“And later, he fell asleep in class,” I added gently.
Shame and worry chased across her features. “I worked extra hours at my second job last night. I didn’t get a minute to check he was asleep.” She drew in a ragged breath. “I’m such a terrible mom.”
“No, Ruth, you’re not.”
“You’re doing your best,” Mrs. Wright reassured her, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “But it’s clear you’re struggling.”
“And the general state of his clothes…” she added carefully.
Ruth sagged in her chair. “My washer broke. And the cost of gas alone eats up any extra.”
God, the poor woman was drowning and dragging Lucas with her.
“We just want to figure out a way forward,” Mrs. Wright said kindly.
Footsteps echoed in the hall before there was a familiar voice: “Knock knock.”
I turned, and there he was. Gunner Miller, leaning against the doorframe like he was posing for the cover of some Wild West heartthrob calendar. His hair was damp, his biceps straining the sleeves of a faded Wrangler tee, and, of course, no jacket.
Mrs. Wright all but fluttered her eyelashes. “Mr. Miller, we’re in a meeting.”
“Yep. Know that. Bertie told me.” He pushed off the frame and sauntered in, hands tucked into the pockets of his worn jeans.
“How did Bertie know?” I asked, folding my arms, trying to armor up against the sight of him.
He gave me a lazy grin. “How does Bertie know anything?”
“Hey, Ruthie,” he said warmly, tipping an imaginary hat. “Good to see you.”
Mrs. Wright blinked. “How can we help you?”
“I came to offer Ruthie a job,” he said casually, like offering salvation was just a thing he did on Wednesdays.
My eyes flew to Ruth, who was already shaking her head.
“Gunner, I can’t. I’m moving to Montrose.”
“That’s the beauty of it, Ruthie.” He rocked back on his heels. “You won’t have to.”
“But the pay?—”
“You don’t know what I’m offering yet.”
“Gunner,” I cut in, unable to stop myself. “We appreciate it, but?—”
He glanced at me, his blue eyes sparkling with something I couldn’t quite name. “Maybe you should hear the offer first.”
There was a hard thud against my ribs.
He turned back to Ruth. “Come out to the ranch after this. Bring Lucas. We’ll have dinner, and I’ll lay it all out for you.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but he barreled on.
“It’s a good, steady job. Use of a ranch truck and gas. Health insurance. A salary you’ll like. And…” He flicked a glance at me. “There are two new projects in the works that I think you’ll be excited about. Isn’t that right, Miss. Turner.”
My pulse quickened. Was he talking about?—
“I’ll let y’all get back to it.” Gunner clapped his hands together and backed toward the door. “Just wanted to throw my hat in. Pleasure seeing you ladies.”
