clients see that equal time with their kids is important. Some of them though . . . They don’t want to give up custody out of spite, not because it’s what’s best for their kids.”
“Divorce sucks.”
“Yep.” He held up his stack of mail. “But it pays the bills.”
Probably quite well based on what she’d heard about him being in high demand.
“So, Sierra, what are you going to do now that you’re back?”
“I need to find a job. I can’t afford not to get back to work right away.”
“I imagine settling your affairs for the house in Napa is going to take a while.”
“I’m probably going to be the loser in the whole thing, too.”
He nodded, a half frown tilting his lips. “California. It costs more to rebuild than insurance covers a lot of the time.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Are you still interested in property management, or do you plan to do something else?”
She tried not to show her surprise that he remembered what she did for a living. “Beggars can’t be choosers, but I’d love to get a job doing what I know. I really enjoyed working with clients and renters.”
“I might know someone who’s looking for help. I could make a call.”
The offer touched her deeply. “Oh, well, that’s so nice, but I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s no trouble. I know a lot of people in this town. It’s a simple phone call to see if something’s available.”
Hope surged. A job would solve a lot of problems and eliminate most of her anxiety. “Really? You’d do that for me.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “Yeah, Sierra, I’d do that for you.”
“Thank you, Mason.”
“You’re welcome, Sierra.” He glanced at the boys again. “When are you going to take me up on my offer?”
She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes in question. “What are you talking about?”
“Bringing the boys over to ride.” He watched her for understanding, then added, “Heather didn’t tell you.”
She shook her head and frowned. “No. I’m sorry, she didn’t say anything to me about you.” Probably because Heather wasn’t the most reliable person when it came to delivering messages.
“I’m not surprised,” he said under his breath. “Um, I saw her the other day and told her to tell you that anytime you want to bring the boys to see the horses and go for a ride I’d be happy to have you at the ranch.”
“Can we, Mom?” Danny called from the back of the car.
“Horsies!” Oliver yelled.
“Nice, putting me on the spot like that,” she teased Mason.
He winked. “I want you to come over. It’s been a long time since we went for a ride.”
It had been too long time since she and Mason spent time together and she let the giddy feeling building inside her loose. Nothing serious had ever happened between them, but she’d always felt like if they just gave it a chance something could happen.
“Please, Mom.” Danny gave her those big puppy dog eyes that made it impossible to say no.
“Are you busy Saturday?” she asked.
“Not anymore.” Mason smiled at Danny and Oliver when they both yelled, “Yes!”
“I don’t want you to cancel plans or anything.”
“It’s just a football game. I can record it. Come up to the house at eleven.”
Danny leaned over the window. “Are the Patriots playing?”
“They sure are. You like football.”
Danny fell back in his seat. “I used to watch with my dad.”
Mason walked over, planted his hands on the open window frame, and leaned down. “I knew your dad.”
“You did?”
“Once upon a time we were friends. Every now and then we caught a game together. How about we go for a ride in the morning, you stay for lunch, and we watch the game together.”
“Really?”
Mason tilted his head and looked at her. “If it’s okay with your mom.”
Sierra hadn’t realized how much Danny missed watching the games with his father. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Will you make chili cheese dip?” Danny leaned forward, his face so earnest and hopeful.
“Yes, honey. Anything you want.” Anything to make him feel the connection he had to his dad.
“I want pigs and blankets,” Oliver requested.
“Me, too,” Mason added, his face just as hopeful as her boys’.
“I expect you guys will keep your room clean and do as you’re told until Saturday, including any homework you get this week.”
“We will, Mom,” Danny assured her.
“Promise,” Oliver added to his brother’s vow.
“Promise,” Mason echoed, making her laugh. “I’ll get all my work done so we can spend the day together.”