“Little bluestem. It’s native to this country. We haven’t ever planted anything in there. We’ve never overgrazed it, and the grass is healthy,” he said. “We have to go in and clear out the brush and occasional mesquite trees every so often. We’ve cut down the oaks except those at the fence line.”

  “I noticed that.” Then she looked at the other side of the road, where the occasional mesquite tree or oak trees dotted the landscape. “How come you haven’t cleared out the trees from that pasture?”

  “That’s a partially cleared pasture. We’ve knocked out the prickly pear cactus and the small brush and left the trees. Doing that is a lot cheaper than a total clearing, and it still leaves a lot of good ground for the grass to grow.”

  “There’s so much hard work to ranching that I never knew about.”

  He nodded. “There sure is. It makes for long days.”

  “Do you miss it?” She met his gaze as he turned toward her.

  His eyes took on a faraway look. “I do. Some days more than others. I’m enjoying learning my new job, but I don’t like being inside all day. That’s really taking some getting used to.”

  She squeezed his fingers. “You’ve had so many changes in such a short time. I really admire you for how you’re handling them.”

  He smiled. “I try to take things in stride. Sometimes it’s hard, though.”

  He leaned all the way over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll tell you one thing. Meeting you has made leaving the ranch a whole lot easier.”

  Her cheek tingled from the brush of his lips, and warmth spread through her. “My life is so much better since you moved in next door. I hadn’t realized what a rut I was in until I met you.”

  They rode through two more pastures, talking quietly and laughing occasionally. Finally, Beau said, “We’d better head back or you’re going to be awful sore in the morning.”

  When they rode up to the barn, Carson came outside to help unsaddle the horses. He took Ben’s reins. “Did you have a good time, Dakota?”

  “It was amazing. Ben’s such a good horse. I feel like a professional rider now.”

  Carson chuckled. “He’s a babysitter, all right. You couldn’t have had a better horse for your first ride.” He held her calf to steady her and said, “Now hold onto the saddle horn and swing your other leg over the top of the saddle. Then step down on the ground with it. After that, take the leg I’m holding onto out of the stirrup.”

  She followed his directions and groaned loudly when she had both feet on the ground. “God, I’m sore.”

  Carson grinned and patted her back. “Walk it off. You’ll feel better in a few minutes. But I recommend a long soak in a hot bath tonight.”

  Beau, who’d been unsaddling his horse, said, “Hang in there, honey. It gets better.”

  She took several limping steps, then steeled herself to the pain and straightened up. After a few turns up and down the ranch drive, she realized that Carson had been right. She was feeling somewhat better.

  She went back into the barn. “Do I need to walk Ben out?”

  Beau smiled. “He’ll be fine. We didn’t do anything strenuous. He’s ready for a bucket of feed and a good roll in the pasture. Why don’t you go on into the house? I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  She nodded. “I’ll go check on Johnathan, then. Thanks, Beau. I had an amazing time.”

  When she entered the living room, Johnathan’s gaze was glued to the TV. She went over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You doing okay, buddy?”

  Without glancing up, he said, “I’m good, Dakota.”

  She smiled and went looking for Debra.

  She found her at the kitchen table with Cat on her lap. She was feeding her from several jars of baby food.

  Debra glanced up. “Did you have a good time?”

  “Oh, it was wonderful. Ben’s such a sweet horse. He took care of me perfectly.”

  Debra smiled. “He’s been with us for a long time. He practically taught Beau how to rope.” She offered Cat another bite, and the baby opened her mouth wide. “This little thing is such a good eater. No wonder she’s put on so much weight.”

  “Beau’s a great daddy. It’s like he has this innate ability with her,” Dakota said.

  Debra glanced at her. “I don’t know if it’s innate, but he’s always been good with her. Kara never helped care for Cat much.”

  Dakota lowered her eyes. From what Beau had told her, that was the understatement of the year.

  As Debra gave Cat the next bite, she grabbed the spoon with both hands. Debra laughed. “What are you doing, little one? You think you can feed yourself now?”

