Toben chuckled, rubbed his hand along the back of his neck and went to work.
Later, after Rowdy was tucked into bed and he and Poppy were sitting on the porch swing, he laughed. “I know he’s short on people skills, but I’m pretty sure I’ve never been offered a job quite like that before.”
Poppy smiled at him. “Congratulations.”
He gave her feet a light squeeze, shifting them in his lap as he draped an arm along the back of the swing. “Thanks.” He paused, hoping his next line of questioning wouldn’t lead to friction. “Thought any more about getting a dog?”
Her brows rose. “Maybe.”
“I’m not trying to kick a hornet’s nest here,” he said, stroking her ankles. “But Fisher, he’s a veterinarian at the hospital, mentioned there were a few at the hospital needing homes.”
“A few?” she asked.
“You don’t have to take them all. Just see if one might fit.” He chuckled. “When I’m on the road, it’d be nice to know y’all are protected.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Is that why you’ve been staying every night, Toben Boone? To protect us?”
He shook his head. “No, ma’am. I stay so I can take you to bed and make you moan.” He cleared his throat, his words making him wish they were on the way to bed now. His thumb ran along the arch of her foot and she shivered. He smiled. “And I get to wake up my boy, see his smile first thing.”
She shook her head.
“What?” he asked.
“You...you—” She stopped. “You’re really happy?”
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
She studied him for some time before she whispered, “Me, too.”
He tugged her into his lap then. “Good.” He kissed her, soft and sweet.
They stay curled up until the night was black and only the fireflies and stars shed any light. The hoot of an owl, the distant snort of the horses and the whir of crickets put him at ease. She was happy. And he’d never been happier. Taking her to bed, he made sure every inch of her was screaming with happiness before he curled around her and slept.
The weekend was a blur. Poppy was getting ready for the grand opening and now that Archer had named him foreman, he was suddenly answering for a hell of a lot more than he’d expected. Sunday he fell asleep on the porch swing with Rowdy. And Monday Poppy had to shake him awake to get him to work on time.
He stumbled into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. Rowdy was making them toaster waffles while Poppy was on the porch, talking on the phone.
“Morning.” Toben ruffled his hair, squeezing his shoulder. As far as Rowdy knew, Toben was staying in the guest room so he could spend more time with him. Something Rowdy wholeheartedly approved of. And, technically, it was true. Toben kept a bag there. But not much else. “Who’s your mom talking to?” Toben asked, glancing at the clock. It was just after 6:00 a.m.
Rowdy shrugged. “Think it’s Mitchell. You want syrup?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get it.” He pulled the syrup from the pantry and set the table, trying not to worry about Poppy’s phone call.
Poppy came in as they were sitting down. “Morning.”
“Morning,” he said, wishing he could kiss her. He knew, deep down, she and Mitchell were just friends. But that didn’t stop him from being jealous.
She smiled at him. “I was telling Rowdy about the dogs at the hospital.”
Toben nodded, smiling. “Wanna go look?” he asked. “How about we head over there after I get off work? We can go after your ma’s grand opening.”
“Not too late?” Rowdy asked, his excitement barely contained.
Toben shook his head. “No, sir, I know people.”
“Sound good?” Poppy asked.
Rowdy nodded, smiling from ear to ear.
“What time do things get started tonight?” Toben asked.
“At six,” Poppy said. “Don’t feel like you have to be there.”
He glanced at her. “I don’t.”
“He wants to be there, Ma,” Rowdy offered.
“Yep,” Toben agreed, arching a brow at Poppy. His boy knew him well.
Poppy’s cheeks grew pink, her smile so sweet it took everything he had not to pull her up for a kiss. “Okay.”
He finished his waffles, washed his plate and grabbed his hat. “I’ll see you two tonight.”
“Bye, Dad. Have a good day.” Rowdy waved.
He caught sight of Poppy and winked. “It already is, Rowdy.”
