Page 262 of Cowboy Daddies

“And she made fun of me for thinking Casey was gonna stay,” Wyatt added.

“Don’t worry, I’ll deal with Megan. Wyatt, can you go wash up? I’ll put together something quick for dinner after I talk to Casey.”

“Sure, Papa.” Wyatt gave her another hug before climbing off her lap.

“I’m so sorry, Jeb,” Casey said quickly.

He turned her in his lap so he could look down at her. But her gaze was lowered, her shoulders hunched.

Grasping hold of her chin, he tilted her head back. “Hey, what’s all this? Why are you saying sorry?”

“Because I didn’t protect Wyatt. From the rumors. From Megan. He ran off on me twice. And I didn’t text that we were on our way home.”

“Look at me. Properly,” he said firmly.

She stared into his eyes.

“Do I look like I’m upset?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“All right. I am. But not with you or Wyatt. I’m angry at Billy’s dad for spreading rumors. And at Megan for being a bitch. I’ll take care of them both. I’m also fucking furious at your father.”

“But not at me?” she asked.

Moving his hand around to the back of her neck, he held her still as he kissed her. “Not at you, baby. When I saw you huddled over my son, protecting him, even though you were terrified, that’s when I knew.”

“Knew what?” she whispered.

“That I’m not letting you go, Casey Reynolds. Not now. Not ever.”

“W-what?”

“I was trying to keep some distance between us. To deny my feelings for you because I was scared of getting hurt again. Of losing you. But the truth is, if I let you leave I’d be fucking miserable for the rest of my life. Because you’re it for me, baby. My girl. Stay? Turn my life into chaos and sunshine for the rest of my life?”

A sob escaped her and she buried her face into his chest.

“You weren’t supposed to get upset. Is that yes or no?”

She leaned back, her cheeks wet with tears. “You’re sure?”

“Do I ever say anything I don’t mean?”

She shook her head. “No, you don’t. And my answer is yes!”

“What’s going on?” Wyatt asked, walking in. “Why is Casey crying?”

“Come here, son.” Jeb gestured at Wyatt who moved closer, watching them warily. “You want Casey to stay? To be ours?”

“Yes, but Megan said she’s gonna leave,” Wyatt said.

Casey snorted. “Megan doesn’t tell me what to do.”

Wyatt’s eyes widened. “You’re staying?”

Casey grinned. “Try to make me leave.” Her grin faded. “Are you sure you’re all right with this, though, Wyatt? With me living here for good? Being your papa’s girlfriend?”

“Okay with it? Nope.” He shook his head. “I love it! I love you!”