Page 78 of The Cowboy and the Baby

Cody guffawed.

I said, “Thank you, Cora,” and meant it. Meeting Cora had been a big hurdle looming in the near future, particularly after Cade kissed me and we fell into this relationship so suddenly. Cora was the next step; the part of Cade, outside of his mother, to whom I had little access. I couldn’t have been happier with Cora, who was warm, friendly, and starry-eyed for Hawk. There was only once I caught him not smiling at her.

Cade leaned back in his chair, snapped two fingers once, and gestured to the table with a sweeping hand.

“Let’s go, Knucklehead 1 and 2. Clean up is on you, tonight.”

Aggravated sighs and grunts accompanied their otherwise willing hands. Hawk stood to help them, but before I could join, Cade had a hand on my shoulder, keeping me down.

“Remember: in this house, when you cook, we clean.”

“Cowboy Code?” asked Cora.

“Cade Code.”

Cora laughed as she stood up. “It’s amazing how often Cade Code becomes important when it serves Cade’s interests,” and earned a reproving glare from her older brother. She cackled as she carried the dishes to the sink.

I forestalled, stunned by the reminder that this world wasn’t, in fact, mine. Didn’t matter that I cooked with Grandma’s cast-iron pans, scraped them with her favorite spatula, or stirred gravy roux with a wooden spoon passed down through several generations of my family.

Sighing, I quickly checked my phone as Cade returned to the sink with a new load of dirty dishes. A new text message flashed across my screen, as well as an email notification. I tapped the text first, frowning when I saw Sarah’s name.

Sarah: Seeing Lily confirmed how much she needs stability right now, so we’ve spoken with our attorney. We WILL be pursuing full custody (this can hardly surprise you—we’ve mentioned this extensively on social media). This isn’t personal, Noel. You’re doing the best you can. See our email for further instructions.

The fact that she’d misspelled my name added fuel to the burning inferno her text created. My throat turned dry, and the boisterous laughing as Wyatt induced a wet-towel snapping contest faded into the background while I clutched my phone.

This isn’t personal?

Everything about it was personal. Livid, I swiped down on the menu, pulled up my email, and opened up an unread message from Crane, Crane, and Swanson.

Subject: Notice of Representation—Minor Child Lily Morgan

Dear Ms. Morgan,

Please be advised that this office represents Sarah and Thomas Miller in matters concerning the welfare and custody of the minor child, Lily Morgan.

Our clients have requested that we initiate legal proceedings to seek custody, based on concerns regarding the child’s current living environment and overall stability. Specifically, our clients have expressed concern regarding, but not limited to:

• The ongoing structural renovation of the residence in which the child currently resides

• The presence of multiple unrelated adult males within the household

• Questions surrounding consistent income and financial stability

• Observations related to caregiver fatigue and potential impacts on the child’s well-being

At this time, our clients are requesting documentation demonstrating:

• Proof of legal guardianship or adoption status

• Evidence of stable housing conditions

• Financial documentation reflecting the ability to provide ongoing care

• Any relevant medical records pertaining to the child’s health and care

We would prefer to resolve this matter cooperatively if possible. However, should that not be feasible, our clients are prepared to proceed through the appropriate legal channels.

Please direct any further communication regarding this matter through our office.