Page 28 of Claimed By the Cowboys

I climb into the truck as a rare smile tugs at my mouth.

We’re not giving up on her.

We’re just getting started.

Chapter 14

Brandy

I’m still buzzing when I pull into the driveway, even though I know I shouldn’t be. The white bakery box sits on the passenger seat like contraband, the clear window showing the two remaining donuts. I ate the chocolate one on my break, hiding in the supply room like a guilty teenager. It was rich and perfect, and every bite made me think of Bo standing in that bakery, choosing it for me.

When I opened the box at work, a small, folded note had slipped out. In neat, masculine handwriting it read: Thinking of you, sweetheart. Our place is yours anytime you need to breathe. Anytime you want to spend time with us, come over. Bo & Jensen, followed by their address. I’d quickly tucked it into my bra before anyone could see.

I saved the sweet strawberry and the sunny lemon for the kids.

I shouldn’t be this happy about donuts, but it seems that anything to do with Bo and Jensen makes me all giddy and fluttery inside.

I grab the box and head into the house. It smells like Mama’s meatloaf and the faint lavender of the plug-in air freshener. Elijah and Naomi are already in their pajamas, sprawled on the living room floor with crayons, giggling over something Elijah has drawn. Mama sits on the sofa looking exhausted, her scarf slightly crooked, and eyes half-closed.

“I’m home,” I call softly.

Naomi looks up first. “Auntie Brandy!” Her eyes lock on the box in my hands. “What’s that?”

Elijah scrambles to his feet. “Is it cookies?”

I smile despite the guilt twisting in my stomach. “Even better. Donuts. One for each of you.”

The kids explode with excitement, jumping up and down. Mama’s eyes snap open, her expression shifting from tired to disapproving in an instant.

“Donuts? Brandy, it’s almost bedtime. All that sugar right before bed?”

“It’s a treat, Mama,” I say gently, setting the box on the coffee table. “Just this once. It would be a shame to let them go to waste.”

I open the lid. The strawberry and lemon donuts look bright and cheerful under the living room light. The kids crowd around, oohing and ahhing.

Mama sighs but doesn’t argue further. “Where did those come from anyway? When did you have time to stop at the bakery?”

My heart stutters at the lie I need to tell. I keep my voice casual. “Someone brought them to work for their birthday. I saved the good ones for the kids.”

It’s only a small untruth, but it still tastes bitter on my tongue.

I pour myself a glass of sweet tea from the pitcher in the fridge. As I take the first sip, I close my eyes for a second. I can picture Annie’s gleeful face telling me how Bo stood at the door, earnest and a little awkward, holding the box like it was an engagement ring; a big, rugged cowboy bringing donuts to my workplace because he was thinking about me.

The image makes my chest ache in the best and worst way.

The note burns in my pocket like a brand. Anytime you need to breathe. They’re not only offering sex. They’re offering space. Sanctuary. Some calm outside of the whirlwind of my life.

I carry plates over to the couch and sit down with the kids. “You both did so well with your homework this week. So you each get half a strawberry and half a lemon donut. Deal?”

They nod eagerly, eyes wide with delight. I carefully cut the donuts and hand them out. Watching them eat with sticky fingers and happy little moans fills me with quiet, fierce pride. These babies are my whole heart, even on the hardest days.

We talk about school, and I soak up their innocent happiness. Naomi tells me about a new fact she learned about Jupiter. Elijah makes dinosaur noises between bites and complains about a boy in his class called Cassian who can’t stop making car noises. For a little while, everything is simple and good.

Later, after they brush their teeth, I read them bedtime stories and listen to their prayers. I tuck them into bed, kissing Naomi’s forehead and cupping Elijah’s cheek.

“Love you both so much,” I whisper.

“Love you more, Auntie Brandy,” Naomi mumbles sleepily.