Page 34 of Saltwater Cowboy

“Yes, Mommy.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Blythe turned to me. “Could you take my car tomorrow and drop Wren off at her uncle’s house?”

My stomach twisted. I hated driving.

“I could cover for you at the bookstore instead?” I offered, hopeful.

“You know I wouldn’t ask you to drive unless I really needed you to. I have to be at the store to meet an author dropping off some signed copies of her book. We’re meeting to chat through an event we’re hosting for her.” Blythe paused, choosing her next words carefully as we walked out the door. “Does it help that it’s all country roads? You don’t have to touch a highway.”

Dang it. That did help.

“I’ll do it.”

Wren wrapped her arms around my waist. “Thank you, Auntie Rose! You’re the best.”

My heart swelled. Charlie was right, this is where my family is.

SMALL TOWN BOY

There was a loud knock on my door. I checked the clock on my nightstand—6:42. Who in the—?

“Auntie Rose, it’s time to get up. It’s W Squared Day!” Wren opened my door and came bounding into my bed. She grabbed my face with her hands. “Let’s go!”

“Wrenny, it’s so early.”

“I have to be there to feed the goats.”

“The what?” I’m still half-asleep, surely I misheard her.

“The baby goats. Uncle Wells feeds them at nine.”

“Where are we going?”

“Uncle Wells’ farm.”

My brain slowly started to put together the pieces. I vaguely remembered Blythe telling me that one Saturday each month, Wren spends the day at her uncle’s farm.

“Oh, right.”

“Get up. I can’t be late!” Wren leapt down and ran back to her room.

I rolled onto my back and pulled the covers over my head. My back sank into the bed. All I wanted to do was sleep in. I vowed I would take a nap as soon as I got home from dropping her off.

With a deep breath, I got up and walked over to my drawers. I grabbed a bra to throw on under my t-shirt and a pair of workout shorts and got washed up, pulling my hair out of the braid it was in all night.

“Wren, I’m ready. I’ll be downstairs.”

“Okay! I’ll be down in a minute.”

I strolled into the kitchen. Charlie and Blythe were standing there, guilt all over their faces.

“You didn’t tell me she had to be there to feed the damn goats.”

Blythe stifled a laugh. “Sorry, might have forgotten to tell you that part.”

“I’m napping when I get home.” I rolled my head from side to side.

“I’m ready.” Wren came into view with the pink shirt I helped her pick, jeans, and little cowboy boots.