Chapter Fourteen
Poppy tried to remember who was who. Cutter, the outspoken old man who owned the bar, was unforgettable. So were Carl and Lola. Though she could tell Lola was a gossip—well-meaning but a gossip all the same. She met the Johanssons from the diner, the bank manager, several of the volunteer firefighters, a few teachers, the town’s only lawyer and several Boones.
Annabeth Boone was the elementary school principal. A gorgeous woman married to an equally handsome man, Ryder Boone. Ryder owned the only garage in town. Not only did they welcome her with open arms, but their oldest boy, Cody, and Rowdy were instant friends.
“Can I take Cody up to the office?” Rowdy asked.
Poppy nodded. “Sure. Might be quieter up there.”
“And less grown-ups,” Rowdy added.
The upstairs apartment was still a work in progress. She had a desk set up, a sofa and television. The bathroom worked but the two bedrooms were used for storage. Rowdy kept a box of toys, books and blocks there for those days he was forced to stay late with her. Not that he ever complained.
“How are you settling in?” Annabeth asked. “Not too quiet a life?”
Poppy shook her head. “I like it, honestly. I know it’s better for Rowdy, too.”
“Added bonus is having his dad close,” Ryder jumped in. “Where is he?”
“Archer’s probably kept him late.” Renata arrived, leaning in to hug them each. “Looks like a great turnout, Poppy.”
“I can’t get over this place,” Annabeth agreed. “Last time I was in here I was afraid I’d go through the floor.”
Poppy nodded. “There was some wood rot, plumbing issues, some wiring issues...but I think it’s turned out...perfect.” She was proud of the place and the work she’d done to make it just right. “Now it’s time to fix up the homestead.”
Ryder nodded. “The Travis place was creaky a few years back. But the land...”
She nodded. “I’ve never seen more beautiful country,” she agreed. “I can work with the house.”
“I can help,” Ryder offered. “Since we’re family and all.”
Annabeth nodded. “You should have seen our place, Poppy. But Ryder—” the look of pure adoration she sent her husband made Poppy smile, though she was more than a little envious “—made my dreams come true.”
“Course I did.” Ryder took her hand.
Poppy laughed with the other women, her attention wandering around the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. It warmed her through that these people had come out to welcome her and recognized the time and effort she’d put into turning the shop into something special.
The door opened, catching her eye. Toben walked in, all starched and pressed and so handsome her lungs emptied. His blue gaze found hers, his answering smile downright dangerous.
“About time,” Ryder said.
Toben nodded. “Had to get cleaned up. And pick up Tandy.”
Poppy stared at the woman who’d come in with him. The woman stared right back. She looked a lot like Toben, bright blue eyes and a winning smile. But Tandy seemed calm, a word she’d never use to describe Toben.
“Archer working you like a dog?” Ryder laughed.
“No picking on Archer, you two.” Renata sighed. �
��How’s it going? Mr. Foreman?”
She was acutely aware of Toben coming to her side, standing close before he answered. “Pretty damn good.” He smiled at her. “Looks like a nice turnout.”
She nodded, fully aware all eyes were on them.
“Poppy, this is my sister, Tandy.” He nodded at his twin. “Tandy, this is Poppy.”
Tandy enveloped her in a hug. And for some reason, Poppy wanted to cry.
“I’m glad to meet you, Poppy.” Tandy kept on hugging her. “So glad.”
“You, too,” she managed, hugging the woman back.
“Where’s Rowdy?” Toben asked.
Tandy stepped back, her expression mirroring one she’d seen on her boy’s face so many times. She was excited—and nervous.
“He’s upstairs with Cody,” Poppy said.
“I’ll take her?” Toben asked.
Poppy nodded, not wanting to overwhelm Rowdy. She blinked, willing the sting of tears away. She wasn’t one for tears. Especially when she was in a room full of professionals. And people who had claimed her as family—even though she wasn’t. Maybe that was it. This sort of love and support didn’t exist in her world.
