“Maybe. Yeah.” I lift the saddle off the horse. “Did you tell Beau I was burning the midnight oil?”
He removes the bridle. “Possibly. Why?”
“He’s hiring a new wrangler.”
Kent’s eyes widen, and I hold up a hand. “An additional one. We’re getting more horses, and this job is too much for just me. I mean, before I was married—”
“You spent all your free time with horses. I’ve seen you in here sharing carrot sticks with Bonnet.”
“It was one time. Once.”
He laughs. “I wonder what he’ll be like. We haven’t had anyone new around here since...” Kent scrunches up his nose. “It’s been a long time.”
“Since Mason.”
Kent gets that proud dad look. “I can’t believe it’s been two years.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry for what happened to his mom but beyond happy that your kid found his way home.”
“I think about that often. He completely flipped my world upside down. In a good way. Even with Poppy, I mean. I probably wouldn’t have said two words to her if it weren’t for Mason.”
“True. You weren’t exactly chatty.” All the talk of Mason has me thinking about the kid who flipped my world upside down, a kid I’ll never get to meet.
Kent blows out a breath. “We’re really sorry about what happened. But I hope things with you and Bluebonnet work out.”
“From your mouth to God’s ears.” I carry the saddle and tack into the back room. “I’ll catch you later.”
“Don’t forget to give me the scoop on the new guy.”
“Will do.” I’m too afraid to hope that Bluebonnet wants to stay married, so it’s good that Kent is hoping for me.
A minute after Kent leaves, Archer strolls in. “Hey.”
“Howdy. What’s up?” I don’t recall Archer saying he needed a horse today, so why he’s in the barn is a mystery.
He rubs the back of his neck. “You okay? I’m not sure what’s going on, but you haven’t been yourself. If there is anything I can do...” He shrugs. “Probably not. But I wanted to offer. And I’m sorry if I’m intruding.”
“You aren’t. And thanks. Bluebonnet miscarried, and it’s been hard.”
“Aww, I’m sorry.” He stares at the ground a second before turning toward the door. “I hope y’all end up having kids because I’ve seen how you are with Mason. You’ll be a great dad.”
“Thanks.” I can’t exactly explain to him that having more kids might not even be on the table.
Bluebonnet and I enjoyed one night of bliss before everything fell apart, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever go back to how things were that night.
* * *
All the lightsare off in the cabin when I step inside. Bluebonnet only leaves the cabin for our drives. She hasn’t even been to the mess hall since before her appointment, which was only five days ago. But it seems longer.
I set her plate on the table and wander back into the bedroom.
She’s asleep.
I shed my clothes and jump in the shower.
This is our new routine. When I’m all cleaned up and dressed, I’ll wake her and get her to eat a bit. Then we’ll borrow Dallas’s truck and go for a drive.
But for the next few minutes, I’m alone with my thoughts. And that can be a dangerous thing. Eyes closed, I stand under the spray of hot water. Shampoo runs down my face, washing away my sweat.
