“I know.”
His simple answer drew her attention back to him. But when his blue eyes searched hers, she turned back to the kids, who seemed completely oblivious to the charged energy pulsing around them.
“But if he’s enough, why are you looking at me like that?”
“Ma,” Rowdy called out. “Dot doesn’t know how to float.”
Poppy slid off the rock and into the water, eager for any distraction. “I can help with that.”
* * *
“THAT WAS GREAT,” Otis said, clearing his plate. “Thanks for the steak.”
“And the watermelon,” Dot added.
“You’re welcome.” Toben stood to clea
r the table.
“You cooked—I’ll clean,” Poppy said, pushing him back into the chair with a hand on his shoulder.
He wanted to cover her hand with his. He wanted to touch her. He flexed his hand and grabbed his tea, taking a long sip.
“When are we going riding?” Rowdy asked.
“Whenever you want.” Toben was eager to see his boy in the saddle.
“How about tomorrow?”
Poppy stopped scrubbing long enough to say, “It’s Monday, Rowdy, a workday.”
“That mean you’ll be too tired?” Rowdy asked. “Or have plans?”
Toben shook his head. “The only plans I have in the near future are the ones we make together.” He wanted his son to know that he came first. As of now, Rowdy would always come first.
Rowdy’s smile was answer enough.
Poppy’s scrubbing started up again, more vigorous than before.
“How do you feel about coming out to the ranch?” he asked his son.
“Sure,” Rowdy said, yawning.
“Can I call Mom?” Dot asked.
“Of course,” Poppy said, turning off the water.
Dot and Otis hurried down the hallway.
“It’s almost bedtime, though, so don’t—”
But the guest room door closed, so Poppy didn’t bother finishing her sentence.
“Ma.” Rowdy stood, sliding his arm around her waist and pressing his head against her. “You’re never gonna get sick, are you?”
Toben’s heart lodged in his throat. He watched Poppy drop to her knees, hugging Rowdy close. “No, sir. You are stuck with me.”
Rowdy’s arms tightened around her. “Good. I like being stuck with you.”