  By the time Cat had finished eating, Beau walked into the kitchen. “Thanks for watching her, Mom. Has she been a handful?”

  Debra got up and washed Cat’s face and hands at the sink. “She’s been just fine. I’m so happy to see what a good eater she’s turned into. She was still spitting out her cereal half the time when you left.”

  “She’s got the hang of eating now, that’s for sure.” Beau walked over and put his arm around Dakota. “You feeling any better?”

  “I’m stiff and sore, but much better than when I first dismounted. That hot bath tonight sounds great, though.”

  He brushed a kiss across her temple. “Why don’t you go up now? I’ll keep an eye on Johnathan while I spend some time with Cat. Take a long, hot soak. I promise you’ll feel better by dinnertime.”

  “I second that. Go on upstairs, Dakota,” Debra said. “Beau and I will take care of things down here. Your Johnathan is a sweetheart, and I’m sure he’ll be just fine.”

  That bath did sound like heaven. “Thank you, Debra. I think I’ll take you up on that.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave Beau a quick kiss. “Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see you in a little while.”

  “Don’t rush it. We’ll be fine.”

  Walking up the stairs was its own kind of agony, but Beau and Debra were right. Soaking in the bath of steaming hot water was a dream. She kept adding more hot water as soon as the temperature cooled off a little until the water threatened to overflow.

  Eventually, she made herself get out. After dressing in clean, comfortable clothes, she went back downstairs. Johnathan was sitting at the kitchen table while Debra and Beau cooked a late lunch. Debra was giving occasional bites of what she was cooking to Johnathan, and he was loving it. Cat was on her blanket with her toys in the living room, being watched over by Carson and Landon.

  “Can I help with something?” Dakota asked.

  “You just sit down, honey,” Debra said. “Beau and I are doing just fine.”

  Beau grinned at her. “You should do as Mom says. I always do.”

  Dakota smiled. “Got it.”

  She could see why Beau was such a good man. He came from a loving, relaxed home.

  When lunch was ready, she helped set the table. Carson came into the kitchen with Cat in his arms. Landon was close behind him.

  Beau said, “Did you call Dad, Carson?”

  “I did. He’ll be here in a few minutes. I don’t know why he insisted on working on that windmill today. We don’t even have any cattle in that pasture right now. And, of course, he wouldn’t let Landon or me help. He wanted us to spend time with you all.”

  Beau gave him a lopsided smile. “That’s Dad, all right. Hopefully, he’ll be home for good when he gets here.”

  “I couldn’t talk any sense into him. I never can,” Debra said as she set a platter of pork chops on the table. “We won’t wait to eat. Everyone’s here and hungry. Your dad won’t mind.”

  Beau carried the bowl of fried potatoes to the table as Debra went back for the dish of fried okra.

  Dakota finished filling the glasses of iced tea as everyone took their seats at the table. She looked up at the sound of the front door opening and closing.

  “There’s your father,” Debra said. As her husband walked into the kitchen, she smiled and went over to him. “I’m glad you made it. We’re just sitting down to eat. Wash up, and I’ll make your plate, honey.”

  Ken gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “It smells awful good. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Dakota smiled at their sweet interaction and open show of affection. It said worlds about their family dynamics.

  At Debra’s nod, Carson led them in a simple prayer. Then everyone waited quietly while Debra made Ken’s plate. Next, Beau cut up meat for Johnathan and put his meal in his bowl.

  Dakota patted Beau’s leg and said quietly. “Thank you. You’re amazing.”

  After that, it was a free-for-all between Beau and his brothers, with the dishes going in all directions. Dakota grinned, imagining what it must have been like when they were boys.

  Ken came in and took his seat at the head of the table. He looked at her and shook his head with a smile.

  Beau sent the pork chops her way and grinned. “Get a couple of these before they’re gone. They’re our own pork, and they’re seriously good. You won’t get a second chance.”

  She laughed and forked one up for herself.

  Debra, who had taken Cat onto her lap, caught her eye and said, “He’s not kidding.” Then she passed the okra to her.

