Clint’s quiet, then speaks. “We’ll make sure she knows, yeah. That this… this is home. For her and Charlie.”
I look at him, catching the weight in his words. It’s there. We all know it. This is more than just a room. It’s a start. A home. A family.
Reid claps his hands together. “Alright, alright. Let’s get some food lined up, and I’ll make sure there’s plenty of coffee. Dakota’s probably gonna need it.”
Clint shakes his head, grinning. “You’re not wrong. She’ll probably need a whole pot to herself.”
I watch them both, the banter filling the space. It’s easy. Comfortable. And it feels good. We’re building something real.
A life together.
“Tomorrow,” I say. “It’s a start.”
Clint nods, his gaze lingering on the bed before he turns toward the door. “Yeah. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
We laugh, heading out the door together, already talking about what we’ll do when Dakota and Charlie walk through the door.
This is what it feels like to build something that matters. And tomorrow, it all starts to take shape.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Dakota
The gravel drivewaycrunches under the tires as the sprawling land of High Ridge Ranch comes into view. Charlie is bouncing in his seat, his little hands pressed against the window as his eyes follow the distant mountains and wide open pastures.
He’s practically vibrating with excitement, talking a mile a minute about everything he’s going to do today.
“I’m gonna help Clint with the horses! I’m gonna feed ’em and brush ’em and maybe even ride one today…”
I glance over at him, smiling at his enthusiasm. “Let’s go and have some fun then, shall we?”
I want to get all caught up in the excitement, too, but I have to admit I’m more than a little nervous.
This is the first time I’m seeing the men since we decided to take things seriously. Since we decided to see what life will be like as a family.
It’s safe to say my emotions are all over the place.
“Come on, Mom. Let’s go.”
I laugh softly, my heart swelling a little. It’s been such a relief to see him so excited, so eager to get his hands dirty and learn something new.
His curiosity is endless, and today is one of those rare moments where everything is falling into place for him, and for us.
As we drive closer to the barn, Charlie spots Clint’s truck parked out front.
“Clint! Clint’s here!” he shouts, pointing excitedly. “I’m gonna help him right now, Mom! Right now!”
Clint’s there, standing tall by the fence, his broad shoulders outlined against the sky. He’s already looking toward us, waiting. He knew exactly when we’d arrive.
I pull up, the car coming to a stop, and before I’ve even put it in park, Charlie’s already unbuckling himself. His feet barely hit the ground before he’s out the door, running as fast as his little legs can carry him.
“Clint!” he yells, not bothering to wait for me to catch up.
I watch, my heart doing that funny flip again as Clint’s face breaks into a smile at the sight of Charlie. It’s a smile that softens everything—his usual guarded expression, his strong, hard edges.
And then he’s there, scooping Charlie up like it’s second nature, his arms around him in a secure embrace.
Charlie’s giggling, squirming a little in Clint’s grasp. “Clint, I’m ready! I’m ready to help! Can I feed the horses? I promise I won’t mess it up! I can do it all by myself!”