She’d invited Rose and Bob out of obligation, knowing they wouldn’t come. They were, as expected, busy. Mitchell had called to say he wasn’t sure when he’d get there but he’d try not to miss the fanfare later this week. She had mixed emotions about that. Now that things had changed between her and Toben, she knew things would likely change with her and Mitchell, too.
Toben came back shortly, his hand a soothing presence on the base of her spine. “She’s on the floor with them. Blocks are everywhere.”
Poppy smiled. It was nice to hear Rowdy had an aunt willing to get on the floor to play. Her eyes were stinging again.
“If you two ever need a babysitter, Tandy is the best,” Annabeth offered. “She’s handled all three of our boys on her own a few times.”
You two? The words made Poppy uneasy.
“And lived,” Ryder joined in.
“They’re much easier when you tag-team them,” Renata volunteered. “Rowdy’d be a piece of cake. No offense.”
“None taken.” Ryder laughed.
If you two ever need a babysitter. She excused herself, forcing herself to mingle with the rest of her guests. Honestly, she was panicking. It was one thing to play house, alone and away from the rest of the world. But here, with so many of Stonewall Crossing’s residents out in force, she wasn’t sure she wanted to be so intimately tied to Toben. If he left, it would be that much harder.
There was a very large part of her that was beginning to believe he might, possibly, care for her—not just their son. But the rest of her, the part she’d been listening to for seven years, refused to believe it.
She listened as the bank manager rattled off loan options to fix up the Travis homestead. Not that she needed a loan. Her career had ensured she and Rowdy would be taken care of through whatever life might throw at them. And now, with the shop, she hoped she’d bring in something monthly she could invest—for Rowdy’s future.
As the evening went on, Poppy did her best to keep smiling, talking and working the room. People were looking forward to tomorrow—seeing Poppy White lead in the Grand Entry was a big deal. She’d almost backed out, but Rowdy had pulled her rodeo trunk from the back of her closet and she’d given up. His enthusiasm was hard to refuse. And, as he pointed out, if there was anyone who didn’t know about her and her shop, the emcee would be sure to tell everyone who came out for the rodeo. So it was good for business.
The shop had nearly emptied out by eight, so Poppy started cleaning up. Cutter, who was full of opinions, shook her hand and said, “You’ll do well here, Miss Poppy. Got yourself a real pretty little place.” He grinned. “And your boy is a Boone—good family. Looks like you and Toben are picking up right where you left off.” He touched the brim of his hat and left her, her pulse racing and skin clammy.
Right where you left off... The man had no idea what he’d said. He had no way of knowing what sort of horrible, lonely memories his words would stir. But now that he’d said it, that was all she could think about. Waking up disappointed to find him gone. She’d been foolish to think he’d stay but she’d hoped nonetheless. It’d hurt, but finding out she was pregnant had been worse. And trying to find Toben, being so scared she didn’t know which way was up, had brought her to her knees. Add to it Rose’s assurance that Poppy couldn’t raise a child with her lifestyle, that she and Bob would take the baby... Their relationship had never been the same. Hell, her life had never been the same.
The Boones lingered, helping her tidy up until the shop was clean and she was ready to close up. All she wanted was quiet, time to calm down. Alone.
“I’ll go get Rowdy,” Toben offered.
“I’ll go,” she said, brushing past him. She didn’t want more time with the Boones. She wanted her son—to herself.
She climbed the stairs and paused in the doorway of the sitting room. Tandy Boone lay on her back on the floor holding up a book. Cody had left with his parents, but Rowdy lay beside her, listening while she read a story about a pony named Fritz and how heroic he was. It was one of his favorite stories. Rowdy said Fritz was just like Cheeto, loyal and fearless.
“You okay?” She jumped—she hadn’t heard Toben follow her up the stairs.
She nodded.
He pulled her into his arms, tugging her into the shadows of the hall. “I’m proud of you.” He brushed her lips with his. “You did this, Poppy. All of this.”
