Page 38 of Lost Trust

“Waylon’s bringing Ruby by later, and I’ll introduce them,” Shelby says.

“Ruby?”

“My bonus daughter,” she says proudly.

I blink. “Bonus daughter?”

Her expression softens as she tells me about Ruby—how she was the result of a one-night stand her fiancé had while living and working in Las Vegas, how he brought Ruby back to Wildhaven when he found out about her, and how they eventually learned that her mother had died tragically.

It’s a heartbreaking story, and by the time she finishes, my heart aches for a little girl who has already had to learn something no child should have to—that, sometimes, the adults in our lives get things terribly wrong.

“That’s so sad,” I say quietly.

Shelby nods. “It is.”

I stare down at my plate for a moment, pushing a piece of food around with my fork. “I almost think it would be easier if Ryder’s father had died.”

Shelby’s eyes snap to mine.

I wince. “That sounds horrible. Doesn’t it?”

“No,” she says gently. “I think I understand what you mean.”

I swallow. “It would be easier to explain. Ryder keeps asking why his daddy doesn’t come see him. What am I supposed to say?” My voice catches. “That he doesn’t want to?” The words taste bitter. “I hate those questions.”

Shelby’s expression turns soft. “Hopefully, one day, he’ll realize what he’s missing.”

“I hope so.” I glance toward the hallway where Ryder disappeared. “But honestly? I doubt it. So, I just keep trying to mend my little guy’s broken heart.”

“Then we’ll help you.”

I look at her.

“Ryder and Ruby are about the same age. And if you accept the job, we could get Ryder in day care over at the church. Ruby can introduce him to all her friends.”

I smile at the thought. “He could use some friends.”

We both could.

The idea settles somewhere deep inside me.

I make sure Ryder knows every day how much he is loved and wanted, but I know there are things he doesn’t have because his father chooses not to be part of his life.

Maybe a friend who understands what missing a parent feels like is just what he needs.

And growing up around rodeo and ranches and horses, all the things he thinks are most important in the world, would be something special too.

Charli catches my eye and grins. “I think we got her convinced to stay.”

I sit back and glance between the two of them. “Yeah. I think maybe you did.”

Marina

I kneel in front of Ryder and straighten the little knot of his tie as he squirms.

“Hold still.”

“I am holding still,” he says.