A Son for the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 5)

She turned, looking over her shoulder. He looked...scared. Something her son rarely was. “If you’re not ready, this can wait. I know your dad will understand.” She looked at Toben, silently pleading for his understanding.

“Heck, yeah,” Toben said, his slight nod a comfort. “We’ll do this whenever you’re ready. There’s no rush.”

Poppy breathed easier, hoping Rowdy asked for more time.

“I’m sorry,” he said, sitting back against the seat. “Can...can we wait?”

“Yep.” Toben stopped the truck. “We’re all dressed up. What do you want to do?” He turned, draping his arm along the seat back.

Rowdy shrugged but didn’t say anything.

“You feeling okay?” She was worried. Fifteen minutes ago, he was ecstatic over tonight.

He nodded.

“I’m still hungry,” Otis groaned.

“Dinner?” Poppy asked, hoping Rowdy would perk up.

“I guess,” he murmured. “Not real hungry.”

“Why don’t you take Otis and Dot in for some chow and Rowdy and I will stay here and play some checkers or something? Since he’s not feeling too social,” Toben offered. “As long as you bring something back.”

Rowdy sat up then. “You’ll stay?”

Toben nodded, reaching out to pat Rowdy’s little knee. “That’s why I’m here, Rowdy. You.” He looked at her. “Okay with you?”

Poppy nodded, unable to completely dismiss Rowdy’s change of heart.

By the time she left Toben and Rowdy back in the house, they were already sizing up their checkerboard. She stood, watching them sprawled out across the living room floor, concentrating. When they both looked up, shooting her the same smile, the resemblance was almost painful.

“What’s up?” Rowdy asked.

“You’re okay?” she asked. “You two want anything in particular?”

“Food.” Toben shook his head. “But take your time.”

Poppy nodded, then went outside, reluctantly loading Otis and Dot into the truck and driving into town.

* * *

“YOU WON. AGAIN.” Toben laughed. He’d thrown the first game, but not the last three. Rowdy was sharp as a tack.

“Wanna play something different?” Rowdy asked, pulling the box of board games closer. “Mom and I play Parcheesi all the time, so I might beat you at that.”

Toben pulled the Parcheesi game out. “Challenge accepted.”

Rowdy laughed.

“You like board games, Cheeto, swimming and pie...” Toben lay on his side, resting on his elbow. “What else should I know?”

“I’m allergic to wasps. I hate asparagus. I like to hear my mom sing—she’s really good at everything...” He paused, tapping his pointer finger against his chin. “You can ask me what you want to know.”

Toben watched his son. He was his usual bouncy self, not a care in the world. But something had upset him earlier, and he didn’t need Poppy’s look to figure that out.

“Having a good summer?” he asked.

Rowdy made a silly face. “I met you. Course I am.”