I’m almost too scared to hope.
27
JACKSON
The next twoweeks fly by. My life takes on a new rhythm and routine, one that includes cooking dinner for Rosalie and Edward, movie nights, outings on the ranch, and more joy than I thought possible. For a guy who’s not getting laid, I’m pretty damn satisfied.
Sure, I want Rosalie. I haven’t stopped wanting her. But I want all of her, and to achieve that, I have to earn her trust. Edward’s too. Her son is her world, and I see that clearly now. His joy is hers, and strangely enough, it’s becoming mine too.
Showing him around the ranch, teaching him how to feed the animals and muck a stall, teaching him how to cook—all of it brings me a sense of purpose my life was missing. He looks up to me, and I want to be the kind of man deserving of his admiration.
As I finish up my work day, I immediately check my phone for a message from Rosalie. Edward’s been building up his comfort level around the horses, and I told Rosalie last night that I think he’s ready for his first riding lesson. She told me she’d think it over and talk to him first.
Rosalie: He wants to try. We’ll come by about four.
I can’t help but smile.
“You’ve been in a good mood lately.” Ryan’s voice startles me and I fumble my phone, nearly dropping it.
“Dude! Way to creep up on someone.” I tuck the device back into my pocket.
“Not my fault you’re distracted by your phone.” He chuckles, walking by to scratch along Gentry’s forehead. The horse grunts appreciatively and sniffs, looking for a treat.
“Hey, do you mind if I take Gentry out?”
Ryan frowns. “For a long ride or a short one?”
“Actually, I’m giving Rosalie’s son, Edward, some lessons.”
“Are you, now?” Ryan grins. “Val mentioned she noticed them turning onto the ranch a few days ago.”
“Yeah, well, I’m kind of into Rosalie.”
“Kind of?” Ryan raises his brows.
“I’m down bad.”
Ryan laughs heartily. “I’m glad to hear it. And things are going well? Must be if she’s trusting you to teach her kid to ride.”
“We’re taking things slow.”
We haven’t actually had a conversation to define our relationship beyond me showing up at her doorstep two weeks ago and announcing that I would be courting her. I want to bring it up, but I know she needs to get there in her own time. If she didn’t want me pursuing her, she would tell me. For now, I need to prove I’m willing to wait until she’s ready to make things official. Besides, I don’t care what anyone says. She’s my woman, and I’m her man. A label doesn’t change how I feel for her.
“Slow is new for you.”
I roll my eyes at my brother. “All of this is new for me.” I know he doesn’t mean it as a dig, but I’m determined to leave my reputation in the past. “But it feels right. She makes me a better man.”
“I’m happy for you, baby brother.” Ryan clasps me on the back. “And yes, you can use Gentry. Just don’t ride him too late. He gets feisty when he’s out past bedtime.”
“Just like you,” I tease Ryan.
“He’s an old man,” Ryan says.
“So,justlike you.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Ryan chuckles, heading for the barn door. “’Night, Jax.”
“’Night, Ryan.”
