Which of course, she knew. But how could she tell Huck about his father, only to have him break his little heart?
And yes, Rowan deserved to know. But not if he planned on walking away.
“He’s asleep,” Rowan said, coming down the stairs. “Kid was exhausted.”
“What did you tell him?”
“Story about a soldier and his team who had to rescue some villagers from a flood. Nothing scary, just teamwork and problem-solving.”
“He likes adventure stories.”
“I figured. He’s got good questions too. Smart kid.”
Sierra’s throat tightened. “He gets that from his father.”
The words slipped out before she could stop them. Rowan went still.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Sierra.” He stood at the bottom of the stairs. “He must have been a good man.”
His gaze found hers. She just stared at him. Really? But, “He was.” The truth felt heavy on her tongue. “Huck doesn’t remember him, obviously. But I tell him stories.”
“That’s important. A boy should know about his father.”
Sierra nodded. Instead of running. But in her head, she was sprinting. “I should make up the bed in the guest room,” she said instead and started down the hall.
“Sierra.”
Something in his voice made her turn. He was standing in the middle of her kitchen, hands at his sides.
“Thank you,” he said finally. “For letting me stay. For letting me help with Huck. I know this isn’t easy for you.”
“You saved his life. It’s the least I can do.”
“It’s more than that. You could have sent me to a hotel, could have kept your distance. Instead, you’re letting me into your home.”
She folded her arms. “Don’t read too much into it. This is about safety, not sentiment.”
“I know.” He offered a smile. She looked away from its devastating power. “Still. Thank you.”
Sierra nodded and grabbed fresh sheets from the linen closet.
The room was small but comfortable, across the hall from the den where she and Rowan had spent countless teenage evenings watching movies and gaming.
He came in and helped her make the bed, his corners sharp. She smoothed the cover over the bed. “I’ll get you some towels.”
He stepped back to let her pass. “I could use a shower.”
And maybe first aid, but the last thing she wanted to do was put salve on his wounds. Yeah, that would only lead to trouble.
The man still had the power to turn her to rubble, maybe more so today.
“Me too. Help yourself to anything you want in the fridge. I’ll be up early to check on the cattle.” She pulled out a couple towels from the closet.
“I’ll help.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“S.” He said her old nickname quietly, and she made the mistake of looking at him, her heart so loud he could probably hear it. “I’m here. Let me help.”
