A Cowboy to Call Daddy (The Boones of Texas 4)

“That’s Clark, the girls’ father.”

“Oh.” And just like that the tone changed, interest gone.

Eden liked Renata. “What are you two doing here?” Eden asked, grinning at Ivy.

“Dr. Archer said I could ride with him,” Ivy said, hopping up and down in pure excitement.

She glanced at Clark. “You’re okay with that?”

Clark shrugged. “I want her happy.”

“Well, I think it’s safe to say you’ve accomplished that.” Her daughter nodded.

He tickled Lily’s feet. “Feeling better, Lily-pad?”

“Clark, this is Renata Boone.” She saw Clark’s eyes widen. He liked what he saw. A lot. He should—Renata was a gorgeous woman. Who deserved way better.

Renata nodded, pulling herself into the saddle.

“Momma said yes,” Ivy called out.

Eden turned to see Archer striding toward them. If someone had told her she’d be weak-kneed over a cowboy, she’d have laughed. But seeing Archer, starched, hugged in denim and leather, his tan cowboy hat casting a shadow over his face, made her insides melt.

“Morning,” she said, unable to stop her smile.

“Morning,” he said, smiling right back.

“Lily’s not crying,” Ivy announced.

“Because your momma knows how to make everything better,” Archer said, his eyes never leaving her face.

“Yup,” Ivy agreed. “She’s pretty, too.”

“She is,” Archer agreed.

She was blushing and she didn’t care.

“Your mother is beautiful, like you,” Clark said, picking up Ivy. “Inside and out.”

Archer nodded.

“We gonna ride the horse now?” Ivy asked.

“Yes, ma’am.” Archer climbed up and turned, reaching for Ivy. “Remember what I said?”

“Gentle? Whispers?” Ivy nodded, holding her arms out.

“Right.” Archer sat her on River, his arms anchoring her in place. “Think you can wave at all the people?”

“I think so,” Ivy said.

“We’ll be waving,” Eden said.

Archer touched the brim of his hat, shooting her a lethal smile, before guiding River toward the street with the rest of the riders.

“The sister single?” Clark asked.

“She has four brothers, Clark. All of whom would have no problem kicking your ass,” Eden said with a laugh, astounded at his cluelessness. She headed back toward the road, excited to see Ivy and Archer in the parade.