“I never said that.” Shea gazed into the crackling flames.
“You don’t say anything except you want to move. But I don’t hear how you’re planning on taking care of the people here. And your animals. What’re you going to do with Rambo? Sell him too? You can’t bring him to New York.”
“I figured it would be part of the deal. The ranch would sell as is, animals and all, and whoever would buy them would have to keep them.”
“You do realize it would probably be unenforceable—to make them keep everything the same, I mean. Unless you’re also selling the ranch’s goodwill along with the property.”
“I hadn’t thought about it.”
“But I have. Which is why I think my buying the place makes perfect sense for what I’m planning.”
“Boys, stop your frettin’ over there. No mad faces allowed. It’s dinnertime.” Patty stood with Terry and Stacey, who tugged at his hand.
“Come.”
He darted a glance over to Jake, who seemed just as in the dark about what was happening.
“Okay, Princess. I’m comin’.”
She led him to the table and pointed. “Sit there.” Before he had the chance to lower himself into his chair, she climbed up on the seat next to him. Shocked, he gazed mutely across the long table at an equally stunned Jake. Every other meal, Stacey had sat beside Jake, only occasionally choosing to sit by Terry. To Shea, it meant he’d earned a level of trust he hoped to never break.
“How’s this?”
“Good.” She smiled and reached for her cup of juice.
All through the meal, he sneaked glances at Jake. Several times their eyes met, and they shared a smile, as if they held a mutual secret. Shea was happy enough to spend time with everyone, but he wanted to be alone with Jake.
He needed to be.
Patty brought out two pecan pies, one chocolate and one regular, and a peach cobbler. “I have two of each in the deep freeze for y’all to bring home. And for my little Miss Stacey I have her favorite—homemade peach ice cream and a brownie.”
Patty placed the dish in front of her, but instead of digging in, Stacey burst into a torrent of tears. “I don’t wanna go home.” She leaned on Shea’s arm. “I wanna stay here.”
Jake jumped out of his chair, but Shea gave him a quick shake of his head, and Terry put a hand on his arm.
“Lemme tell you somethin’, Princess. No one ever wants to come home from vacation. But what’s good is that you have a place to come back to. Queenie’s kittens will be more grown up, and you can play with them. And you’ll be even bigger, so I’ll let you hold both of Rambo’s reins and maybe ride him by yourself in the paddock.”
She sniffled and chewed her bottom lip. “Really?”
“Sure as I’m sittin’ here. And we’ll go swimmin’ and fishin’ again. It’ll be our special time.” He wiped her eyes with a napkin. “How ’bout that? No one but me ’n you.”
“Yeah.” She hiccupped, then peered over her shoulder at Jake. “Not even Daddy,” she whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. “Promise?”
Misty-eyed, Jake smiled at him, and Shea knew that sunsets could set the skies on fire or the night could explode with stars, but nothing would ever be the same after this moment.
“I promise. Just you ’n me.”
She picked up her spoon as if nothing had happened and began scooping the ice cream into her mouth, alternating with bites of her brownie. A few minutes later, her face smeared with chocolate, she leaned against his arm, gave a tiny sigh, and fell asleep.
Shea felt a hand on his shoulder, and Terry whispered in his ear, “Do you mind if I take your armrest? I think she’s all done in from the excitement of the day. You were so wonderful with her. Thank you for giving her a time she’ll never forget.”
Stacey barely stirred when he placed her in Terry’s arms. He rested his hand on her silky curls for a moment, his heart so full, he could barely breathe. It was impossible to put his emotions into words, but Terry covered his hand with hers.
“I know.”
His eyes met hers, and they were as watery as his.
“Thank you.”
