“That’s true, Aunt Poppy,” Dot agreed.
“Get a big, mean dog,” Otis added. “Something scary.”
Poppy laughed. “I’m not sure I want a big, mean, scary dog around the place. But maybe I’ll think about getting a dog.”
“Or a husband.” Rose smiled, taking a cautious bite off her s’more.
“Look who I found.” Mitchell’s voice was off. She glanced back to see Toben at his side.
“Dad!” Rowdy jumped up, forgetting how sticky he was as he launched himself for a hug.
Toben caught him, hugging him tight. “Looks like there’s a party going on.”
Poppy stood, hating the nervousness that washed over her. She should be happy he was here, for Rowdy. But damn if his brief absence didn’t reinforce her original reservations about welcoming Toben into their lives. No matter how much she wanted to believe he’d change for Rowdy, that he’d stay and be a father, she wouldn’t. Worse, she feared her hope, her belief in him, would only end up hurting them.
Mitchell came to her side, his hand resting on her shoulder—squeezing lightly. “He wouldn’t leave,” he whispered.
Poppy nodded, patting his hand.
“Oops, sorry,” Rowdy said, assessing the chocolate-and-marshmallow smear he’d left on Toben’s gray T-shirt.
“It’s fine.” Toben looked at the mess. “Be even better if there’s more. To eat. Not to wear.” His gaze found hers, his smile hardening as his gaze traveled to her shoulder—and Mitchell’s hand.
“I’ll make you one,” Otis volunteered.
“Extra chocolate?” Rowdy asked.
“Sure.” Toben nodded at Bob. “Toben Boone.”
Bob’s laugh was startled. “I figured as much. Bob Mills.” He shook hands with Toben. “This is my wife, Rose.”
“Poppy’s sister.” Toben’s megawatt smile was hard to refuse. “It’s nice to meet you. You’ve got great kids.”
Rose nodded, her expression bewildered. “Thank you.”
“Here, Dad.” Rowdy patted the stump next to him. “Almost ready.”
Toben moved, sitting beside Rowdy. “What have you been up to?”
“We worked in Ma’s shop,” Rowdy said. “Painted the bathroom and break room. Helped put the new belt buckles and boleros in the display case—after we cleaned all the glass. There’s a lot of glass in that place.”
Poppy smiled. The three of them had worked hard, with few complaints. “The place is really coming together. Thanks to the three of you.”
“Sounds like she’s working you all pretty hard. How’s the pay?” Mitchell asked.
“Ice cream.” Otis smiled.
“And pie,” Rowdy added.
“Sounds like a fair working wage to me,” Toben said.
“What do you do, Mr. Boone?” Rose asked.
“He’s a cowboy.” Rowdy’s matter-of-fact delivery made Toben smile.
“I work on the family ranch, ma’am.” Toben took the s’more Rowdy offered him.
“No more rodeo days for you?” Rose asked, her tone snippy. “Poppy said there was nothing more important to you than the rodeo.”