Ranch Manny - B.A. Tortuga Page 0,25

been here for two months, and he had a schedule, the kids had a schedule, and honestly, so did the cowboys. “The girls are sacked out already. They wore themselves out.”

“Cool. Can you carve me out some time during nap time tomorrow? Jakob will be worn out since he didn’t nap today.” Brent rocked Daisy back and forth when she fussed.

“Of course. I’m at your disposal. Whenever you want.” Hopefully it was a good thing that Brent wanted to talk to him, not a “don’t take over my family” chat.

“Cool. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed. You’re not a live-in serf.” Brent made a face. “Let me change her. If you’re going to sit, I could have a beer. I also have some wine my uncle sent, even if I know less than nothing about it.”

“Yes, before she gasses the entire house out. Whoa.”

Brent laughed, heading to the bathroom, while Trace ducked into Jakob’s room. He kinda expected a Little Golden Star Wars book, but he got Dr. Seuss. “Please? Momma used to read it.”

Oh, sweet boy. “Totally, man. I love this book. Seriously. I love the fish in the hat.”

“Did you know my momma and daddy?”

“I didn’t, no. I wish I had, though. Daddy Brent says they were his very best friends.”

Jakob was a little teary, but obviously the little boy needed to talk, so Trace was going to let him. Much like his Daddy Brent, Jakob went for stoic and controlled, so someone needed to let go a little, maybe. “Uh-huh. Daddy and Daddy Brent rodeoed together. They died in a car crash.”

“Were you in the car?” He knew the answer, but he wanted to hear from Jakob.

“No. Daisy was. Me and Caro were at a birthday party with my friend, Tommy.” Jakob grabbed his hand. “Daddy Brent came and got us, and we moved here to the ranch.”

Jesus, God could be fucking cruel. “I bet you were scared.”

“I had to be a big boy, a good brother for Caro and Daisy. I’m a cowboy. We’re never scared of nothing.”

“No? I am scared of stuff sometimes.”

He got a wide-eyed look. “You are?”

“Can I tell you a secret, kiddo?”

“Uh-huh.”

Trace sighed and held Jakob’s gaze. “I’m really scared of thunderstorms. Even though I know they can’t hurt me? They still wig me right out. So…if you are scared, and you don’t want to worry the girls, you can tell me. No judgment. Because you know that I understand.”

Jakob nodded, one tear escaping. “Daddy Brent wants us, right?”

“I swear to God, Jakob. Your Daddy Brent wants y’all more than anything. Y’all are his family.” He didn’t falter, he didn’t look away, and he put all his belief into his words. That seemed to be everything Jakob needed, which thank God, because Trace was emotionally wearing out.

They read the book, twice, and by the end of the second read-through, Jakob was sound asleep.

He put the book away and turned off the bedside lamp, then headed out for that beer.

Daisy was also gone, presumably back to bed. “How did it go?” Brent asked.

“He wanted Dr. Seuss.” Trace watched Brent closely to see what he thought of that.

“Hayley always said those were his favorite.” Brent made it to the kitchen. “I wonder a lot if he thinks I’m too macho to read them to him.”

“Maybe he’s trying not to hurt you.” It made sense, really. Brent was obviously still wounded by the loss of his family, and those children weren’t stupid. “We had a long talk about his folks, and how it was okay to be scared.”

“He’s trying hard to grow up. He’s a perceptive kid. I’m glad he feels like he can talk to you.” Brent showed him a couple of bottles of wine. “From France, I think. My uncle travels a lot.”

“Wow. That’s neat, huh? Seriously.” Was that an offer?

“You want to crack one open? There’s a chilled white in the fridge too. Curly and Hal would rather eat a bug, so I don’t bother for just me.”

“I’d love to. Thanks. I haven’t had a glass of wine in months.” He’d never been a big drinker, and it was one of the first things to go when the cash flow suffered. Right now, though? He needed a drink. He needed to be a grown-up with another adult.

“Cool. I like this one, which is why it’s in the fridge.” Brent pulled out a bottle. “Can you grab the opener? It’s on the longhorn rack there.”

“Totally. Glasses too?” He didn’t wait for an