Keep You Safe, page 22
“Yours?” Corinne’s eyes went wide. “Oh, how I’ve missed your cookies.”
“You remembered?” I’d honestly assumed most of my siblings had long since forgotten my cookie bribes. We’d been kids, and gratitude had been rare.
“Of course.” Corinne bumped my shoulder. “You might be one of nine kids, but you’re the only you.”
“True.” Exhaling hard, I gave my first genuine smile in what felt like hours. While a shock, this visit was a good thing. Healing in a way I hadn’t known I’d needed. My nephews darted around us. I wasn’t simply one more kid. I was an uncle now. A weighty responsibility. Time to make up for some lost years. I called ahead to the kids, “You want to meet my horse?”
The resulting cheers carried us all the way to the horse barn, where I introduced everyone to Cupid.
“Your horse is named Cupid?” Brayden shyly touched the pink sign in front of Cupid’s stall. “Isn’t that a girl name?”
“Nah. Cupid’s a boy.” My older nephew, Stephen, rolled his eyes. “He’s got a bow and arrow and everything. Pow. Pow.”
“Try not to startle the horse,” I advised before Stephen could demonstrate the bow and arrow motion again. “If you can be quiet and calm, I’ll bring Cupid out. You can help me saddle him.”
Grayson brought out Magnolia as well, so each boy would be able to ride with one of us leading the horse, and the boys watched intently as I talked through each step of saddling. We led the horses to the arena, and Brayden especially could barely contain his excitement as I lifted him up.
“I’m on a horse!” he squealed as I steadied him. Luckily, Cupid was proving to be as bomb proof as Diamond Lil, unflappable even in the face of enthusiastic kids, and he merely offered a bored snort as I helped position Brayden better.
“Shoulders back. Sit nice and tall.” My memory rushed back to when Grayson had taught me to ride the first time. So much had changed in nine months. My breath caught.
“Like a real cowboy.” Brayden beamed at me.
“Like a real cowboy.” My voice was thicker than wool socks. Somehow, in less than a year, I’d become exactly that. I belonged here, belonged in my flannel over a bad band T-shirt, belonged in my new red cowboy boots and black hat, belonged to all my ranch friends, belonged riding Cupid, and belonged to Grayson most of all.
I was glad to see Corrine and her family, but I’d never belonged in New Jersey like I belonged here. This was my home now, and I hoped for years to come. At first, after Valentine’s Day, I’d bounced between the bunkhouse and Grayson’s trailer, but more and more of my stuff had migrated to the trailer to the point that it had been weeks since I’d slept in my bunk. I had no plans to leave his bed and his life anytime soon.
As we led the boys around the arena, a deep sense of gratitude settled over me. Maybe this was closure and a new beginning at the same time. Later, after Corinne and her family had left to get settled in their cabin, I had a moment alone with Grayson at last.
“You gonna make it through dinner?” he asked as we put the horses away.
“Possibly.” I looked up from brushing Cupid. “Did you know?”
“Yeah. Maverick told me this morning.” Grayson quirked his lips, a guilty shadow to his eyes. “I said I wasn’t sure how you’d take it, but seeing as they were already on the trail so to speak, I decided to let it play out.”
“That’s why you’ve been hovering all day.” I should have known something was up because he normally left me to go about my day with Maverick, reconnecting with me over dinner. He went to great lengths to ensure he wasn’t seen as my boss, but in doing so, we usually ended up working on different tasks these days, to the point that I missed moments like these.
“Wanted to be close in case you needed me,” he said gruffly.
“I’ll always need you.” I stepped away from Cupid to catch Gray in a tight hug.
“Good.” He kissed the top of my head. I still hadn’t fulfilled my barn sex fantasies, but he’d loosened up considerably about where he was willing to kiss me. “You’re not mad?”
“I’m not mad.” I gave him a fast kiss on the mouth to prove it. “I love you.”
“I love you too, cowboy.” He stole one more kiss before squeezing my ass. “You’re gonna make a right fine guest coordinator. Guess this guest project wasn’t such a bad idea after all.”
“Not too much trouble?”
“I’ll take all your kind of trouble.” He met my gaze, meaning clear. Over the past few months, he’d shown me over and over that I wasn’t too much for him. We might not work as closely together these days, but he’d cheerfully welcomed the chickens, constructed the fire pit, helped brainstorm activities, and was currently pricing llamas. And no matter how hard I pushed, he never ran away, instead meeting me with the steady sternness I craved.
