“Hmm.” I catch sight of Wyatt walking toward me, making me realize just how long I’ve been sitting outside. “Wy’s just woken up and found me, so I better go.”
“OK, Red. I’m always just a text or phone call away. We all are. Remember that.”
I huff out a sigh. “I know, Lee. Thank you. I mean it.”
“Let me leave you with this then–just keep an open mind. You never know what the universe or the mountain spirit has planned for you. Whatever happens, we’re all here to help you through it.”
“I hear you, Lee.”
“Good. Now say hi to Wy from all of us and tell him safe travels. We’re lookin’ forward to hearin’ about his adventures when he comes back.”
I grin, earning a curious glance from my boy as he plops down on the bench beside me. “Will do, Lee. Make sure you keep those men in line for me, yeah?”
She giggles in my ear. “Already doin’ that. Talk soon.”
Ending the call, I drop my hand holding the phone back into my lap.
“You’re up early,” Wy says. “You OK?”
“Yeah. Had a rough night but this here cup of joe is helpin’ some.”
“Bet it’s not the same as cowboy brew though,” he muses.
“Definitely not.”
“Lucky I swiped the recipe so I can make it when I’m out at sea,” he says with a cheeky grin.
I take a good look at him, trying to gauge his mood. “Are you excited?”
A slow-growing smile takes over his face. "Yeah. Kinda itchin' to get out there. Not to leave you. Never that. It’s just that I’ve been lookin' forward to this for so long, and now I’ve got my chance to get out there and do it. You know?”
“Yeah, kid. Same as when I started with the rodeo. Wanted it so much I could almost taste it.”
His eyes widen. “That’s exactly it.” I offer him my coffee, which he takes off my hands. “Areyouready?”
My head jerks. “What do you mean?”
He shrugs. “I dunno. It’s always been you and me–since Mom, I mean. Now it’s goin’ to be just you.”
“And Mags.”
“And Rhett, Austin, Toby, Landry, and Colt,” he adds.
I grin as he hands me back the coffee cup. “Them too. I won't be alone if that's what you're worried about."
He squares his shoulders, narrowing his eyes as he does it. “I’m allowed to be worried. You’re my dad.”
“Damn, kid. Nowyou’rehittin’ me in the feels.”
“The feels? Since when did you sayfeels?”
A snort escapes me as I shrug. “Maybe I’m justfeelin’it out.”
Wy lets out a groan. “Please don’t start with the dad jokes.”
“That’s not a dad joke. That would be me askin’ what you call a happy cowboy?”
“I don’t know. Whatdoyou call a happy cowboy?”
