Huckleberry Finn—a fine Southern gentleman, who knows his way around the ladies.” She handed him a paintbrush, her fingers lingering lightly over his. Her accent sounded like she was from New York. “Here, you can use my brush… for a price.”
“Price?” he was intrigued. “And what would that be?”
She bit her lip. “Not so fast, big boy. Let me see how well you can use those strong arms first, and I’ll let you know.”
The clever beauty was as flirtatious as she was fashionable. He could hardly wait to hear what she’d come up with next. The other women glared at her, offering their own brushes and paint. If anything, the big flirt fest had gotten rid of the awkwardness of River’s initial arrival here. The rowdy chatter and giggles rang joyously through the air. He’d borrow that joy for the afternoon, since he couldn’t seem to muster his own anymore.
Chapter Four
Liv drove past the cattle ranch owned by West’s family while she answered nonstop questions about Grandma and Grandpa Slade from her boys.
“Are Mampa and Pompa going to Harvest Ranch Cleanup?” Charlie asked.
She shrugged. The wind rushed through her hair, tangling the long strands she’d gone to such pains to curl. She should’ve left the top up on Pop’s antique convertible. “Mampa and Pompa Slade were there at the kickoff ceremony, so maybe they’ll come.”
“How come you don’t know?”
“They don’t tell me everything.” Liv flashed a smile at her son through the rearview mirror. Despite everything West had done, she loved his parents. Jase and Lily Slade seemed embarrassed that West had so carelessly abandoned his wife and children. Liv could never accept the money they’d tried to push her way to “ease the burden until West came to his senses.” After it became apparent that West was not coming home, his parents stopped making excuses for him. They eventually stopped bringing him up altogether. Luckily, that never stopped “Mampa and Pompa” from wanting the boys over. Charlie and Pip also adored their four uncles who worked the ranch over there, too.
“Uncle Hudson says he’s going to give me a horse,” Charlie piped up from the back.
“A horse? Oh no. That’s too expensive, baby.”
“He is. He is! And I’m going to clean up after him. Uncle Hudson’s going to let me name him, too. His name is Bartleby.”
Interesting name. Liv sighed, trying to think this through. Hudson wasn’t the type to want to spoil Charles. Maybe he meant the gift as a way to teach his nephew responsibility. All of Charles and Pip’s uncles adored them. If only West had been like any of his brothers. She cleared her throat. “I’ll talk to Hudson about it,” she said. “Maybe we can work out a deal, if you promise to earn the horse’s keep. Do chores around the ranch.”
“Yeah!” Charlie pumped his fist through the air. “I’ll tell Hudson. He said I had to ask you first.”
“Charles! That’s not how you ask me then. I’ll talk to Hudson about it.”
Charles went silent before his lips tipped back up. “Do you like Hudson?”
“Yes, of course,” she said absentmindedly. The whole Slade family was loving, hardworking, and committed. And West was… not. Liv sure knew how to pick a man. She rolled her eyes at herself.
“So then why don’t you…” Charles turned shy, “why don’t you marry Hudson?”
Liv startled at the unexpected question. Her cheeks burned. “Oh honey, people don’t just marry their ex’s brothers.” She laughed to cover her sudden embarrassment. “You’ll understand when you’re older. And anyway, I don’t like Hudson that way. He’s like my brother.”
Too late, she saw Charles’ face fall. Maybe her answer should’ve been less passionate. “But who will you marry?” Charlie asked with puckered lips. “Someone’s got to take care of you, Mom. Dad won’t.”
Oh! Liv felt her heart constrict a little. “Your dad doesn’t need to. I can take care of myself, and you know what? I sure love you. Thanks for being so concerned about your mommy.” She forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just fine.”
Charlie didn’t look convinced. “Well, if you don’t get married then I’ll take care of you.”
Her mouth fell open. Her poor baby thought he had to be an adult so fast. “No, no, you don’t need to take care of me, but I appreciate everything you do. You’re great, and…” Kids needed security. That was what this was about, right? She gulped. “Besides, I’m taking care of you, sweetheart, and Pip. And you’re both going to be fine.” Next to