The Maverick Meets His Match (Hearts of Wyoming Book 2)(76)

After some jawing about rodeos past, a few of the guys called it a day. Tucker headed back for some more food, and Trace went in search of Delanie. Ty wandered over to Chance, whom Mandy had introduced to him when the bronc rider had arrived. He’d only just met Chance’s pregnant wife, Libby, since she had come separately.

“Guess you have to love rodeo to do what you do,” Ty said.

Chance grinned. “And the money isn’t bad either, leastwise now.”

“It takes quite a bit to make the top fifteen for the NRF.”

“It doesn’t come easy.”

Ty was wondering about something else that didn’t come easy. “You excited about being a father?”

Chance tugged on the brim of his hat. “And scared, I don’t mind admitting.”

Ty had to laugh. “You get in an arena with a horse that weighs more than a ton, and you’re scared of becoming a father?” Though Ty laughed, he was sympathetic.

“I didn’t have the easiest upbringing. I’m not sure how to do it.”

“But you’re doing it.”

“Not much to life if you can’t pass something on to someone else who matters. I intend to pass something good on.” Chance glanced around. “I was with Libby yesterday when she had an ultrasound. I tell you, seeing our child growing inside of her was a humbling thing.”

Ty could only imagine.

“You and Mandy considering children?” Chance asked.

“Considering. Not yet decided.”

“Well, you two just got married. Guess you’ve got time.”

Ty wished that was true.





*


Ty and Mandy had said their good-byes to pretty much everyone before they headed back to the picnic table, where Trace and Shelia were helping Delanie finish up the last piece of a blueberry pie someone had brought.

Ty reached for Mandy, and they walked back hand in hand. He liked the feel of her smooth skin against his. And for a moment, he enjoyed the fantasy of being a couple.

If someone had told him he’d one day be entertaining his brother and niece as well as hosting a barbeque for a passel of people, he’d have thought them loco. Yet here he was, and it didn’t feel all that strange. He’d enjoyed cutting cattle. He’d enjoyed meeting Mandy’s friends. Mandy had told him the women knew the truth about their marriage, but neither of them treated him like anything but Mandy’s husband.

And he’d felt like Mandy’s husband.

“I’m tired,” Delanie announced as Ty sat down beside his brother and Mandy sat on the other side, next to Delanie.

The little peanut had blueberry filling smeared across her face, like someone had used her for a swath of canvass.

“I bet, little one. It’s been a long day,” Ty said.

The breeze caught a wisp of Mandy’s wavy hair, blowing it across her lips. She tucked it behind her ear and glanced at Ty, as if she’d known he’d been watching her, before she turned her attention to Delanie, grabbing a napkin to wipe the little one’s face.

Trace dropped his paper napkin on the table. “We’d better head home. Those trailers will be at the ranch bright and early.”

“Yup. And after they drop off your cattle, they’ll be coming back here to load for the Cheyenne rodeo.”

“How about I take Delanie in the house, wash her up a bit before you take her back. Save you some time when you get home, Trace,” Mandy offered.

“You sure?” Trace asked, his voice gruff.

Mandy nodded as she brushed a hand down Delanie’s hair. The little girl leaned against her.

“I'll come with you,” Shelia said, rising as she wiped her hands with a napkin. “And bring in some of these dishes.”

Ty watched the three females walk away, Delanie between the two women. He lingered over the sight of Mandy’s swaying derrière. She held little Delanie’s hand and was bending low to talk to the tyke.

He caught Trace watching him, an amused expression on his face. Time to change the mental subject matter.

“Seems things have gotten better, you know, with Delanie and the whole trust thing.”

“We’re working on it,” Trace said. He sounded weary. “Social worker is involved. We’re seeing that psychologist. I’ve enrolled her in preschool for the fall. It’s falling into place, slowly.”

“She was more relaxed around you though. Saw you holding her in the saddle today.”

“She likes being on the horse, is all. She’ll let me give her a hug now, if I ask. She likes to be warned.” Pain shone through Trace’s eyes even as he struggled to hide it. “Given I’m not the most demonstrative guy, this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with.”

“What does the psychologist say?”

“That Delanie’s young—she can recover. And that I need to hug her often. Tell her I love her. Make her feel secure.” Trace looked almost haunted as he fiddled with the knife on the table. “Of course I do love her. Truth is, I never thought I could love anyone like I love her. But showing it…well, it don’t come natural for me. I’m learning though. Have another meeting with the psychologist next week. Half of me wants to know just how bad things were for her. Half of me is damn scared of the truth.” Trace shook his head. “’Cause I just might have to kill someone.”