Really here.
And that? That’s a thought I can’t quite shake…
We finish up the last touches on Charlie’s room, and even though the sun’s low in the sky, the work feels good. Feels right.
There’s something about putting in the effort, knowing that it’s all for something, someone, that makes it all worth it.
Reid steps back and surveys the room. He’s practically glowing, a look of pride on his face that’s almost impossible to miss.
“Well, that’s one way to make a kid feel like a cowboy,” he says, grinning. “I mean, look at this place. It’s like a Western dream come true.”
I chuckle, wiping the sweat off my hands on my jeans. “We should’ve gotten him a mini cowboy hat to top it off.”
“Not a bad idea,” Clint adds, standing with his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the room. “Maybe we should get him a horse to go with it, too. Gotta complete the whole ‘ranch life’ package.”
Reid snorts. “A horse in the bedroom? Not sure that’s a great idea, man.”
“I don’t know,” I say, leaning against the doorframe, taking a last look around. “If anyone could handle it, it’d be Charlie.”
Clint smiles, and for a moment, it’s just the three of us, taking in what we’ve done. It’s simple, but it’s perfect.
There’s something about the way the wood glows in the soft light, the little details we’ve added, a carved horse, a stack of old Western books, things that’ll make it feel all for Charlie. His room.
He won’t have to crash in Clint’s room again.
“I’m telling you, he’s going to love this,” Clint says, his tone a little softer than usual. “You guys did a hell of a job.”
“Yeah, well,” Reid says, tapping his fingers on a nearby dresser, “we had a good team. Plus, Sawyer here’s been getting into the swing of things. Maybe too much.”
I glance over at him with a grin. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Reid laughs, holding up his hands in mock defense. “Nothing. Just saying you’ve been enjoying yourself a little too much with that hammer. Almost like you’re thinking of the next project.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “I’m just making sure everything’s perfect. No big deal.”
“Yeah, I can tell,” Clint says with a smirk, walking over to Charlie’s new bed. He adjusts the pillows, making sure everything’s neat. “I think you’ve found your calling as a carpenter.”
“I’ll stick to the books, thanks.” I chuckle, then pause. “You think Dakota will like it?”
Clint looks up, meeting my gaze. “She’ll love it. You kidding? It’s perfect for Charlie, and for her. It’s… it’s a start. For all of us.”
I nod. The idea of them here, living here, really living here…. we’re close. Damn close.
Reid grins. “So, when are they coming over again?”
I glance over at Clint, my hand resting on the edge of the bed. “Tomorrow. They’ll be here around noon.”
Reid perks up. “Oh man, tomorrow? We should be planning something big, right? I mean, they’re coming to check out the new room. It’s gotta be a big deal.”
Clint raises an eyebrow. “Big deal? What do you have in mind?”
Reid shrugs, feigning innocence. “You know, a little welcome party, maybe some cookies. Maybe even a horse parade, if we’re feeling fancy.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “A horse parade? Seriously?”
“Why not?” Reid grins. “We could have Charlie leading it, looking all proud and cowboyish. It’d be great.”
I roll my eyes. “Maybe we just stick to the basics. A nice lunch. Get them comfortable. Make sure they know they’re welcome here.”
