Page 59 of Lost Trust

I laugh when he turns toward Ruby and opens wide, proudly displaying his sticky prize.

She giggles, and the sight and sound of the two of them enjoying the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows causes something inside me to ache.

This …

The laughter. The people. The way Ryder has already settled into this place like he belongs here.

I turn back to Bryce and Charli. “I’d really like to stay.”

Charli’s face lights up.

“But,” I add, holding up a finger, “I need to go back to Dallas and handle a few things with the condo. And I need to make arrangements for Rowdy.”

“Not a problem,” Bryce says immediately. “The summer sessions don’t start for another two weeks.”

“It shouldn’t take more than a week,” I say.

“Perfect. While you’re gone. We can get ourselves relocated so you and Ryder can move straight into the cabin,” Charli says.

Shelby, sitting across the fire beside Waylon, leans forward. “We’ll look after Ryder while you’re in Texas.”

I blink. “You will?”

“Of course.” Shelby smiles. “You can go take care of everything in Dallas without worrying about him.”

“I don’t know.” I glance toward Ryder.

I’ve never been away from him. Not for more than a few hours.

Shelby seems to read the hesitation on my face. “He’ll be in good hands,” she assures me. “Between me, Grandma Evelyn, and Waylon’s mom, he’ll be spoiled rotten.”

“Ain’t that the truth?” Waylon says.

I look back at Ryder.

He’s now trying to help Ruby with her marshmallow while Caison calmly prepares one for AJ.

He looks so happy.

I exhale.

“Okay,” I say, looking back to Shelby. “I can get things settled a lot faster. If you’re sure you don’t mind looking after him.”

Shelby smiles. “Not at all.”

“Great,” Bryce says.

I glance at Shelby. “Could you take me to Jackson Hole tomorrow so I can catch a flight?”

“I have a trick rider lesson at seven, but I can—”

“I’ll take her.” The deep voice comes from behind me.

I turn, and Royce is standing a few feet away, hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, his gaze fixed on me.

“I have an appointment that way,” he says. “I’ll be happy to give you a ride.”

“Oh.” For some reason, my pulse gives a little kick. “Thank you.”