Jayne’s gaze lingered on Kevin, who was now clutching a green crayon like it might disappear if he blinked. “He needs a Daddy.” She indicated the man-boy with her head. “Not just a rotation of caring grown-ups. Someone steady.”
Easton’s throat tightened.
“Are you available?”
He let out a breath that felt a little desperate. “I’m alone by choice rather than by the lack of opportunity.”
Jayne turned her head. “So, why’s that?”
He felt a little like a bug under a microscope. Tracing a finger down Bunny’s soft ear, he didn’t quite meet her eyes. “I’m an orthopedic surgeon. My schedule’s brutal. No boy wants to wait alone for his Daddy when he’s scared or sick. And he sure as hell doesn’t want someone coming home after a twelve hours shift orbeing in the OR, being bone-tired and short-tempered because a surgery didn’t go the way it should’ve.” He glanced at her then. “What I’ve found works is casual play. When I’m here at the Ranch, I can give it my all. Be the Daddy they need. When I go home, I can focus on being the doctor my patients deserve.”
Jayne hummed, the sound neither agreement nor argument.
Before either of them could say more, a high-pitched wail split the air like a pin in a balloon.
Easton shot to his feet. His eyes swept the room, instinct already ahead of logic, and landed on Chloe. She was crumpled on the floor near the blocks, her face contorted in pain, both hands wrapped around one knee.
He crossed the space in long strides and dropped to a crouch beside her. “Oh sweetheart—hey, hey, I’m here.” His stomach twisted at the sight of her crumbled face.
Big crocodile sobs wracked her tiny frame. Her lip wobbled as she tried to speak but couldn’t get anything out beyond a broken, “Hurts…”
“Let me take a look, okay?” He slipped an arm around her to draw her gently into his lap. She came willingly, hiccupping into his shirt. “You took a tumble, huh? Let’s see how bad this ground tried to fight you.”
Her knee was red and a little scraped, but her whole body was trembling.
He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “I’ve got you, little one. You’re safe.”
Jayne was there in the next breath, a small first aid kit already open in her hands. “Antiseptic gel and a unicorn bandage. Think you can manage?”
Chloe whimpered and shook her head against his chest.
“Sure you can. You’re a strong girl, right?” Easton asked.
A tentative nod was his answer.
“Atta girl,” he whispered, holding her steady while Jayne cleaned the scrape with practiced efficiency.
Chloe winced and clutched tighter at his shirt.
“I know, I know.” Easton rubbed her back in slow circles. “You are so brave, sweetheart. That sting means it’s working. Magic’s gotta sparkle a little to kick in.”
She let out a soft sniffle and blinked up at him. “It sparkles?”
“Oh yes.” He nodded solemnly, allowing Kevin’s bunny to look up at the Little. “Sir Hopsalot wants to know if you can feel the magic.”
She cocked her head, looking between him, the stuffy, and her knee. “Maybe.”
“You know what brings even more magic? Band-Aids. Especially the unicorn ones.”
Jayne peeled off the backing and carefully placed the sparkly pink bandage across Chloe’s knee. “And there. Sealed with Ranch-certified sparkle magic.”
The moment stretched.
Then Chloe leaned back just enough to check the bandage, gave it a serious inspection, and let out a tiny giggle. “Magic.”
Easton’s chest loosened all at once. “Magic,” he agreed.
“Crisis averted.” Nanny J offered.
