Out of nowhere, the memories from his teenage years came at him in an onslaught of frustration, betrayal, and embarrassment. His life had been torture for a good month when he’d been in high school as everything regarding his girlfriend had gotten sorted.
And he couldn’t help but wonder if his mother was thinking about that situation right now.
No. He wouldn’t allow her to drag him through those experiences again. He’d put it behind him. So had everyone in town. The gossip mill had moved onto something entirely different—just not as quickly as he’d hoped.
His hands clenched into fists as he glowered at his mother. “I might be concerned about my relationship right now, but it’s not for any of the reasons you just brought up. I’m not going to letthose concerns come between us. I care about her, Mom. More than I’ve cared about anyone.” He let out a sharp laugh. “I might even love her.”
If she was surprised by his confession, it didn’t show. Slowly, she got to her feet. Her small smile was all that she offered him before she gave his arm a squeeze and moved to the cupboard to get herself a glass.
Mack strode out of the room, his irritation nearly boiling over into something more dangerous. He wasn’t about to let his mother get to him—to putthosekinds of doubts into his head. Lacey would never manipulate someone into helping her raise her son. It had taken a lot of convincing to get her to even let him meet Bridger. She didn’t ask for help. Something told him that it had taken a lot out of her to ask him to babysit Bridger that one time—and she only relented because Bridger had pushed her to it.
He made it to his room, and the temptation to slam his door was almost too great. Thankfully, he still had a level head. He needed to do something—anything to help make him feel as though he was in control.
Pulling out his phone, he opened his messages. Without giving it any more thought, he sent off a text to Lacey.
Mack:Maybe you should take Bridger out of afterschool daycare.
He waited for several minutes.Lacey hadn’t exactly looked tired when he’d left. In fact, Mack was certain that she had just wanted to avoid the conversation he’d wanted to have with her.
Then again, he could have been wrong. He nearly put the phone aside to get ready for bed when the screen lit up.
Lacey:He needs afterschool care when I’m working.
Mack:Let me do it.
Once again,she left him hanging. He could already imagine the surprise on her face. This would be a difficult argument to win. There wasn’t a good chance he’d win her over to his side of things—at least not tonight. He just wanted to get the idea in her head. Slowly but surely, he’d wear her down just like he had when he convinced her to go out with him.
When the message came through, he had to sit up a little straighter and rub his eyes to ensure that he wasn’t seeing things.
Lacey:Are you sure?
Without waiting another second,he shot off his response. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he wanted to take this next step. He liked Bridger. No, that wasn’t exactly correct. What he felt for that boy went beyond like or even love. He’d die for that kid if he had to.
Mack:I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.
He waited again,scrubbing his jaw as he watched the bubbles appear indicating she was typing. They disappeared thenshowed up again several more times. By the time her response came through, he was on his feet, pacing.
Lacey:I think Bridger would love that.
Mack letout a whoop and shot his fist into the air. But then another message populated the screen.
Lacey:But I think I’ll still stay on their list for backup. Bridger’s daycare is really flexible after school. If you want to watch him, you’re welcome to.
Mack frowned at the message,telling himself not to be disappointed. He’d still made strides with Lacey. Even last week she wouldn’t have given him that much trust. This was the step that he’d needed to take. Proof not only to Lacey and his mother—but also to himself—that he was on a path worthy of himself. He didn’thaveto prove anything to anyone. He knew that in his heart.
Even still, he was going to revel in the knowledge that he had finally found his place, and he was moving forward in his life.
A chuckle camefrom behind Mack as he watched Bridger from the sidelines. Normally he would be in the corral with the kid, making sure he wasn’t going to fall. But Bridger only continued to improve. He hadn’t lost his grip on the reins or the saddle once since he’d started his lessons.
Turning, Mack found Caleb at his back. His older brother watched Bridger with interest and amusement before turning his gaze on Mack. “You’re really good at that, you know.”
“It’s not hard. The kid is fun to hang out with.”
“I didn’t mean you were good at being a father-figure—though you are.” Caleb climbed into the corral and stood beside his brother. “Teaching. You’re good at teaching kids to ride.”
Mack shot a look over at Bridger. He hadn’t thought about it like that before. All he saw was the joy he got from spending time with him. But now that he thought about it, he could see that some of that joy came from the lessons themselves. It was an intriguing concept, to say the least.
“If the rodeo doesn’t work out, you might have something to fall back on.”