“You better.” I did a fair imitation of his growl before kissing him again, this one long and sweet. Somehow, against all odds, I’d won the heart of Foreman Foxy, and I wasn’t ever going to let it go.
Dear readers,
I hope you loved Keep You Safe and Grayson and Adler’s happy ending. If you loved the book, I so appreciate each and every review, mention, share, and word of mouth!
If you’re ready for more Second Chance Ranch and its powerful themes of found family, redemption, unexpected second chances, and the healing power of love, book three, Need You Close, features a horse veterinarian and an injured military veteran turned ranch hand. Yes, Jude is getting a book! Preorders are so very much appreciated!
Love,
Annabeth
Also By Annabeth Albert
Amazon Author Page
Many titles also in audio and available from other retailers!
Second Chance Ranch
Want You Back
Keep You Safe
Need You Close
Mount Hope Series
Up All Night
Off the Clock
On the Edge
Over and Above
Safe Harbor Series
Bring Me Home
Make Me Stay
Find Me Worthy
A-List Security Series
Tough Luck
Hard Job
Bad Deal
Hard Job
Rainbow Cove Series
Trust with a Chaser
Tender with a Twist
Lumber Jacked
Hope on the Rocks
#Gaymers Series
Status Update
Beta Test
Connection Error
Out of Uniform Series
Off Base
At Attention
On Point
Wheels Up
Squared Away
Tight Quarters
Rough Terrain
Frozen Hearts Series
Arctic Sun
Arctic Wild
Arctic Heat
Hotshots Series
Burn Zone
High Heat
Feel the Fire
Up in Smoke
Shore Leave Series
Sailor Proof
Sink or Swim
Perfect Harmony Series
Treble Maker
Love Me Tenor
All Note Long
Portland Heat Series
Served Hot
Baked Fresh
Delivered Fast
Knit Tight
Wrapped Together
Danced Close
True Colors Series
Conventionally Yours
Out of Character
Other Stand-Alone Titles
Resilient Heart
Winning Bracket
Save the Date
Level Up
Sergeant Delicious
Cup of Joe
Featherbed
Stand-Alone Holiday Titles
Better Not Pout
Mr. Right Now
The Geek Who Saved Christmas
Catered All the Way
Deck the Palms
On Dancer
About Annabeth Albert
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Fans of quirky, Oregon-set books as well as those who enjoy heroes in uniform will want to check out her many fan-favorite and critically acclaimed series. Many titles are also in audio! Her fan group Annabeth Albert’s Angels on Facebook or Patreon are the best places for bonus content and more!
Website: www.annabethalbert.com
Contact & Media Info:
Acknowledgments
Keep You Safe is the second book in my the Second Chance Ranch series. I’ve wanted to do a cowboy series for a long time, and I’m so excited to finally get to make my western romance dreams come true. I hope you loved Adler and Grayson. I am loving bringing you stories in this universe. More are coming! I’m so grateful for my readers because your support enables me to continue to bring you the series and stories of my heart. If you’re not yet following me on Patreon, it’s free to follow.
Never doubt that your purchases, borrows, and support make a huge difference in the lives of authors, now more than ever. I appreciate each and every one of you. If you loved this book, please consider leaving a review and tell a friend!
Like Want You Back, Keep You Safe is a deeply personal book for me as it touches on issues of generational trauma and healing. I am so grateful for those in my life who provided unique insights into Adler’s recovery from addiction in particular. For those like Adler who struggle with addiction issues, twelve step groups are an amazing resource. You don’t have to walk this road alone. I am further blessed with an incredible support system including a wonderful therapist who enables me to continue to work on my own healing.
Because of my readers’ unwavering support, this series will be available in audio and in paperback with alternative illustrated covers. Huge thank you to Michael Dean for the audio and to Lindsey of Lilybear Designs for the paperback covers.
Reese Dante went over and above with the photo covers for this series. Furious Fotog provided the perfect pictures, but Reese crafted a really special look for this new series.
As always, Abbie Nicole provided a topnotch edit in addition to being the best PA and emotional support human I could ask for. Her timely comments deepened Grayson’s journey in particular. Thank you to my sprint buddies, Rae, Wendy, and Layla for keeping me going thirty minutes at a time.
It really does take a village to bring you the stories of my heart, and I’m so fortunate to be able to do so.
Annabeth Albert, Keep You Safe