  It was a hilarious meal with the guys telling wild stories on each other and eating until every bite of food was gone. Even quiet Landon got in on the fun.

  After lunch, they all pitched in with the cleanup and then went back into the living room. The guys brought chairs from the kitchen, so there were plenty of seats.

  Beau put Cat down for a nap, which didn’t take long. All the excitement had tired her out.

  Even Johnathan decided to go lie down. Dakota took him back to his room, and he lay down on the bed.

  She brushed his hair back from his brow. “Happy, buddy?”

  He grinned. “Yeah, I’m happy, Dakota.”

  She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You rest now. Just come out when you’re ready. I’ll listen for you if you need anything. I won’t shut the door.”

  Beau had saved her a place on the couch, and she settled in beside him. He put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

  “So, Dakota, tell us more about yourself,” Debra said.

  “I don’t know what Beau’s told you—”

  “Not much,” Landon cut in and grinned.

  Dakota chuckled. “Okay, I’ll start with the basics.” She began with information about her parents and brother, and about her early jobs and college.

  “You’re wonderful with Johnathan. You must love your job,” Debra said.

  “Oh, I do. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. He’s a good guy, and I’m lucky to have him.”

  “Do you spend much time with your family?” Ken asked.

  “Not as much as I’d like,” she said. “My Mom and Dad are super busy. They have a ton of interests, and they both still work. I told Beau I practically have to make an appointment weeks in advance if I want to catch them at home.”

  “Oh my goodness. They really must be busy,” Debra said.

  “Then there’s Aiden. We’re really close, but being a doctor, he’s always swamped. Finding time with him is crazy.”

  Beau gave her shoulders a squeeze. “I’ll always have time for you, honey. And we’ll see about setting up some time with your parents. I’d love to meet them.”

  Her heartbeat sped up. Beau wanted to meet her parents? A wave of warmth swept through her, and she leaned her head against him. “I’d love that.”

  Ken talked a little bit about the work he’d done that day on the windmill pipework. He still didn’t have it quite finished.

  “Dad, next time you work on it, I’m coming with you,” Landon said. “Don’t argue, old man.”

  His dad grinned. “Fine, I’ll accept the help. I’ll admit I was so frustrated today, I wanted to throw something.”

  “Now you’re talking some sense,” Debra said with a tiny smile for her husband.

  “Mom, do you mind watching Cat in a little while? I’d like to take Dakota for a drive around the ranch.”

  Dakota frowned. “I’m not sure how long Johnathan’s going to be in bed.”

  “We’ll listen for him. It’ll be fine, Dakota,” Debra said.

  She still hesitated. “Um, he’ll probably need to go to the bathroom, and he needs help.”

  Carson raised his hand. “We’re all guys here. I don’t mind helping him. Is there anything special I need to know?”

  Lord, could this family be any kinder? “He sits down to use the toilet. He’s too unstable to stand. He just needs a little assistance getting back and forth and sitting down and getting up.”

  “Do I stay in there with him?”

  “Um, you might stand outside the door. Ask him to call you when he’s finished. He can handle his own clothes except the button on his jeans. It just takes a little while.”

  “Got it. We’ll be fine, Dakota. You all go have a good time,” Carson said.

  Once they were in the truck, she said, “I swear, your family’s amazing.”

  Beau smiled and put the truck in gear. “I’m a lucky man in so many ways.”

  As they drove down the dirt pasture roads, he pointed out the different herds of Black Angus cattle. They all looked fat and healthy, and she enjoyed watching the half-grown calves frolicking with each other.

  When she noticed a pasture that had short green foliage, she asked, “What’s that you have growing in here?”

  “That’s a wheat pasture. We graze it, and we also bale hay from it. We have a few of them on the ranch.”

  “It’s such a rich color. Your ranch is so beautiful, Beau. I love how many old oak trees you have. There’s such history here.”

  “It’s been in our family for three generations. I told you that my grandparents moved to Fredericksburg when my grandfather decided to turn the ranch over to my dad. They bought a small house a couple of miles from town and love living there. Gramps said that if he built on the ranch, he’d always see something that he ought to be doing.”

