Ram Remy (Providence Family Ties 4)

“Parenting is scary, and you’re doing it on your own. You also didn’t have a chance to prepare your house or your mind for Toby’s arrival, so that’s all to be expected.”

Turning to face me and leaning on the gate of the stall, Jay watched me closely. “You’ve gotta quit taking it out on her. I know you’re not a total asshole, just defensive like you said, but snapping at Santana or questioning her judgment and actions when it comes to that boy ain’t where it’s at, man.”

Fuck, I did do that.

Groaning, I tipped my head back to glare at the beam running above our heads. “You’re right. I’ve been calling myself every name there is for it, but that’s not going to solve the issue. I need to calm the hell down and just get on with it.”

Lowering my head, I said, “I figured out a couple of nights ago I’ve been making myself out to be a victim. Can you believe that?” Jay’s head tipped to the side, but he didn’t say anything back. “I’m not the first person to go through this, and I won’t be the last, so why was I thinking like that?”

“Our reactions to situations aren’t always rational, Remy. You went through a huge life change eight months ago, and your reaction has been what it’ll be. Sure, it’s a shame you didn’t have that realization at the beginning, but the same could be said for everyone who encounters a problem that takes them time to solve. Now that you have, maybe you’ll lighten up and enjoy being a parent instead of looking at it like it’s a challenge you have to win.”

Mandalay brushed his nose against the side of my head, making me grin. “You’re right.”

“I know I am, and I’m also right when I tell you to get your head out of your ass about that girl. She went on a date with this guy last night and brought him here. I could hear him questioning her about what the ranch does and making it out to be something it isn’t. Man, she got irritated and shut down the expressions on her face immediately.” He frowned and squinted at me. “Well, until she got a call and lit out of here like her ass was on fire.”

“That’d probably be the hospital,” I admitted. “They asked who they should call to help me out with Toby, and I gave her details.”

One side of his mouth tipped up in a grin. “Smart move. But if you don’t want someone else putting her down as their emergency contact, this time under the heading of fiancée or wife, you might need to get the ball rolling.”

Just the thought of that happening made my stomach clench.

“I intend to work on that.”

“Good.” Knowing me well, Jay changed the subject. “Luanda’s about to foal, so I’m moving her into the stall later. I know Marcus doesn’t get back until tomorrow, so if anything changes tonight, I’ll call you if that’s okay?”

“Does Kenyon know?”

“Our vet knows everything that goes on with the horses, you know that. Also, that rescue mare and her foal are doing well. I don’t think you’ve gotten to meet the little guy yet.”

We’d rescued a pregnant mare three weeks ago, and she’d just given birth, so I needed to see the little guy.

“I’ll bring Santana and Toby to meet him. Are they in the other stable?”

We had a smaller stable built for the mares about to foal and for just after it as well. It was quieter, warmer, and meant there were fewer distractions when we were helping them out.

Santana had called the mare Santé, and she’d foaled with zero issues and hadn’t needed any assistance from us. That wasn’t rare at all, but it was a blessing.

“Sure are. The little guy’s freaking adorable. Dark brown body, black feet, and a little white patch around his left eye.”

Santana would love him, I was sure of it.

“Cool. I’ll just check in the office to make sure nothing needs to be done, and then I’ll head to see Santana. My vehicle’s still at the hospital, so she left me hers to use until we can go back to get mine.” She’d intended to get it with Croix, but I was going to use any opportunity to get her alone that I could.

Frowning, he gestured at where the work trucks not being used were. “Why don’t I take you now? It won’t take long, and the other guys are around today. I’ll just radio through and let them know we’re off-site.”

I wanted to spend time alone with Tana, but I had to admit, his idea wasn’t a bad one. How much damage repair could I do on the drive to the hospital? Likely, not much.

“Let’s do it.”

We walked over to the truck as he radioed the others to let them know, and I was just getting in behind the wheel when he snickered about something.