Edward steps out of his mother’s arms and turns his attention to me. “I’m just like a real cowboy!”
“That you are.” I remove my hat and drop it onto his head. It’s much too big, and the poor kid has to tilt his head up to see.
“Maybe we need to find one of these that fits you better.” Rosalie takes my hat and places it back on my head. She’s close enough I can smell her perfume, and it takes everything in me not to haul her into my arms. “Thank you.”
“’Course.”
“Maybe we can find one when we go back-to-school shopping?” Edward interjects.
Rosalie takes a step back. “That’s a good idea.”
“When are y’all doing that?” I lean on the fence.
“Mama took Friday off so we can beat the crowds.”
“Y’all heading to Show Low?” I ask Rosalie.
She nods. “That was my plan.”
“Can I come?”
“You want to take a day off work to go back-to-school shopping?” Her brows rise with skepticism.
Does she not get it?
“Hell yeah, I do. Especially if it means I get to spend more time with the two of you.”
“Can he come with us, Mama? Please?”
“Can I?” I steeple my hands and press them to the center of my chest. “Please.”
Rosalie’s lips pinch together before she gives in to a smile. “Fine.”
That reluctant smile could convince me to do anything. She has no idea the power she holds over me, but one day soon she will. And when she does, I won’t hold back the truth. I only hope she gets there soon, because each moment we spend together gets harder to keep my feelings hidden.
28
ROSALIE
“Shoes,clothes, school supplies, boots, and a proper hat.” Jackson lists everything we’ve accumulated after our day of shopping. He glances at the full shopping cart. “What else do we need?”
“Toys?” Edward suggests.
I open my mouth to remind him we have more than enough of those at home, but before I can speak, Jackson does.
“Where’s the toy aisle?” He glances around the giant box store.
“Over there!” Edward points.
“Lead the way,” Jackson says, turning the cart to follow after my son.
I catch up to Jackson’s side, lowering my voice so only he can hear. “He doesn’t need a toy.”
“Sure.” Jackson shrugs. “But he hasn’t complained once. Let me spoil him a little.” He’s already spoiled Edward, insisting on paying for the entire purchase at the Western wear store. He picked up lunch. I’m almost certain he’s going to try and pay for the contents of our cart at this store, too.
“How am I doin’?” Jackson asks, watching as Edward skips ahead severalpaces.
“With what?”
