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

“Lead the way,” he said. “He have a favorite event?”

She shook her head. “It changes. Sometimes it’s bulls, sometimes it’s broncs.” She paused. “He’s with Tandy and Cody. He and Cody sure have hit it off,” she said, trying to keep their conversation easy.

“Cody’s a good boy, and so is Rowdy. They get it from their mothers,” he said, smiling at her as they walked to the arena. “You’re a good mother, Poppy. And a good woman. The sort of woman that deserves the love of a good man. Still, can’t stop hoping you’ll settle for me and give our family a chance.”

His words made her heart long for that very thing.

* * *

TOBEN DIDN’T SEE much of the rodeo. Between Poppy and Rowdy, he was preoccupied. His son was heading into the ring for Mutton Bustin’ when they found Tandy.

“They both wanted to go,” she explained, pointing out Cody and Rowdy entering the arena.

“He takes this pretty seriously,” Poppy said. “He was asking about the calf scramble earlier this week. Luckily, he’s too young.”

Toben nodded. He didn’t want to think about Rowdy being stomped on by teenage boys and steers. He was mighty, but he was little.

Cody fell off the sheep quick, winding up with a mouthful of dirt. He popped up, smiling and unhurt. They clapped, relieved.

“Watch,” Poppy said, pointing at their son.

Rowdy had a fearsome grip, his hands holding tight to the wool around the sheep’s neck. Rowdy made it all the way to the end of the arena. But he didn’t let go. The sheep spun around and headed right back to the beginning, and Rowdy stuck like glue.

Toben laughed. “That’s a man determined.”

“Can’t imagine where he gets it,” Tandy said.

Toben looked at Poppy. “Much as I’d like to take the credit, I think Rowdy might have a double dose. His ma is pretty tough, too.”

Poppy smiled, taking it as the compliment he’d intended.

Rowdy won, no doubt about it. Three men had to chase the sheep down, and Rowdy held on the whole time. When he arrived back at the stand, he smelled like dirt and sheep and was on an adrenaline high.

Amid the congratulations and pats on the back, Rowdy recounted every second of his ride. Toben listened, loving every expression on his son’s face. To see him so animated, so proud, was something he knew he’d treasure for years to come.

His attention wandered to Poppy, sparkling beneath the lights—smiling so sweetly at their son that his heart hurt. What would it be like to take her hand? For her to be his and everyone here to know it... He wanted that. He wanted his son to have a whole family, a father who loved his mother, who loved their family and never let them down.

“Don’t you think?” Rowdy asked him.

“I didn’t hear that last part,” he said, leaning forward.

“I said Cody didn’t get a good sheep,” Rowdy repeated, loudly, in his ear.

Toben winced. “Yeah, bum ride, Cody.” He glanced at Poppy, who was watching him. How he wished he could tell what she was thinking.

He shook his head, smiling.

The boys tried to convince them to let them join the calf scramble even though the announcer said ten and up.

“Rowdy Barron White,” Poppy chastised him. “Mitchell knows how old you are. Don’t think he won’t call you out on it.”

Rowdy sighed.

“Rowdy Barron?” Toben asked, leaning closer. Damn but Poppy smelled sweet.

Poppy’s eyes widened, her gaze falling to his lips. “After my dad...”

“Fitting,” he agreed. “But he’s a Boone.”