Page 72 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
Greta came around with two big pitchers of beer. Thirty minutes later she came around again. Several times Rio hummed the theme song from Jeopardy under his breath, but he also called out words of encouragement along with everyone else.
Despite the slow pace of the endeavor, Tex was winning hearts and minds with his dedication to the cause.
“I think we’ve got us a future wild horse trainer,” Luis called out. “Don’t often see that kind of patience.”
“Or he could be a baker,” Greta said. “Attention to detail is important for baking.”
Tex glanced up. “I’m gonna be a cowboy.”
“You could be a cowboy and a baker.”
“Yep. I maded some brownies with Auntie Mari.” As the Damsels let out a communal sigh of pure love, Tex went back to slowly peeling tape away from the next wrapped gift.
Eventually only one was left, wrapped in cowboy-themed paper that reminded him of Tex’s pjs. He had a hunch that paper had made an appearance when Tex had his fifth birthday.
Tex had pushed it aside each time Monty reached for another present, muttering we gots to save it for last. Where had he learned that the best gift should be opened last?
“Well, sport, I guess this is it. Ready to open it for me?”
He shook his head and grinned. “You gots to open it. Mommy tolded me you’ll like it. You’ll really, really like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” He could tell it was a book. He’d been holding off buying Rance McLintock’s latest thinking someone would get it for him, likely his mom. She might have put the bug in Graham’s ear. Or Zinnia’s.
“You put a lot of tape on here, Tex.”
“I like tape.”
“You do a good job with it. A thorough job.”
“I know.” He crowded up against him, quivering with eagerness.
Finally he peeled off the last bit of tape and pulled the paper away. “Awesome! It’s A Bullet Through the Beer Keg! I really wanted this one!”
“I know!” Tex hopped up and down. “We gots you it — me, Mommy and Uncle G!”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” Tex grabbed him around the waist and looked up, his eyes shining. “Happy birthday, Mister Monty.”
Damned if he didn’t get all emotional. He had to clear his throat before he could say thank you again. Around him others were doing the same.
His whole family had fallen in love with Tex. And so had he.
Which meant he needed to distance himself from this adorable kid. And his even more adorable mother.
Chapter Twenty-Six
This was getting out of hand. Zinnia needed to talk with Monty. At the outset of this party she’d figured they wouldn’t spend much time together to avoid giving the wrong impression.
But Tex had immediately blown her cover and Monty’s family was convinced they were a couple about to create a little family of three. Monty didn’t want that. She didn’t want that. Or so she told herself.
Falling in love and making a commitment to a guy she’d just met would be irresponsible even if she didn’t have Tex to consider. Throw that little sweetie into the mix and she’d be forsaking her duty as a mother.
She was clear on those points. She wasn’t clear on what Monty was thinking. He kept choosing paths that tightened the connection between him and Tex.
He’d figured out a way for Tex to sleep in the barn the night of the foaling. He’d set up the bucket routine so her son could be the first member of the family to interact with that baby.
Then today he’d been put out that Tex spent so much time with his brothers. He hadn’t said so, but she could tell from his expression. Just now he’d allowed Tex to unwrap all the birthday presents.
