He put his thumb and forefinger under my chin.
“COLTON, I HAVE TO GO TO BED NOW, GIVE ME HUGS!” A tiny voice demanded, along with the sound of little feet sprinting down the hall.
The moment burst open, and we suddenly realized where we were. We separated and stood, right as a little boy barreled into the room. He didn’t hesitate before throwing himself into Colton’s arms. Colton laughed and wrapped his strong arms around his little body. “Goodnight, Cash! I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
The boy leaned back, and I finally got a look at him. He was so cute. Maybe fouror five. He had thousands of little freckles on his face and arms, as brown as his curly mop of hair. “Yes! I want my own horse. Okay?”
“That’s up to your mamma,” Colton said smartly. “Did yousay goodnight to Ally?”
The boy looked at me, shook his head, and launched himself toward me. I let out a surprised, “Oh!” before catching him. He put his little arms around my neck and gave a tight squeeze.
“Goodnight, Ally!”
I resisted the urge to correct him with a serious, “Allegra,” and instead squeezed him back and whispered, “Goodnight, buddy.”
He squirmed out of my arms and out the door, as fast as he entered.
“Those kids love you,” I said as soon as Cash was gone.
Colton laughed. “That’s cause I’m the only uncle who does whatever they ask. They would give up candy for a lifetime for my Mamma, though. She spoils them.” He itched the back of his head and looked around. “Well, I’ll let you get settled. Um, is seven too early to start riding?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m an early riser.”
He nodded, hesitated, then leaned in. “I’ll see you bright and early then,” he whispered, his voice low and gravelly.
I looked up at him, still surprised by how tall he was, and nodded. “Bright and early,” I repeated.
He leaned down and kissed my cheek before turning on his heel and leaving.
~~~
I was pulling toiletries out of my suitcase when I heard a soft knock.
“Just makin’ sure you were all settled before we hit the hay,” Jo said as she walked in.
“Oh, yeah. This is lovely. Thank you so much for letting me stay here,” I said, setting my bag on the floor. “Your home is gorgeous.”
She sat on Jimmy’s bed and sighed. “Sorry for the chaos this evenin’. I’d like to lie to you and tell you it’s not always like that, but it is.”
I sat on Colton’s bed across from her. “I loved it. My house was really quietgrowing up.”
What was it about this place that made me want to talk about Texas?
She gave me a soft, motherly smile. “Only child?”
I just nodded, fighting for something I could say to change the subject. “Have you always lived-”
Jo picked up a stuffed cow and placed it on her lap, brushing back its fur. “You said your mom is in Texas, what about your dad? Did they split up?”
Damn it. I blinked hard and long. “Um, no, he passed when I was twelve.”
It was the first time I’d said it out loud in years. It still felt like a knife being plungedinto my gut.
“Oh, sweetie…”
I looked up at the picture of Jimmy and Colton riding a horse. Dennis was pulling the reins, looking up at them with his huge smile. I couldn’t cry, not here. I pointed at the picture, redirecting her attention while I blinked away tears. “They’vealways been so close?” I asked, forcing a light tone in my voice.
She followed my finger. “Oh, they fought like cats and dogs most of their childhood, but so did Alan and Dean. It must be a brother thing,” she chuckled lightly and stood. “Thick as thieves now!”
