nickname.”
“Oh, okay?” The fierce redhead nods slowly as if reassuring herself. “That’s… interesting?”
“Uh-huh, and guess what?”
“What?”
Ronnie giggles. “Paisley moved into Brody’s room and turned everything pink! It’s soooo super pretty.”
Frankie’s wide stare studies her dress again. “Makes sense.”
I scrub a palm over my mouth to stifle a chuckle. These two are just too damn adorable. Ronnie hasn’t chatted this freely with anyone for months. The fact Frankie is floundering only adds to my entertainment.
My little girl suddenly gasps. “Do you wanna see my room?”
The woman still firmly in her clutches gulps audibly. “Umm…”
“You’re gonna come home with us, m’kay?”
“Oh, I don’t think so.”
Ronnie pouts. “Why not?”
Frankie looks at me as if I’m going to save her from this situation. I snort and cross my arms. Her mouth begins to move silently, forming a few words. If I’m reading her lips right, she’s going to kill me.
Her focus lowers to my daughter. “Uh, well… I’m a stranger? You shouldn’t invite strangers to your house.”
That triggers an immediate response. My polite little girl straightens and thrusts an open palm forward. “Hello. My name is Veronica Benson. You can call me Ronnie. I’m in kindergarten at Cloverleaf Meadows Elementary. It’s nice to meet you.”
The redhead gapes at her proffered hand before giving it a gentle shake. “Hi, Ronnie. My name is Francesca Keller. You can call me Frankie. It’s nice to meet you too.”
Ronnie appears very satisfied with the exchange. “Now you can see my room. We aren’t strangers anymore.”
Meanwhile, Frankie’s jaw is hanging slack. “How old are you?”
“Five, but I’ll be six in February.”
“You’re really smart, huh?”
My daughter crinkles her nose. “I dunno.”
“You are,” Frankie confirms. “Take my word for it, kid.”
Ronnie bounces on the soles of her shoes. “Does that mean you want the job?”
Startled green eyes lift to me before returning to the only one giving her answers. “What job?”
“Since I can’t have you as a mommy”—Ronnie rolls her eyes like that’s total bullshit and she smells it—“you’re gonna be my nanny.”
“Your nanny?” Frankie sputters. “Me?”
“Yep!” My little girl resumes bombing her with affection, holding tight enough to probably hurt. “We looked everywhere, but couldn’t find you. I’m never losing you again.”
“Ohhhhh, no.” Red hair whips in the breeze as she shakes her head wildly. “No, no, no.”
Ronnie just nods. “Daddy said I get to pick who hangs out with me. I told him I only want the superhero lady.” She catches Frankie’s bewildered stare and whispers, “That’s you.”
The shocked woman opens and closes her mouth, soundlessly searching for an escape. “I don’t have any experience with kids.”
“You’re about to get plenty of it,” I interject.
Frankie gawks at me. “You’re encouraging this?”
“Can you blame me?” I jut my chin at where Ronnie is gazing at her with pure admiration.
“Yes! I’m not fit for the role.”
“My daughter says otherwise. I have my doubts, but your rap sheet isn’t that terrifying, darlin’.” I shrug, completely unbothered.
“Quit with that,” she snaps.
A grunt of agreement trips out of me. “Yeah, you’re more of a menace.”
Ronnie tilts her head. “What’s a menace?”
“Trouble,” I answer while keeping my determined stare set on the problem. “Are you going to deny her?”
“This isn’t fair.” Frankie motions to the position she’s been put in.
I let my earlier chuckle tumble free. “Little menace, you of all people should know life ain’t fair.”