I don’t need any more convincing. I know what I need to do.
I nod and push past him, out the door, and into the yard where Charlie’s still running in circles, trying to catch the chickens. He looks up when he sees me approaching, and his face lights up brighter than the morning sun.
“Clint, hi!” he yells. “I’m chasing the chickens.”
I smile, something inside me unclenching just a little. “Alright, let’s see it.”
We run around the yard, me laughing along with Charlie as he chases those chickens because he’s got nothing else on his mind.
He’s faster than I thought he’d be, darting between the fence posts, his little legs carrying him faster than I can keep up. Every time he gets close, the chickens scatter, flapping their wings in a frenzy.
I’m watching him, half amused, half holding my breath.
There’s something so pure in the way he throws himself into this simple task—no worries, no fear. And I want to give him that, want to make sure he has it for as long as he can.
After an eternity of laughter and near misses, Charlie finally grabs hold of one of the chickens. It flaps wildly in his arms, but he holds on tight, his face a mix of shock and triumph.
“I got it!” he yells, his chest puffing out proudly. He looks up at me, eyes wide with excitement. “Clint, look! I did it!”
I crouch down, the pride and joy I’m feeling catching in my chest. “You sure did, champ. You’re fast, huh?”
Charlie beams, still clutching the chicken. “Yeah! I’m the fastest! You saw that, right?”
“I saw it,” I say thickly. “You’re the fastest there is.”
Charlie grins, showing off a missing tooth. “I’m gonna keep him. His name’s Speedy.”
I laugh at that, watching him cradle the chicken as if it’s the most precious thing in the world. He’s so damn proud of himself, and I can’t help but be proud of him, too.
“Hey, how about we go inside for something to eat?” I suggest, because I need them to stay around for a little longer.
I need to talk to Dakota, too. To apologize.
Charlie hesitates, looking from the chicken to me. “But… Speedy can come too, right?”
I chuckle. “We’ll let Speedy rest for a bit, buddy. He’s had a big day.”
Charlie frowns slightly, but then he shrugs. “Okay. But soon, we’re gonna chase more chickens.”
“I’m in,” I say, ruffling his hair. “Now let’s get inside before all the good food is gone.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Dakota
I’m full.
Dinner was delicious, and Charlie’s having the best time, clearly bonding more with Clint, but I’m a little unsure what happens now.
Reid’s sprawled out on the couch with some old comic book, the pages crinkling as he flips through them like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
Sawyer’s on the floor beside him, scribbling in one of his notebooks. I glance over at him now and then, catching the way his brow is furrowed with that steady focus of his.
“So,” Reid asks, breaking the silence with his easy grin. “How’s the freelance life going? Anything exciting coming up?”
“Ugh, well, I’ve been having a bit of a rough time with the Internet. The signal isn’t great at home, but I’m doing my best.”
Sawyer looks up from whatever he’s writing. “I can imagine it’s a lot to juggle, especially with Charlie.”
