Page 15 of Love for the Cowboy
“Garrett!” she practically shouted, relief flooding her entire body instantly. She didn’t know the sight of him could have that effect on her. “What are you doing here?” she asked as he stepped inside.
“I thought it would be good for the social worker to meet me and know I’m a real person.”
Elise nodded slowly. “I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right, it’s probably a good idea.”
“Have you said anything to the boys about us yet?”
“I have. I told them we were dating.” She laughed. “They thought that was disgusting and hilarious.”
Garrett smiled as if he was relieved. “I can understand that. I remember those thoughts at that age. But I’m glad they know so they don’t blow it with the social worker.”
The doorbell sounded again. “Speaking of,” Elise said, “Here goes nothing.”
Garrett stepped behind her and squeezed her shoulders. “It’s going to be fine.”
Elise’s breath caught in her throat. this time at the feel of Garrett’s hands. As much as it sent a shiver down her spine, it gave her the confidence to open the door with a real smile. “Hello,” she said politely as the woman came into view.
“I’m Susan Blocton. Are you Elise?” she asked. She wore black dress pants and a long-sleeved blouse that looked too warm to be standing on the porch in the June heat.
“Yes, ma’am. Please come in.” Elise stepped back and opened the door to allow her inside.
The woman clicked her pen and lifted her clipboard as she immediately looked around the room.
“Would you like to sit down?” Elise asked.
“I would prefer to walk around the house first.”
“Sure.” Elise found herself at a loss for words. Should she give her a tour?
Suddenly, Mrs. Blocton’s eyes landed on Garrett.
“Hi,” he said, reaching out his hand to shake hers. “I’m Garrett Macklin.”
Eyeing him with curiosity, Mrs. Blocton reluctantly shook his hand. “And you are?”
“I’m Elise’s boyfriend.”
Elise watched his face closely and was impressed at the confident way he’d said it. She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing that he hadn’t choked on the words.
Mrs. Blocton recoiled and clicked her pen before she began to scribble on her paper. “And do you live here, Mr. Macklin?”
“Please, just Garrett. But no, I don’t. I live on my family’s ranch just outside of town.”
“Mmhmm.” She scribbled again. “And do you help out with the boys?”
Garrett glanced at Elise. “I’ve been planning to take a more active role in helping Elise and the boys now.”
Elise hoped that answer would satisfy her.
“Alright. Let’s look around the house.”
“Yes, great.” Elise’s voice sounded too high-pitched for her to recognize. “This is the living room and dining room area,” she said, holding her hands out as if they really needed that explanation. Thankfully, the room was clean and the couch was free from laundry. “The kitchen is just through here, and the bedrooms are upstairs.”
“I will need to see the boys’ sleeping arrangements. And I will need to see the boys as well.”
“Sure,” Elise said. “I can show you upstairs. The boys are playing in their room.”
Garrett hung back as she showed Mrs. Blocton all the bedrooms, the bathrooms, and even the hall closet. Then Elise made her way back down, while Mrs. Blocton asked the boys some questions.