She looked up at him, unable to make sense of the jumble of emotions tangled up inside. Being in his arms helped. And that made it ten times worse. “I’m scared,” she confessed.
He froze. “Of what?”
She blew out a long breath... Everything. “Where do I start?”
He tilted her head back, stroking her cheek. “Wherever you want.”
She shook her head, regret flooding her. She shouldn’t have said anything. Not now. When she was vulnerable. She pushed against him until he let her go. “I guess it’s just...a big night and all.”
“Poppy—”
“We should get Rowdy if we’re going to look at dogs,” she interrupted. She’d figure this out on her own. At the end of the day, the only person she could count on was herself. Life had taught her that.
* * *
TOBEN KNEW SOMETHING had happened, but he wasn’t sure what it was. One minute she’d been smiling; the next she’d seemed withdrawn and defensive. He’d hoped her fear was gone after the week they’d shared. But she was determined to keep him out of her heart.
Rowdy, in all his childlike wonder, was oblivious to the tension on the ride to the veterinary hospital. “I figure a real small dog doesn’t make much sense for protection,” he was saying.
“Ya never know,” Toben argued. “They call them ankle biters for a reason.”
Rowdy giggled.
“Let’s wait and see what there is.” Poppy laughed, too—no way to resist their son’s giggle.
“It’s a big decision, Rowdy.” Toben nodded. “You need to trust this dog. You need to know he or she is going to take care of you.”
“How will I know?” Rowdy asked.
“Instinct,” Toben said. “Most of these dogs were dropped off by previous owners. Some were animals that were injured and left. Lots of college kids around here adopt animals, then turn them loose or dump them when they realize they don’t have the time or money to take care of them.”
“Poor things.” Poppy’s voice was wistful.
Toben nodded. Animals were family to Rowdy and Poppy—he knew that. To leave one behind was unthinkable. “So make sure they’re the right one before you pick. Some of these guys have all but given up on finding a forever home.”
Rowdy grew serious for the last bit of the ride.
The three of them arrived at the hospital when it was dark. He entered through the front doors, nodding at the three students at the desk.
“They’re still open?” Poppy asked as they walked through the staff-only entrance. “Can we go back here?”
“Yep. They’re fourth-year students. They have to take emergency-duty shifts, just like med students.”
“Take a lot of schooling to be a veterinarian?” Rowdy asked.
Toben nodded. “But that’s good. It’s a big job, so you have to know a lot.”
Rowdy nodded.
“My cousins Hunter, Fisher and Archer are all veterinarians. And your aunt Tandy is studying real hard to be one, too.” He winked at Rowdy. “That’s why they know me around here.”
Rowdy nodded. “You ever want to be one?”
Toben shook his head. “Can’t imagine not spending most hours outside. Or in the saddle. It makes me sad to think about it.” Which was true.
He led them into the break room. Fisher was on emergency duty tonight and had been the one to tell them to come on over, no matter how late.
“Well, Rowdy, it’s plain to see who your daddy is.” He held out his hand to the boy. “I’m your cousin Fisher. Nice to meet you.”
“You, too, sir,” Rowdy said, shaking his hand. “I got a little of Ma in me, too.”
“That you do, Rowdy.” He smiled at Poppy, offering his hand. “Fisher Boone.”
“Poppy,” she said, shaking his hand—that same sad look in her eyes. “Thank you for having us here, now...”
Fisher nodded. “Dogs don’t keep business hours.” He grinned. “Or cats or lizards or any animal, for that matter.” He led them down the hall, leading them through several rooms with cages, medical equipment and anything a veterinarian could possibly need. “I’ve got a few real friendly ones you might want to meet.”
But Rowdy paused by the first cage. “Who’s that?”
Fisher backed up. “She’s a sweet thing. But she’s a little skittish.”
Rowdy dropped to his knees. “Hey, girl,” he said. “Hi.”
A Son for the Cowboy Page 16