Page 84 of Buckin' Around

“Ah yes. Aye, I remember the multitude of gifts you promised to bring me from the wildlands of the Canadian folk.” She giggles.

I roll my eyes at her but can’t help the smile the consumes my face.

“Hey,” she sits up, the room around her moving as she does so. “Where are you? That’s not the penthouse.”

“No, it’s not.”

“What happened? Did that eejit cowboy kick you out?”

I chuckle and shake my head.

“We both got kicked out. Family business and all, but I think this new place is nice. And you know I love making a house a home almost as much as the animals that surround it.” I dash to the window and turn the phone around so Chlo can see the cattle in the distant field.

“Oh my god. You’re on a ranch?”

“Aye. And it’sreallycool. Haymaking, stud cattle, and a bunch of horses. You’d love it.”

“It sounds more like something you’d love, Riles. How did it happen?”

She’s leaning forward, face barely off the screen, like if she only looks hard and close enough, she’ll see the ranch in question through the video call.

“Spencer’s friend owns it. We’re lodging in the cottage that doesn’t get used. For pennies, I might add.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, well. I won’t keep you, babe. Just wanted to check in.”

“Sure. I should study anyway or Declan’s going to have a proper coronary.”

I chuckle.

I was a little worried my brothers would drop the ball on things while I’m away. It seems they are doing just fine. Bar Chlo’s love life, that is, but I refuse to bring that up at this hour. Declan is right, her school is important. So I say my goodbyes and tap the hang-up button.

I lean back on the sofa and cradle the mug of tea in my hands.

“Just you and me, kiddo,” I mutter to Ives, knowing full well she won’t hear a word I say.

After sipping the steaming tea for a minute, I rise and wander around the cottage, making mental notes of where I’d place a lamp, or a new rug. Or maybe some plants... An occasional chair there. A side table by the sofa.

When I reach the end of the hallway, I remember that none of the dreamy little plans I conjure up for this cottage matter, since I won’t be around to live in them. Or enjoy them. Only Ivy and Spencer will.

A wobbly sigh puffs past my lips. My eyes burn at the thought of leaving them. As much as they do with the idea of staying here and being away from my family.

The taut pull between two worlds has never been so acute.

It’s hard to take care of someone night and day and not get attached. As for Spencer, he’s been the friend I never expected. We had a rocky start. But he listened. He cared when he didn’t have to. I think he sells himself short in the emotions department, because despite insinuating that he doesn’t understand close relationships, he’s made two without even trying.

I do the rounds of the little cottage and lock the front and back doors. Ives and I are sleeping in Spencer’s bed tonight. Idon’t want to leave her in her room without the crib, and the sofa isn’t safe for her if we’re both on it.

Scooping her up, I pad down the hall, wandering into the biggest room in the small cottage.

Despite the basic layout, the bedroom has a large window with a seat under it, an old antique wardrobe, and an old rustic metal trunk.

It’s homely. Much more so than the penthouse ever was.

I tuck Ives into the bed, and her pacifier slips from her mouth.

She rolls over with a little sigh.