Page 52 of Claimed By the Cowboys

“I think a woman who’s drowning doesn’t need more gentle suggestions about how to swim. She needs someone willing to dive in and pull her out. You and Jensen need to stop acting like you’re afraid of scaring her off and start acting like you’re the best thing that could ever happen to her… because you are, brother.”

“I know we’d be good for her, Claire, but I don’t want to tear her away from everything that gives her life structure.”

“Is she happy in that structured life, Bo? If she’s seeking out you and Jensen, doesn’t that tell you that she needs more? That she’s looking for a different kind of life?”

I shrug. “It started as a one-night stand. She didn’t think about it too deeply.”

“I’m guessing she did. Most women don’t jump into bed with random dudes without considering the pros and cons and evaluating their safety.”

“True.”

“And she’s settled into a fling with both of y’all? That takes a brave woman.”

“Or one looking for escapism.”

Claire shrugs. “I guess there’s always that chance. Either way, you gotta be upfront, Bo. What’s the point of investing a lot of time in someone who isn’t going to want what you want or be what you need?”

“That’s true. I guess we’re riding the wave, Claire. Making the most of whatever time she’s willing to give us.”

“And that’s fine for a while, until your heart gets involved. I don’t want to see either of my big brothers hurtin’ over a woman.”

“We’re over that line, sis,” I admit. “If she decides we’re not for her, it’s going to be a bitter pill to swallow.”

“Better to swallow it now.”

The kids are restless on my knees, so I start to sing again, jostling them so much that their laughter is jerky and their squeals are loud.

Jensen comes down from his shower, grinning from ear to ear. “What’s going on in here, then,” he says, lifting Harrison and throwing him in the air.

“I’m going to get dinner on,” Claire says, already tugging open the refrigerator.

“You gonna make mama’s chicken pie?” Jensen asks hopefully.

“I sure am.”

The kids squirm from our arms to head outside. They love to chase the chickens, but they need supervision. “I’ll watch the kids,” I say. “You help Claire.”

Jensen nods, and we set to our tasks, but as I follow Harrison and Brayden outside, my mind is on Brandy and how to convince her that we can make a family as strong as my sister’s.

Chapter 27

Jensen

“You two need a big gesture,” Claire says the second Bo leaves the kitchen. “If you’re interested in this woman, show her you’re building a place for her in your actual lives.”

I grab a glass of water and lean against the fridge. “You been talking to Bo?”

“He may have said something.” She smiles and begins chopping onions.

I lean against the counter, watching her proficient knife skills with fascination. “We’ve been talking about fixing up the old outbuilding to turn it into a quiet space for her. Somewhere she can come after a bad shift and breathe. And a place the kids could play if she ever brought them out here.”

Claire’s eyes light up. “That’s perfect. A room of her own on your land. That shows you’re serious, especially if you incorporate the kids.”

“You don’t think it would be a waste of time?”

“Well, if she doesn’t want to use it, I will. It’ll be great for the kids when we stay.”

Claire scrapes the onions into a hot pan and begins to stir. My stomach growls at the thought of our mom’s signature recipe, and I’m grateful that our sister had the foresight to learn it before she passed.