“I have a request.”
Denver kicked back in his seat. “I knew it. He’s already asking for time off.”
More laughter greeted his outburst, but Pope met Carson’s stare.
“I’m listening.” Carson waved a hand.
“I actually was going to ask for a bit of time off. To ensure Summer’s mental health is okay. She’s going to talk to Rhae, but I’d like to watch her longer. And Ben’s coming home from his RV adventure with his grandparents.”
“You survived war zones, but you sound like a seven-year-old scares you.” Carson’s mouth tipped but his eyes were serious.
“He asks harder questions.”
The guys chuckled.
“Summer has some things to decide on. Like how much to share about her incident with Ben.”
A heavy weight fell over the room again.
Denver cleared his throat. “My experience as a father has been that you only give them as much information as is appropriate for their age. You answer their questions and don’t give them much more.”
Theo turned his head, face alive with amusement. “Like when Navy asked you why the horsey was jumping on the other horsey’s back?”
They all burst out laughing, and damn, it felt good. Pope even had to swipe a knuckle under his eye to wipe away a tear.
When they all settled, Carson met his stare. “You and Summer went through hell. Take a breath before we throw you back into assignments. Take care of your family, Pope.”
The stinging knot in his throat was a different emotion, one that he hadn’t had enough time to think about.
His family. Summer and Ben and him. Maybe someday, more kids. The thought of seeing Summer round with his child, glowing—or experiencing morning sickness—suddenly felt like too much joy to hold.
An idea formed in his head.
A really good one.
He straightened. “I’ll take your offer. Thank you.”
Theo picked up his coffee. “Look at this healthy emotional growth.”
“Shut up.”
Everyone laughed again, even Ayla from her desk in the corner.
“I’ll sign the contract in a few hours. Right now, I need to make a call.”
Carson waved him toward the door. “Get out of here.”
He stepped out into the spring morning, drinking in the wind that carried the scent of dirt, grass and horses. Beyond the pastures, Wyoming stretched wide beneath an endless sky.
No matter where he was, this place would always feel like home.
As soon as he climbed into his truck, he called Summer’s parents first because if he talked directly to Ben, the kid would destroy his surprise in thirty seconds.
Edie answered.
“Vander!”
Warmth filled her voice and made him smile. “Hey, Edie.”
