Cowgirls Don't Cry(19)

“Hey, Jess. It’s good to see you, but you didn’t have to drive out here.”


Maybe she was interrupting some family thing. “Oh, if this is a bad time, I can go.”


“No,” Skylar assured her, “it’s fine. Actually, I’m happy to see you.”


Kade set his hands on Skylar’s shoulders and spoke to his daughters. “You girls get the tack ready for the horses and I’ll be right there.”


“’Kay. Bye!” All three girls took off, boots clomping on the gravel, pigtails flying as they raced each other to the barn.

Before Jessie uttered a word, Kade demanded, “What’s this I hear about Luke havin’ a kid?”


“Kade,” Skylar murmured.

“No sense in beatin’ around the bush, Sky.”


Jessie jammed her hands in the pockets of her vest. “Obviously it was news to me too, but Brandt has been dealing with the boy’s mother for the last month.” She relayed the story, knowing she’d better get used to telling it, even when the news would spread through the McKay family like wildfire.

Both Kade and Skylar were quiet, yet Jessie could sense some silent communication between them.

Kade sighed. “Hell, Jessie. I don’t even know what to say. I’m sorry none of us can kick Luke’s ass for what he done. But I’d be lyin’ if I didn’t tell you I wanna kick Brandt’s butt for even suggesting that you be a party to takin’ care of this kid.”


“I’m pretty sure you’d have to get in line. Not to mention how Casper…”


“Casper can shut his big goddamn mouth, as far as I’m concerned. He’s never—”


“Kade,” Skylar said, stopping his tirade. “This isn’t helping. Go hit the trail with the girls. They’re waiting for you.”


“All right.” Kade held Jessie eyes with a sympathetic look from beneath his gray cowboy hat. “If you need anything at all, just ask.”


“Thanks, Kade. I appreciate it.”


Kade kissed his wife and sauntered off.

Skylar grabbed Jessie’s shirtsleeve. “I made iced tea. Or maybe you’d prefer something stronger?”


Jessie shook her head. “Tea would be fine. I think if I start drinking I won’t stop and that won’t help anyone.”


After they settled in wicker rockers in the three-season porch, Skylar sighed. “I thought the girls would sleep in this morning after their late night at the wedding reception, but they were up at the crack of dawn, as usual. They definitely take after their father in that respect.”


How would Landon take after Luke? Just in looks? Or in temperament?

Jessie braced herself for more questions because Skylar wouldn’t pull any punches.

“I hope you don’t think I’m taking advantage of the situation, but there’s something else I needed to talk to you about anyway.”


That didn’t sound very good. “Am I in trouble?”


“No. Not even close. Despite the circumstances that brought you to Sky Blue, Jessie, I’m thrilled to have you working for me.”


“But?” she prompted.

“But it seems the dynamic in the daycare has changed in the last year. I’ve always had the daycare for just my employee’s children, but with those kids growing up we’ve got vacancies. Even my girls aren’t around fulltime anymore.”