  “He was probably right,” she said.

  “I know he was. I feel that way whenever I’m here.”

  They pulled up to a windmill a few minutes later, and Dakota noticed that pieces of pipe were scattered all around. It was obviously a work in progress. “This is where Dad was working today,” Beau said.

  He got out of the truck, and she joined him at the tank at the base of the windmill. Beau studied the layout and knelt to look closer at a couple of things. Then he stood up and dusted his hands off. “I wish Dad would let me help him, but he’s not about to do that this weekend.” He sighed. “Oh well, at least he’s agreed to let Landon help.”

  When they got back to the house, both Johnathan and Cat were up and in the living room. The baby was on her blanket chewing on one of her toys, and Johnathan was on the couch watching TV.

  Dakota went looking for Debra and found her in the kitchen. “Thanks so much for watching Johnathan for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

  Debra turned from the sink and smiled. “You’re welcome, of course. I was happy to do it. The boy’s no trouble at all.”

  Dakota’s eyes prickled with tears, and she gave Debra a hug. “You’ve made us feel so welcome. I’m overwhelmed by your kindness.” She drew back and looked into Debra’s eyes. “I mean it. I really am.”

  Debra touched her cheek. “We’re just so glad you could come. You’ve made Beau happy, and he hasn’t been happy in a long, long time. It’s me who should be thanking you.”

  Then the tears came. Dakota wiped them away and smiled. “He’s made me happy too.”

  Debra motioned to the other sink. “How are you at peeling potatoes?”

  She smiled. “I’d say I’m pretty good.”

  Right after she’d finished the potatoes, Beau came in to feed Cat her dinner.

  After checking on Johnathan, Dakota asked, “What else can I do to help, Debra?”

  “Oh, you go on, now. I’ve got this.”

  “If you’re sure, I think I’ll help Johnathan with his bath before we eat.”

  “That’s a great idea. We’ll be fine here. You go on.”

  Johnathan used the downstairs bathroom, and it didn’t take too long to get him bathed. Dakota gave him his clothes for the next day to wear afterwards, and then took him back to the living room.

  Ken had come in from outside and was sitting in his recliner. “Well, you look nice and clean, young man.”

  Johnathan said, “Yeah,” and grinned.

  “I’ll bet I know what you want to watch,” Ken said, and turned the channel to cartoons. It wasn’t Disney, but Johnathan was happy.

  Dakota mouthed, “Thank you,” and headed for the kitchen.

  Beau was in there with Cat on his hip, setting the table. She took the plates from him. “Let me do that.”

  “Thanks. This girl is being a handful.” To prove his point, Cat dove forward, nearly throwing herself out of his arms. “Damn! Little one, you’ll be the death of me yet!”

  “Wow! You weren’t kidding.” Dakota finished setting the table while Beau held Cat with both hands.

  The front door opened, and she heard Carson and Landon talking. Everyone was home.

  When they were all at the table, Ken said the prayer. Beau made Johnathan’s meal first, a gesture which melted Dakota’s heart.

  This time, she was prepared for the mayhem that followed. Beau sat beside her and made sure that the food made it her way quickly. Ken didn’t miss a beat, and neither did Debra. Somehow, the guys always ensured that the dishes appeared in front of their parents with plenty of food on them.

  Soon, the only sound was that of utensils on glass plates. Dakota looked at the suddenly peaceful scene and stifled a giggle. What a glorious family this was.

  After dinner, she told Beau that he should encourage his parents to leave the dishes to everyone else. He finally convinced them, and they went into the living room for some quiet time together. Johnathan sat at the kitchen table while Dakota and all the guys did the cleanup. She cracked up at some of their antics, but it wasn’t long before the kitchen was clean.

  They all sat around in the living room again, and Ken talked about the history of the ranch for a while. They reminisced about Beau’s grandparents, and Ken told stories about his grandpa, who had originally purchased the ranch in the early 1900s.

 

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